If you have been told you need a DBS check for a new job, a volunteering role, or your own self employed work, the next question is usually a practical one. How do you actually apply, what information do you need to have ready, and what happens between submitting the application and receiving a certificate.
This guide walks through the process of getting a DBS check online from start to finish, covering the different levels of check, what to prepare before applying, and what to expect once the application has been submitted.
What Is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a criminal record check carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It allows employers, charities, and other organisations to see whether someone has a relevant criminal record before they begin a role, particularly one involving children, vulnerable adults, or a position of trust.
There are three main levels. A basic DBS check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions. A standard DBS check adds spent convictions and cautions. An enhanced DBS check includes this information plus relevant police intelligence and, for eligible roles, a search of the children’s or adults’ barred lists.
Before You Apply: What You Will Need
Getting a DBS check online is generally straightforward, provided you have the right documents and details ready in advance. Most applications ask for the following.
- Full name, including any previous names used
- Current and previous addresses, usually covering the last five years
- National Insurance number
- Identity documents, such as a passport or driving licence
- Details of the role or organisation the check relates to
Having this information ready before starting the application helps avoid delays caused by mismatched or incomplete details, which is one of the most common reasons applications take longer than expected.
How to Apply for a DBS Check Online
The exact route depends on which level of check you need and whether you are applying as an individual or through an employer.
Applying for a Basic DBS Check
A basic DBS check can usually be applied for directly online, either through the official government service or an approved provider offering DBS checks online. This route does not require a registered body, since anyone can request a basic check on themselves.
Applying for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check
Standard and enhanced checks generally need to be submitted through a registered body, such as an employer, school, charity, or umbrella organisation.
Many of these bodies now offer a fully online DBS check application, including online identity verification, which has made the process considerably quicker than the paper based system previously used.
| Check Level | Can I Apply Myself? | Typical Application Route |
|---|---|---|
| Basic DBS check | Yes | Direct online application |
| Standard DBS check | Not usually | Through an employer or registered body |
| Enhanced DBS check | Not usually | Through an employer, school, charity or umbrella body |
What Happens After You Apply
Once submitted, the application moves through several stages before a certificate is issued.
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Identity verification | Documents are checked against the details provided |
| Record search | Police and, where relevant, barred list records are checked |
| Certificate preparation | Findings are compiled onto the DBS certificate |
| Certificate delivery | The certificate is posted to the applicant, with some providers offering online tracking |
Some providers offer a dbs tracking online facility, which allows applicants and employers to check progress without needing to contact the DBS directly. This can be particularly useful for employers managing several applications for new starters at once, or for individuals who need to confirm a start date.
How Long Does It Take to Get a DBS Check?
Processing times vary depending on the level of check and how quickly identity documents are verified. Basic checks are generally processed more quickly, since they only involve a search of unspent convictions.
Standard and enhanced checks tend to take longer, since they involve additional record searches, including local police information and, where relevant, barred list checks.
Applications are more likely to be delayed if personal details do not exactly match official records, such as a name spelled differently or an address that does not align with previous records held.
Double checking these details before submitting an application is one of the simplest ways to avoid unnecessary delay.
Choosing How to Apply
There is more than one way to arrange a DBS check, and the right choice depends on your situation.
- Through an employer or organisation: The most common route for standard or enhanced checks, since the employer acts as the registered body.
- Directly online for a basic check: Suitable for individuals who only need a basic level check, such as for general employment purposes.
- Through an umbrella body: Often used by self employed workers who need an enhanced check but do not have an employer to submit the application on their behalf.
Each of these routes leads to the same type of DBS certificate, so the choice largely comes down to which level of check is required and whether an employer or organisation is involved in the role.
Some providers also offer a dedicated enhanced dbs service aimed specifically at self employed applicants and small organisations, bundling the umbrella body role with online identity verification, so applicants do not need to source a registered body separately.
For organisations recruiting regularly, working with a single dbs online service for all applications can also make record keeping simpler, since certificates, application dates, and renewal reminders are managed in one place rather than being tracked manually across different roles and staff members.
Costs to Consider When Applying
The DBS itself charges a set fee depending on the level of check, with basic checks generally costing less than standard or enhanced checks.
Where an application is submitted through an umbrella body or provider, there is often an additional processing fee on top of the DBS fee itself, covering identity verification and administration.
Charities and certain volunteering roles may be eligible for a reduced fee or a full fee waiver, so it is worth confirming this with the organisation before assuming a cost applies.
Keeping a DBS Certificate Current
Once you have received a certificate, the DBS update service allows you to keep it current for an annual fee, rather than needing a completely new application every time you start a similar role.
This can be useful for people who move between jobs in the same sector, since a new employer can check the certificate’s status online with the applicant’s consent, which can significantly reduce waiting time before starting.
Final Thoughts
Getting a DBS check online has become considerably more straightforward in recent years, with most of the process, from identity verification through to application submission, now available digitally.
Understanding which level of check applies to your situation, preparing the right documents in advance, and knowing what to expect at each stage makes the whole process much easier to manage, whether you are applying for yourself or coordinating checks for a team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a DBS check for a new job?
In most cases, your employer will arrange this as part of the recruitment process, though some roles allow you to apply for a basic check yourself in advance.
What documents do I need to apply for a DBS check?
You will usually need identity documents such as a passport or driving licence, along with your National Insurance number and address history.
How long does it take to get a DBS check online?
Timing varies by check level, with basic checks generally processed faster than standard or enhanced checks, which involve additional record searches.
Can I track my DBS application online?
Many providers offer online tracking, allowing applicants and employers to check progress without contacting the DBS directly.
Does a DBS check expire once issued?
There is no official expiry date, though many employers set their own renewal policy, often reviewing checks every one to three years.
What is the DBS update service for?
It allows a certificate to be kept current for an annual fee, so employers can check its status online rather than requiring a new application each time.
