Find out everything you need to know about obtaining a DBS clearance in this comprehensive guide, including what the process involves, the various levels of checks and how long you can expect it to take.
Many jobs in the UK require applicants to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance before they can be offered a position. This is a background screening process used to assess a candidate’s criminal record. It’s commonly required for roles involving vulnerable people – such as children or the elderly – jobs working with sensitive information like financial details, or for individuals who will be in a position of trust.
The main purpose of a DBS check is to provide employers with relevant information about a person’s criminal history. This helps them make safer recruitment decisions, ensures they remain in compliance with legal obligations and provides reassurances that they are hiring trustworthy individuals.
It’s important to understand that a DBS check is not the same as comprehensive security vetting. Unlike more advanced security clearances like SC or DV, it does not provide intelligence on an individual’s financial standing, lifestyle or overseas activity. Instead, it focuses solely on any convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings held on police records.
DBS checks are, however, much more widely used than formal security clearances and play a crucial role in safeguarding.
There are several levels of DBS clearance. It’s essential to understand the different types available, when each is required and what level of information they provide. The Disclosure and Barring Service offers four levels of checks, each tailored to different levels of risk and responsibility associated with various roles. These are as follows:
Anyone can apply for a Basic DBS check on their own. For Standard and Enhanced checks, however, an employer or registered organisation must initiate the process. Employers can request checks through a registered body or umbrella organisation that manages the application on their behalf.
The process will typically require the individual to complete an application form to verify their identity using approved documents. These details are then sent to the DBS for processing. Once the DBS completes the check, a certificate is issued to the applicant, who can then share it with the employer.
For Enhanced checks, local police forces may contribute additional information relevant to the role, which can add to the time taken.
As of June 2025, the fees for DBS checks in the UK are as follows:
There are a few exceptions to this. Volunteers can gain a Standard or Enhanced check free of charge. However, the Basic DBS check fee applies to all applicants, including volunteers.
Employers often cover the cost of DBS checks, but in some cases, applicants may be required to pay themselves. Additionally, if you use a third-party provider or umbrella body to process your application, they may charge additional fees on top of the standard DBS costs.
The time it takes to receive a DBS check varies depending on the level of clearance and other factors. As of early 2025, the average processing times according to the Disclosure and Barring Service were:
Enhanced checks may take longer than this if they require consultation with police forces for any relevant information beyond criminal convictions – this is known as DBS stage 4. For these checks, applications are sent to a local police force if there is a potential match against the name on the application form and police systems.
If this is the case, it takes an average of 27 days for the police to return a check – though this can vary widely between forces.
The DBS Update Service is an optional subscription service that allows you to keep your DBS certificate up-to-date online. It costs £16 per year and allows employers to perform free, instant online checks to see if a certificate has changed since it was issued.
This can provide more convenience for people who need multiple checks for different roles. It is particularly valuable for people working with children or vulnerable adults, as it allows them to move between employers without having to apply for a new check each time. Applicants must register within 30 days of receiving their DBS certificate and can renew it annually.
No, DBS certificates do not have a fixed expiry date. It’s up to the employer to decide how often checks should be renewed based on risk assessments and relevant safeguarding policies.
Only if you’re signed up to the DBS Update Service. Otherwise, a new check is usually required by each new employer.
Contact the DBS within 90 days of the certificate’s issue date to raise a dispute and request a correction.
This will be up to your employer. For positions requiring a DBS check, some employers may allow supervised work, while others may require the certificate to be issued first.
While there’s no guaranteed way to fast-track a DBS check, applying online and ensuring all information is accurate can help prevent delays.
Only relevant convictions, cautions and other police information will be disclosed, based on the level of check requested. For example, spent convictions will not appear on a Basic check, but do show on a Standard certificate. Some minor offences may be filtered out according to DBS filtering rules.
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