Summary
Introduction
What Actually Is a DBS Check (And Why Should You Care)?
A DBS check is the UK's official method for examining criminal backgrounds through online background check systems. It provides formal verification to clients that service providers can be trusted to work safely in their homes or businesses.
The Disclosure and Barring Service issues these certificates, and they are widely accepted as the standard approach for self-employed background verification in the UK. For freelancers, a DBS check demonstrates professional reliability and gives clients confidence in their choice of service provider.
When do you need a DBS Check?
You might think DBS checks for self-employed individuals are only for teachers or healthcare workers, but you'd be surprised how many freelance gigs now expect or require them:
Work in people's homes - Clients are understandably nervous about letting strangers through their front door. For instance, some therapists don't get bookings without a DBS check, and cleaners use DBS Checks certificates as selling points.
Teaching or coaching - Does your work involve kids? You'll need one. Even if you're just teaching piano or football skills, parents want that peace of mind.
Business consulting - While not always required, there are instances where freelancers miss out on contracts with banks, government departments, or healthcare organisations because they didn't have the right clearance.
Trades and property work - Legally, you might not need a DBS check to fix someone's boiler, but several tradespeople use it as a selling point for nervous homeowners.
Here's what nobody tells you: even when a DBS check isn't legally required, clients often expect it anyway. It's become a bit like having insurance, you hope you'll never need to prove you have it, but when someone asks, you'd better have it ready.
The Different Types of DBS Checks
Basic DBS Checks
The Basic check is the only one you can apply for directly. It takes about 5 working days on average, and shows any convictions that are still "unspent" (essentially, recent enough to still matter legally).
This is the standard option if you want to show clients you're transparent but you're not working with vulnerable groups or in high-security environments. It works well for most consulting work, property services, or general contracting.
Standard DBS Checks
Standard checks go deeper, they show spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and warnings. The limitation is that you can't apply for one yourself. You need an organisation to request it for you.
These are typically required for roles in finance, legal services, or jobs where you're regularly around vulnerable people (but not in what's called "regulated activity").
Enhanced DBS Checks
Enhanced checks are the most thorough. They include everything from Standard checks plus any relevant information the local police think potential employers should know about. Again, you can't get this yourself.
Enhanced with Barred Lists
This is required by law if you're doing "regulated activity" with children or vulnerable adults. One-on-one tutoring, personal care, this level of check isn't optional, it's legally mandatory.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Checks Are Straightforward
Anyone over 16 can apply for a Basic DBS Check. Self-employed, employed, unemployed, your employment status doesn't matter. If you can complete a form and provide proper identification, you can obtain one.
Standard and Enhanced Checks Are More Complex
For Standard and Enhanced checks, you need to meet specific criteria, and an organisation must request it on your behalf.
You must have lived in the UK for a sufficient period for the check to be meaningful. If you've spent time abroad recently, you may need police clearance from other countries as well. This adds complexity to the process but remains manageable.
How to Get DBS Checks
Step 1: Work Out What Level You Need
Don't guess this, it could cost you time and money. Look at your client contracts, check industry standards, or simply ask your clients what they expect.
If you're unsure, start with a Basic check. You can always upgrade later, and having something is better than having nothing when opportunities come up.
Step 2: Find a Company That Can Help You Apply
At Online DBS Checks, we offer reliable, affordable DBS Checks with exceptional customer support. You can view our services here.
Step 3: Get Your Documents Together
The DBS is picky about identity documents, and they use a points system. You need to hit a certain score across different document types.
Group 1: Current driving licence with photo, passport, or military ID. Group 2: Birth certificate, bank statements, council tax bills anything that proves who you are and where you live.
Tip: If you're self-employed through a limited company, one of your fellow directors can verify your identity. If you're a sole trader, you'll need to find someone who's known you professionally for at least two years and meets their criteria.
Step 4: Know Your History (All of It)
You'll need five years of address history with exact dates. This trips up a lot of people. If you've moved around, dig out old tenancy agreements, utility bills, anything that can prove when you lived where.
