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An Individual DBS Check is suitable for people applying for a Basic DBS Check for themselves. It can be used for employment, self-employment, volunteering or personal reassurance. The certificate shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions, helping applicants provide clear and reliable background information when requested.
A Basic DBS Check is available for individuals and employers who need a simple criminal record check. It shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions. This check is often used for general employment, contractor screening, licensing, personal applications and roles that do not qualify for Standard or Enhanced DBS checks.
A Standard DBS Check is available for eligible roles and provides a deeper level of criminal record information than a Basic DBS Check. It may show spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings, helping employers assess suitability for regulated, trusted or legally eligible positions.
An Enhanced DBS Check is for eligible roles involving regulated or sensitive work with children or adults. It includes Standard DBS information and may also include relevant local police information. Where the role qualifies, it can include a check against the children’s or adults’ barred list.
The DBS Update Service lets applicants keep eligible DBS certificates up to date and allows employers to carry out online status checks with consent. It is commonly used for Standard, Enhanced and Enhanced with barred list certificates, helping reduce repeat applications where the same workforce and check level apply.
A List 99 Check is the older term commonly used for a Children’s Barred List check. It helps confirm whether someone is barred from working in regulated activity with children, particularly in schools or education settings. It is usually requested as part of an eligible Enhanced DBS Check.
Spent and unspent convictions refer to whether a conviction still needs to be disclosed under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Basic DBS Checks usually show unspent convictions only, while Standard DBS Checks and Enhanced DBS Checks may show spent and unspent convictions, depending on filtering rules and role eligibility.
DBS checks do not have an official expiry date. They show information available on the date issued. It is up to the employer to decide when a new check is required.
To apply for a DBS check, the applicant must provide their personal details, date of birth, address history, ID details, identity verification and consent through our secure online process. Applicants are guided through the required ID verification stage before submission. Once processed, the DBS certificate is sent to the applicant’s address, and where specified, an electronic confirmation can be sent by email.
To complete a DBS application, you will need to provide your full name, date of birth, current and previous names, current address, address history, contact details and relevant ID information. You will also need to complete identity verification and give your consent before the application can be submitted for processing.
You can verify your identity securely through our online IDSP provider, Yoti. This allows you to complete digital identity checks quickly using the required identification documents. If you cannot use Yoti, we also offer an alternative method where you can upload two forms of identification for review before your DBS application is submitted.
For a Basic DBS check, an electronic confirmation may be available within 24 hours of your documents being validated, where applicable. The physical certificate is then posted to the applicant's address and typically arrives within 3–5 working days, though it can occasionally take longer.
Standard DBS checks usually take around 14 days. Enhanced DBS checks may take longer, depending on factors such as police checks, the details of the role and the accuracy of the information provided.
Yes, you can track the status on our Tracking page.
Yes. The DBS application is completed online through our secure process, including the application form and identity verification. Applicants can verify their identity through Yoti or, where needed, use our alternative method by uploading two forms of identification for review.
After you submit your details, we review the information provided, complete the required identity verification checks and prepare the application for submission. Once everything has been checked, the DBS application is sent for processing. When the result is available, the certificate is issued to the applicant, and if specified, an electronic confirmation is emailed.
Once the check is complete, it is sent to the address provided. If specified, the electronic certificate is sent by email.
If you notice an error, contact us immediately. If the application has already been submitted, you may need to raise a dispute with the DBS or submit a new application
We take data protection seriously. Your information is: Encrypted and securely stored, processed in line with UK GDPR regulations, only shared with the DBS for processing your check. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
If your DBS certificate hasn’t arrived within the expected timeframe, you should first check the status on our tracking page. If it has been issued but not received, please contact us.
Use our contact us page. If you are an existing customer use the support page.