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Request a Copy of Your Criminal Record

There are several ways you can request a copy of your criminal record. This page explains how to apply for a copy of your own criminal record and what documents you need.

BASIC DISCLOSURE: One method is the ‘Disclosure Scotland’ service.

People in England, Scotland, or Wales can use the service to get a ‘basic disclosure’. You can also use one of the ‘Responsible Organisations‘ listed by DBS.

They provide basic check services through the Disclosure and Barring Service. Two examples are APCS and uCheck.

If you request a check on your own records it will only show ‘unspent’ convictions. This is important because certain types of cautions disappear after three months.

You must be at least 16 years old to request a copy of your own criminal record. The current costs is £25 which you can pay by credit or debit card. As a rule, it will take around two weeks for you to receive the certificate.


Information Needed Before You Start

  1. Proof of your identity (e.g. birth certificate, passport, or valid driving licence). This is not needed if you used GOV.UK Verify before.
  2. How to Request a Copy of Your Criminal Record in the United KingdomYour National Insurance number.
  3. Details of all your addresses for the previous five (5) years (and dates you lived there).

You will need at least one of the following documents for identification verification to request a basic DBS check:

  • A current bank statement.
  • A utility bill (e.g. electric or landline telephone).
  • An official doctor’s letter.
  • A typed rental or mortgage agreement.

Note: Start now on the Disclosure Scotland website. A different process applies in Northern Ireland.


Other Methods of Applying

There may be situations where you are unable to upload the documents. Some people would prefer not to send them online through the service. In this case you can send them after completing the online application.

DBS Helpline
Telephone: 03000 200 190
Email: [email protected]

Do not send original documents because they do not get returned. Instead, send copies to Disclosure Scotland either by postal methods, by email, or by fax.

Disclosure Scotland
Basic EHU
PO Box 250
Glasgow G51 1YU
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 03000 2000 50

Note: Do not send original documents because they do not get returned. Instead, send copies to Disclosure Scotland either by postal methods, by email, or by fax. Remember to include your 18 digit case reference number. You must use a paper form for requests made outside the United Kingdom.


Requesting Your Police Record

There are some circumstances where you will need to request a police record instead. They include situations when:

  • You make an application for certain types of visas.
  • You want to view your police file without getting a certificate. This type of request shows any warnings or cautions that do not show up on your official criminal record.


Request a Copy of Your Own Criminal Record in the United Kingdom