Any name changes? You'll need documentation for those too. Marriage certificates, deed polls, divorce papers, have them ready.
Step 5: Fill Out the Application
The online form is fairly straightforward, but take your time. Double-check everything because mistakes cause delays, and delays cost money.
You'll need your National Insurance number, contact details for referees, and details about why you need the check. Be specific about your work "freelance consultant" is vague, "financial risk assessment consultant working with regulated firms" is much better.
Step 6: The Waiting Game
Basic checks usually take about 5 working days once they've got your documents. Standard and Enhanced take longer if they need to investigate anything. Read more about how long DBS checks can take in our blog here.
The key is to avoid delays in DBS Checks, learn how to avoid them in our guide here.
Common problems and solutions
The Countersignatory Issue
This is the big one for freelancers. You need someone who's known you professionally for two years, meets their professional criteria, and is willing to vouch for you. For employees, this is usually their manager.
What actually works:
- Previous clients who meet the criteria (check the gov.uk list)
- Professionals you work with regularly (accountants, lawyers, other freelancers)
- Members of professional associations you belong to
- Local business networks where you're known
The Address History Problem
Five years sounds simple until you realise you need exact dates and proof for every single move. At Online DBS Checks, we've seen applications get rejected because someone couldn't prove they lived somewhere for three months in 2019.
Start collecting proof now, even if you don't need a DBS check yet. Keep a spreadsheet with dates and what documents you have for each address. Future you will thank present you.
Documents That Don't Quite Fit
The DBS wants specific document types, but freelancer life doesn't always provide them. No payslips? Use bank statements. No utility bills because everything's in your partner's name? Mobile phone bills work. Be creative but honest.
When Things Get Rejected
Most rejections are simple admin errors, wrong documents, missing information, illegible scans. Fix the problem and resubmit.
Why Get a DBS Check?
It's About More Than Just Compliance
Yes, sometimes you legally need a DBS check. But honestly, the bigger benefits are commercial:
Trust: Clients relax when they know you've been vetted. This is especially true for home-based services where you're entering people's personal space.
Competitive advantage: All else being equal, clients will pick the freelancer with a DBS check over one without.
Premium pricing: Having proper credentials often means you can charge more. Clients pay extra for peace of mind.
The Insurance Factor: Some insurers give discounts to DBS-checked professionals. It's not huge money, but every little helps, and it shows you're serious about risk management.
Future-Proofing Your Business: Client expectations are only going in one direction, more security, more checks, more due diligence. Getting ahead of this curve now saves hassle later.
DBS Checks: What It Really Costs and Why It Matters
Whether you're a freelancer, job seeker, or employer, DBS checks can feel like another hurdle. But handled right, they can actually give you an edge.
Basic DBS checks: £36.50
Standard checks: £41.50
Enhanced checks : £69.50
The DBS Update Service: £16 per year but can save time and money for regular users. Read how to register here.
At Online DBS Checks, we provide the DBS update service free if you run over 100 DBS checks per year.
Important note: The DBS checks ID guidance update from April 2025 has streamlined identity verification requirements, which can help reduce processing delays caused by documentation issues.
Timelines: What to Expect
Official times are guidelines. Delays can happen, especially if you have previous addresses, name changes, or your check goes to multiple police forces.
Top tip: If you need it urgently, start sooner than you think you need to.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely, especially if you're:
- A freelancer or contractor securing new clients
- Applying for multiple roles in care, education, or finance
- Working in regulated industries
Sharing Your DBS Safely
- Never hand out your original certificate.
- Send a copy with a cover note: date issued, check level, and how to verify it.
- If you're on the Update Service, explain how to check your status online.
Final Thoughts
Getting a DBS check doesn’t have to be a pain. With a bit of planning, it’s a quick win that builds trust with clients and employers. Start with a Basic check if unsure, and upgrade if your role or sector requires more.
In today’s market, being proactive about your checks isn’t just professional, it’s powerful.
