Can I Get a DBS Check Myself? A Guide for Individuals

Not everyone applying for a DBS check is doing so through an employer. Some people want a certificate for their own records, others are between jobs and want to have one ready in advance, and some are self employed and simply have no employer to arrange it for them.

In all of these cases, the same question tends to come up. Can you actually get a DBS check yourself, and if so, how.

Can I Get a DBS Check Myself?

The short answer depends on which level of check is needed. A basic DBS check can be applied for directly by an individual, without needing an employer or organisation to submit it.

Standard and enhanced checks, however, generally need to go through a registered body, since the law does not allow most people to apply for these levels entirely on their own.

This distinction catches a lot of people out, particularly those who assume that because they can apply for a basic check themselves, the same will be true for an enhanced check. Understanding this difference early on avoids wasted time trying to apply for a level of check that is not available through an individual route.

What Is an Individual DBS Check Used For?

People apply for their own DBS check for a range of reasons, not all of which involve a specific job offer.

• To have a certificate ready in advance of applying for jobs in a sector that typically requires one
• For personal peace of mind, particularly after a change in circumstances
• As part of preparing to become self employed in a role such as tutoring or childminding
• To support a volunteering application where the organisation asks the applicant to arrange their own check
• As part of visa, adoption, or other non employment related processes that may request a basic check

How to Apply for a Basic DBS Check for Myself

Applying for a basic DBS check as an individual is a relatively simple process, and can be completed through the official government service or an approved provider offering basic DBS checks online.

• Provide personal details, including full name, date of birth, and address history
• Provide your National Insurance number
• Verify your identity using a passport, driving licence, or other accepted documents
• Submit the application and pay the applicable fee
• Wait for the certificate, which is generally posted to the address provided

Since a basic check only shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions, this is the most accessible level for someone applying purely on their own behalf.

What If I Need an Enhanced DBS Check for Myself?

An individual enhanced DBS check, such as one needed by a self employed childminder, private tutor, or personal carer, cannot usually be applied for entirely alone.

This is because enhanced checks are tied to specific eligible roles, and the application needs to be countersigned or submitted by a registered body that confirms the role qualifies for that level of check.

In practice, this means a self employed person applying for their own enhanced check will usually need to go through a registered umbrella body, which acts as the organisation submitting the application on their behalf, even though the applicant is not formally employed by that body.

A number of providers now specialise in offering this route specifically for individuals and sole traders who need an enhanced check for themselves.

This is sometimes described as an individual enhanced DBS check service, since it is designed for people applying purely in their own right rather than as part of a larger workforce.

The process itself is very similar to an employer led application, the main difference being that the applicant arranges the umbrella body relationship themselves, rather than it already being in place through a job.

Common Mistakes When Applying Individually

A few issues tend to come up repeatedly for people applying on their own behalf. Assuming that any level of check can be requested directly, without realising standard and enhanced checks need a registered body, is one of the most common.

Providing address history that does not fully cover the required period, or that does not match official records exactly, is another frequent cause of delay.

Finally, some applicants apply for a basic check when the role they are working towards actually requires a higher level, only to discover this after submitting the wrong type of application, which then needs to be repeated at the correct level.

How Long Does an Individual DBS Check Take?

Processing times depend on the level of check and how quickly identity documents are verified. A basic check applied for individually is generally processed more quickly, since it only involves a search of unspent convictions.

An enhanced check, even when arranged through an umbrella body on behalf of an individual, tends to take longer, since it involves additional police information and, where relevant, a barred list search.

Does an Individual DBS Check Expire?

There is no official expiry date on a DBS certificate, whether it was applied for individually or through an employer. It simply reflects a person’s record at the point it was issued.

This means an individual who applied for a basic check some time ago may want to consider a new application if they are about to start a role that specifically requires a recent certificate, since organisations often set their own policy on how current a check needs to be.

Using the DBS Update Service as an Individual

The DBS update service is available to individuals who want to keep a certificate current without applying for a completely new one each time they take on a similar role.

This can be useful for someone who regularly moves between short term or freelance positions in the same sector, since a prospective employer or organisation can check the certificate’s status online with the individual’s consent.

Final Thoughts

Whether you can get a DBS check yourself largely comes down to the level required.

A basic check is generally accessible to anyone applying on their own behalf, while an enhanced check usually needs to be arranged through an employer, charity, or umbrella body, even for someone who is self employed or applying purely on their own initiative.

Understanding this distinction from the outset makes it much easier to plan the right route and avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions