If you have been asked to get a DBS check for a new job, a voluntary role, or your own peace of mind, the process does not have to be confusing. Applying online is now the most common route in the UK, and with the right guidance, you can complete your application quickly and correctly. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the online DBS application process, including which type of check you need, what documents to gather, and how to track your DBS online once you have applied.
What Is a DBS Check and Why Does It Matter?
A DBS check, which stands for Disclosure and Barring Service check, is an official background check that reveals a person’s criminal record history. It replaced the old CRB check (Criminal Records Bureau check), though many people still use the term CRB check online when searching for information.
Employers, voluntary organisations, and licensing bodies use DBS checks to ensure the people they work with are suitable for roles that involve responsibility, trust, or regular contact with vulnerable individuals. Whether you need a DBS check for care workers, teachers, or a PCO licence, the application process follows the same core steps.
Types of DBS Checks: Which One Do You Need?
There are four levels of DBS check in the UK. Choosing the correct one before you apply will save time and avoid having to reapply.
| DBS Check Type | Who Needs It | Includes Barred Lists? | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic DBS Check | General employment, PCO licence applicants | No | 1–5 days |
| Standard DBS Check | Legal and financial roles | No | 1–5 days |
| Enhanced DBS Check | Teachers, childcare staff, healthcare workers | No (unless requested) | 1–5 days |
| Enhanced with Barred List Check | Roles with vulnerable adults or children | Yes | 1–5 days |
Most roles working with children or vulnerable adults will require an enhanced DBS check. This is the most thorough level and is used across childcare, schools, healthcare, and social care. If you are applying for childcare DBS checks in the UK, or if you work as a nanny, childminder, or nursery staff member, this is almost certainly the level you will need.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a DBS Check Online in the UK
Here is a clear walkthrough of the online DBS application process.
Step 1: Choose the Right Check Type
Start by identifying which level of check you need. If you are unsure, the organisation or employer requesting the check should be able to tell you. For roles in childcare, education, or healthcare, it will nearly always be an enhanced DBS check.
Step 2: Gather Your Identity Documents
Before starting your application, have the following ready:
- A valid passport or full UK driving licence for proof of identity
- Proof of current address, such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months
- Details of any addresses you have lived at over the past five years
- Your National Insurance number
Having these documents to hand before you begin will make the process much smoother and reduce the chance of delays.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Visit the online DBS service provider’s website and fill in your personal details carefully. You will be asked for:
- Your full legal name, including any previous names
- Date of birth
- Full address history for the past five years
- Employment or volunteer role details
Take your time here. Errors can delay the process or result in your application being returned. Double-check all spellings, particularly your name and address, as they must match your identity documents exactly.
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
Identity verification is a required part of the DBS process. For online applications, this is often handled through a digital ID verification step or the umbrella body’s own verification process. Depending on the service you use, you may need to present original documents in person to your employer. Some providers offer a fully digital verification route, which can speed things up considerably.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Once your form is complete and your identity has been verified, you submit the application. Some umbrella body providers may add a small processing fee on top. Volunteers applying for DBS checks for charity may have a reduced or waived fee, depending on eligibility.
Step 6: Track Your DBS Application Online
After submission, you will receive a reference number that allows you to monitor progress. DBS tracking online is available through the official Disclosure and Barring Service website. Simply enter your reference number to see which stage your application has reached. Most applications are completed within one to five working days, though some may take longer if police forces need to check local records.
Step 7: Receive Your DBS Certificate
The DBS certificate is posted to your home address. It is your responsibility to share it with your employer or organisation. The DBS does not automatically send a copy to your employer unless you have registered for the DBS Update Service, which allows employers to carry out status checks online at any time.
Common Roles and Who Needs Which Check
Different industries require different levels of DBS check. Here is a breakdown of the most common situations:
Childcare and Education
Anyone working with children in a professional or regular voluntary capacity will need an enhanced DBS check. This includes:
- Teachers and teaching assistants
- Nursery workers and childminders
- Nannies and au pairs
- Sports coaches working with under-18s
- After-school and holiday club staff
For schools, nursery staff, and childminders, childcare DBS checks in the UK with children’s barred list access are the standard requirement.
Health and Social Care
Healthcare and social care professionals who have regular, unsupervised contact with patients or service users need an enhanced DBS check. Care providers are obligated to check that the individuals they hire are not listed on the barred lists maintained by the DBS.
Taxi and Private Hire Drivers
Private hire drivers applying for a PCO licence or a local council private hire licence will generally need a DBS check as part of the licensing process. Requirements vary by council, but an enhanced check is commonly requested because drivers work with members of the public, potentially including vulnerable passengers.
Volunteers and Charity Workers
Charities and voluntary organisations frequently carry out DBS checks on their volunteers, particularly those working with children or vulnerable adults. Online DBS checks for charities follow the same process as employment checks, making it more accessible for organisations to carry out thorough background checking.
The DBS Update Service: Is It Worth It?
The DBS Update Service is an optional subscription that allows you to keep your DBS certificate current and reusable. Rather than applying for a new check every time you change roles, your new employer can log in and check whether your existing certificate is still valid.
This is particularly useful for:
- Supply teachers and agency staff working across multiple settings
- Freelance care workers and support workers
- Volunteers who work with multiple organisations
- Anyone who changes jobs regularly within the same sector
You must register for the Update Service within 30 days of your DBS certificate being issued, so it is worth considering this when you apply.
How Long Does an Online DBS Check Take?
Turnaround times vary depending on the type of check and individual circumstances:
- Basic DBS checks often come through within one to three working days
- Standard DBS checks typically take one to five working days
- Enhanced DBS checks may take longer because they require checks against police records
Using an online DBS service can help speed up the process, as applications are submitted digitally and errors are often flagged before submission, reducing delays caused by incomplete or incorrect information. For up-to-date guidance, advice, and support on DBS checks in the UK, you can also visit: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ub6nupmCsB2UmRnd6
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a DBS check online by myself?
Yes. If you need a personal DBS check, you can apply through a registered umbrella body. Basic DBS checks are available to anyone For an individual enhanced DBS check online for a self employed worker or a someone working for a private individual, you apply through an authorised provider who issues the certificate directly to you.
What is the difference between a DBS check and a CRB check?
The CRB check was replaced by the DBS check in 2012. The terms are often used interchangeably, but the correct term is now DBS check.
How do I track my DBS application online?
After submitting your application, you receive a unique reference number. Use this to check progress through the official DBS online portal.
Do I need a new DBS check for every job?
Not necessarily. If subscribed to the DBS Update Service, employers can verify your certificate online. Without it, a fresh check is often requested.
Can volunteers get an enhanced DBS check?
Yes. Volunteers in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults are eligible for enhanced DBS checks. The organisation they volunteer for must submit the application.
What documents do I need to apply for a DBS check online?
You will need photo identification such as a passport or driving licence, proof of current address, your National Insurance number, and details of all addresses you have lived at over the past five years.
Conclusion
Applying for a DBS check online in the UK is straightforward when you understand the process. The key steps include selecting the correct check for your role, preparing all required documents, completing your application accurately, verifying your identity, and tracking your DBS online. If you have any questions at any stage, contact us to get guidance and support. Following these steps carefully helps avoid delays and ensures your application is processed efficiently.
Using an authorised online DBS service can simplify the process and reduce errors, while the Update Service allows frequent role changes without needing a new certificate each time.
