A criminal record or a job check in Scotland: when is a conviction spent?
In Scotland the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Act 2019 sets how long a conviction stays unspent, counted from the date of conviction. A fine is spent after one year. A prison sentence of 12 months or less is spent after the length of the sentence plus two years, over 12 and up to 30 months after the sentence plus four years, and over 30 and up to 48 months after the sentence plus six years; longer sentences are never spent. Since 1 April 2025 almost any sentence for an offence committed under 18 is spent immediately. Fiscal fines and police warnings are not convictions. A Level 1 disclosure shows only unspent convictions; Level 2 and PVG checks can show some spent ones.
Law checked as at 25 September 2026. Legal information only, not legal advice. See how we check and recent changes.
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When is a conviction spent?: 6 questions answered
- What does it mean when a conviction is spent in Scotland?
- How long does it take for an adult prison sentence to become spent?
- How long until a fine or community sentence is spent?
- What happens to convictions for offences committed under 18?
- Do fiscal fines, warnings and fixed penalties go on my record?
- What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2 and PVG checks?
Criminal records and Disclosure Scotland: 12 questions answered
- What does it mean when a conviction is spent in Scotland?
- How long does it take for an adult prison sentence to become spent?
- How long until a fine or community sentence is spent?
- What happens to convictions for offences committed under 18?
- Do fiscal fines, warnings and fixed penalties go on my record?
- What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2 and PVG checks?
- Which spent convictions can show on a Level 2 or PVG check?
- What is other relevant information on a disclosure?
- Can I get spent convictions removed from my disclosure?
- Do I have to tell an employer about my criminal record in Scotland?
- Is PVG scheme membership compulsory?
- Does a children's hearing outcome count as a criminal record?
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