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Disclosure Levels

Easy Read version available

In April 2025, it is expected that the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 will come into effect.  This will mean a number of quite significant changes in relation to the way the disclosure system works. For this reason, you will find the information on this page a little basic.  We will be creating more comprehensive guides once the new rules come into force.  Thank you for bearing with us!

Disclosure Scotland

Disclosure Scotland is the Scottish Government agency responsible for conducting criminal record checks.

Disclosure Scotland have created a video that provides an overview of all of the types of disclosure that they offer.


The information on this page is designed to help you understand which level of disclosure you may be asked to apply for.

We have a separate page covering the PVG Scheme.

A table with examples of appropriate language use

Different levels of disclosure

To understand what will be disclosed at each level of disclosure, please see our Spent or Unspent page.

Basic Disclosure

A Basic disclosure is the most common type of criminal record check. It only shows any unspent convictions.

Standard Disclosure

You may be asked to provide a Standard disclosure if you are doing any of the following:

  • Administering the law, such as solicitors or court workers
  • Using firearms and explosives licences
  • Working as an accountant
  • Working as an actuary

Enhanced Disclosure

You may be asked to provide an Enhanced disclosure if you are doing any of the following:

  • Adopting a child
  • Applying for a gaming or lottery licence for your business

Regardless of the level of disclosure, the cost is £25 (correct as of February 2024)

Full information on the Disclosure Levels can be found on the Disclosure Scotland website.

A table showing the notification periods for the various sentence types. Prison sentence of 30 months or more (including life), Indefinite. Order for lifelong restriction, Indefinite. Admission to a hospital subject to a restriction order, Indefinite. Prison sentence of more than 6 months but less than 30 months, 10 years. Prison sentence of 6 months or less, 7 years. Admission to a hospital without a restriction order, 7 years. Community payback order with an offender supervision requirement, The length of the offender supervision requirement. Any other sentence (e.g. a fine or admonition), 5 years.
Last updated:
February 27, 2024
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