The DBS Update Service is an online subscription operated by the Disclosure and Barring Service that keeps a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate up to date, allowing employers to check its current status online without requesting a new application.
It solves the problem of repeat DBS applications every time a person changes roles, meaning a single certificate can follow an individual across multiple positions with the same level of check. The DBS Update Service is available for Standard and Enhanced certificates only and cannot be used with a Basic DBS check.
Checks.co.uk is a UK Government-listed Responsible Organisation, authorised to process Standard and Enhanced DBS applications on behalf of employers and individuals.
The DBS Update Service works by linking an applicant’s DBS certificate to an online account, giving employers a way to check whether the certificate is still current without requesting a new application.
When an employer wants to verify a certificate, they carry out a status check online using the certificate reference number, having already viewed the original physical certificate in person, and the result shows the certificate’s current standing only, not the full certificate content.
The DBS Update Service is available for Standard and Enhanced DBS certificates only (GOV.UK).
The portability model the Update Service relies on, where the same certificate is used across roles at the same check level within the same workforce, does not apply to Basic DBS checks, as Basic checks show unspent convictions only and carry no role or workforce restriction.
A Basic DBS check is not eligible for the Update Service.
The DBS Update Service costs £16 per year for paid workers, with the subscription starting from the date the DBS certificate is issued.
Payment is accepted by debit or credit card only. Direct Debit is not available. These fees were confirmed in DBS fee guidance effective from 2 December 2024 (GOV.UK, DBS Update Service applicant guide):
Two routes exist for joining the DBS Update Service, depending on whether you subscribe at the point of application or after receiving your certificate.
The recommended way to join the DBS Update Service is at the point of application, using the application form reference number before your certificate is issued.
Request the application form reference number when you apply and use it to register at gov.uk/dbs-update-service, removing any risk of missing the 30-day window after your certificate arrives.
If you did not subscribe at the point of application, you can join the DBS Update Service after receiving your certificate using the certificate number printed on it.
You have 30 calendar days from the date of issue printed on the certificate to subscribe. After 30 days, the certificate cannot be added to the Update Service under any circumstances.
Every subscriber to the DBS Update Service is issued a unique ID beginning with the letter C, for example C12345678, which is used to log in to the account and to share with employers carrying out a status check.
This ID is the subscriber’s permanent reference number for the Update Service and should be kept securely.
If the ID is forgotten, it can be retrieved by calling the DBS on 03000 200 190 and quoting the 12-digit certificate number (GOV.UK).
The DBS Update Service only allows a certificate to be reused when the new role falls within the same workforce, at the same type and level of check. The Disclosure and Barring Service defines three workforces (GOV.UK, DBS Update Service applicant guide):
A certificate issued for a role in the Adult workforce cannot be reused for a role in the Child workforce, even if the check level is identical. A new DBS check is required whenever a person moves between workforces.
The DBS Update Service subscription must be renewed before it expires, either manually online at gov.uk/dbs-update-service or by setting up automatic renewal, which is strongly recommended to avoid an unintentional lapse.
Renewal can be completed at any point before the expiry date and takes effect from the original subscription start date, not the renewal date (GOV.UK, DBS Update Service guidance).
If the subscription expires without renewal, the certificate is permanently removed from the Update Service and cannot be re-added under any circumstances.
There is no grace period, no exception, and no reinstatement process, the applicant must apply for a new DBS check from scratch and register the new certificate as a fresh subscription.
Employers can carry out a status check online to confirm whether a certificate holder’s disclosure remains current.
A status check is not a substitute for viewing the original certificate, which must be seen in person before any status check is relied upon.
When carrying out a status check, employers see the certificate status only, returned as either “No change” or “New information added” since the certificate was issued.
Employers do not see the certificate content, the applicant’s conviction history, or any original disclosure information, and cannot copy or retain the certificate (GOV.UK, DBS Update Service employer guidance).
Before relying on a status check result, the employer must have already viewed the applicant’s original DBS certificate in person.
