How the checks work
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are carried out on behalf of organisations to check a person's UK criminal record if they apply for certain types of jobs, roles or voluntary work.
DBS checks help organisations make safer recruitment decisions. For example, a check would be needed if you apply:
- for a job or voluntary work with children or vulnerable adults, or information about them
- to foster or adopt a child
- to become a child-minder
- for a taxi driver licence
Checks are made only with the person's permission. Results of the check are given on a certificate called a disclosure, which is sent to the applicant.
If you are not sure, you can ask why a DBS check is needed.
DBS disclosures
There are 2 types of DBS disclosure:
- standard – these reveal any criminal convictions from the age of 10 years-old, but do not check official warnings or whether you are barred from coming into contact or working with children or vulnerable adults
- enhanced – these reveal the same as standard disclosures, plus official warnings and, if requested, the results of checking the barred lists
Enhanced disclosure is needed if you would come into contact with children or vulnerable adults.
Our online DBS check service is extremely fast. Checks take an average of 8 days, but some – such as enhanced checks – may take longer.
Information on a disclosure certificate is valid as at the date of issue. You should contact the DBS directly if you wish to challenge any of the information on your disclosure. You must do this within 3 months of the disclosure's date of issue – go to DBS: appeals and disputes for more information.
Disclosure certificates cannot be replaced. If you lose or damage your disclosure you must apply for a new one.
DBS checks for volunteers
A volunteer is a person who spends time doing something unpaid – except for travelling and other out-of-pocket expenses – for the benefit of individuals or groups other than their close relatives.
You will need a disclosure certificate if you volunteer for a role that is eligible for a DBS check. The DBS does not charge for volunteers' disclosures, but our administration charge will still apply.
DBS update service
The DBS has an update service through which:
- you can keep your DBS certificate up to date
- employers can check your DBS certificate, if you give permission
- you can take your DBS certificate from one job to the next, unless you need a certificate for a different type of 'workforce' (adult or children) or level (standard or enhanced)
You need to register if you would like to use the update service. Go to DBS: update service.
Criminal records held overseas
DBS checks cannot access criminal records held overseas.
In a small number of cases, overseas criminal records are held on the Police National Computer – a database of information available to all UK police forces and law enforcement agencies. These records would be revealed as part of a DBS check.