To carry out a status check, employers should follow these steps:
The DBS Update Service subscription belongs to the individual applicant, who should always retain full control of their own account, as confirmed in the GOV.UK DBS Update Service guidance updated on 3 April 2025.
In practice, some employers and organisations have set up subscriptions on behalf of applicants, removing the applicant’s ability to manage, renew, or close their own account, which is not appropriate.
If an applicant believes they have lost control of their subscription, they should first contact the organisation that arranged it to request account access is returned to them.
If the issue remains unresolved, the applicant should contact the DBS directly at customerservices@dbs.gov.uk.
From 21 January 2026, self-employed individuals working in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults can apply for an Enhanced DBS check independently through a registered platform, making the Update Service particularly valuable for this group.
A self-employed worker such as a private tutor, childminder, or sports coach may work with multiple clients or families, each of whom would previously have required a separate DBS application.
With the Update Service, one Enhanced DBS certificate can be registered and shared with multiple clients, provided the role remains in the same workforce at the same check level.
Checks.co.uk is a Responsible Organisation authorised to process Enhanced DBS applications for self-employed individuals.
The DBS Update Service is only available to individuals who hold a valid Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate, so if you do not yet have one, you must apply before you can register.
Checks.co.uk is a UK Government-listed Responsible Organisation, registered in England and Wales (Company Number 15076484) and registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO Reference XB691512), authorised to process Standard and Enhanced DBS applications.
To get started, choose your check level, complete the online application, receive your certificate, and register for the Update Service within 30 days of the date of issue.
To log in to the DBS Update Service, visit gov.uk/dbs-update-service directly.
No. The DBS Update Service is only available for Standard and Enhanced DBS certificates and cannot be used with a Basic DBS check. If you hold a Basic DBS check and need to demonstrate a current criminal record status to an employer, you will need to apply for a new Basic DBS check. The update and portability features of the service apply exclusively to Standard and Enhanced levels.
The DBS customer services number is 03000 200 190. You can call this number if you have forgotten your Update Service ID, have a query about your subscription, or need help with your account. Lines are open Monday to Friday. You can also contact the DBS by email at customerservices@dbs.gov.uk. Have your 12-digit DBS certificate number ready when you call.
A DBS Update Service subscription lasts for one year, starting from the date your DBS certificate was issued. You can renew it annually online at gov.uk/dbs-update-service. Setting up automatic renewal is recommended to avoid an accidental lapse. If the subscription expires without being renewed, the certificate is permanently removed and cannot be re-added.
If your subscription lapses, your DBS certificate is permanently removed from the Update Service and cannot be re-added under any circumstances. You would need to apply for a new DBS check from scratch and register the new certificate within 30 days of issue. This is why automatic renewal is strongly recommended for anyone working in roles that regularly require DBS status verification.
Yes. Eligible volunteers pay no fee for the DBS Update Service. To qualify, a volunteer must receive no payment for their role other than reasonable out-of-pocket expenses such as travel costs. The subscription is free for the duration of the volunteering role. Note that a Basic DBS check is never free, even for volunteers. The fee waiver applies to Standard and Enhanced checks only.
You can log in to your DBS Update Service account at gov.uk/dbs-update-service. You will need your DBS Update Service ID, a reference beginning with the letter C, and the email address you used to register. If you have forgotten your Update Service ID, call the DBS on 03000 200 190 and quote your 12-digit DBS certificate number.
No. An employer must have your explicit consent before carrying out a DBS Update Service status check. The employer also needs your Update Service ID, your C reference number, and your date of birth to complete the check. Sharing your Update Service ID with an employer grants them permission to check your status. You can withdraw that permission at any time by not sharing your ID or by contacting the DBS directly.
An employer carrying out a status check sees only whether the information on the original certificate has changed since it was issued. The result is either “No change” or “New information added”. The employer does not see the certificate content, conviction history, or any details of the original disclosure through the status check. They must have already viewed the original DBS certificate in person before relying on the Update Service result.