The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) government body helps to ensure public safety within any role that requires contact with children and vulnerable adults. When requested, DBS checks are one of the most critical parts of the hiring process for jobs in the UK, ensuring a person’s criminal record is not a safeguarding risk.
Due to their common nature, applying for a DBS check has become much more straightforward, thanks in part to the creation of digital platforms such as Online DBS Checks.
How to Replace a Lost DBS Check in 2026
Once your application form has been submitted and accepted, all you have to do is sit back and wait for the check to be completed. At this point, the DBS check certificate will be sent to the applicant’s address, ready for use. But what happens if a DBS certificate is lost?
The answer to this question depends on when the document went missing. Thankfully, there is a solution for both scenarios, whether before or after the certificate has been delivered to the applicant. To learn more, continue reading this blog post from our DBS experts.
If the DBS Certificate is Lost Before it is Received
Once you’ve been notified that your Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS check is complete and that your certificate has been processed and dispatched, it will typically be delivered in the post within a couple of days. For Basics it is possible to have an electronic certificate only so these will never be posted, however it has to be elected at the application stage.
However, if it isn’t, it’s best to wait until 14 days after you were told that the certificate was dispatched to account for postal delays.
If you still haven’t received your DBS certificate after this time, you should assume that it’s been lost in the post.
The job application process is an already stressful situation, and no one should have to deal with the added stress caused by a lost DBS certificate. Although this is an unlikely scenario to happen, the Disclosure and Barring Service have created a solution to resolve any lost certificates.
Asking for a DBS Check Certificate Reprint
Due to the possibility of a DBS certificate going missing in the post, the Disclosure and Barring Service have set up a service that allows applicants to ask for a reprint if they haven’t received their documents. To qualify for this service, you must have waited at least 14 days after receiving notification that your certificate was sent.
If that’s the case, you can use the online service to request a DBS check reprint, which will be sent to the same address as the original DBS certificate. If you’re in the process of moving home, then ensure that you set up a post redirection with Royal Mail before you leave.
It’s crucial to know that although you need to wait 14 days before using the service, you must not delay your reprint much longer, as any requests made more than three months after your DBS certificate is dispatched will be rejected. In this case, you’d have to start the application process from the beginning, incurring unnecessary costs and delaying any discussions you need to have with your employer.
If the DBS Certificate is Lost After Receipt
If you’ve lost your DBS certificate after it was safely delivered to you, the process of getting a replacement one is more complicated. You won’t be able to request a reprint because the lost certificate isn’t due to a postal error, so your only option will be to redo the DBS application process from the beginning.
If you had to apply for a Basic DBS check yourself, then you’ll have to pay the application fee again and wait for the new certificate to be processed and dispatched. If you had to request a Standard or an Enhanced DBS check through your employer, this situation is more convoluted because it’s unlikely that they’ll be happy with having to pay for a new DBS check to be completed.
Therefore, you should try your best to keep hold of the original DBS certificate, which will save both you and your employer unnecessary stress and money.
FAQs
Losing a DBS certificate can be frustrating, especially if you need it for work or a job application. Since the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) does not issue duplicate copies, it’s important to know what steps to take next. Below, we answer the most common questions related to losing a DBS certificate and how to obtain the necessary documentation.
1. I lost my DBS certificate. What should I do?
If you lost your DBS certificate, the first step is to check whether your employer already has a copy. If not, you will need to apply for a new DBS check, as duplicate certificates are not issued by the DBS.
2. Can I get a copy of my DBS certificate online?
No, DBS certificates are only issued as physical documents for Enhanced/Standard DBS checks. If you are signed up for the DBS Update Service, your employer can check your DBS status online, but you cannot download or print an official certificate.
3. How do I get a copy of my DBS certificate?
You can ask for a reprint if your DBS certificate has not arrived in 14 days. But if you lose your certificate after having received it, you will need to apply for a replacement DBS certificate by undergoing a new DBS check.
4. What if I have lost my DBS certificate and need it urgently?
If you need your certificate quickly, speak to your employer or the organisation requesting it. Some employers are able to set up DBS checks quickly for urgent cases.
5. How long does it take to get a replacement DBS certificate?
Since the DBS does not issue duplicate copies, a new application must be submitted. Standard processing times for a new DBS check vary but typically take 5 to 10 days. Enhanced checks may take longer depending on police verification.
6. I lost my DBS certificate in the mail. What should I do?
If your lost DBS certificate never arrived, contact the DBS within 90 days of the issue date. They should be able to reprint and send another copy if it was never delivered.
7. Can my employer check my DBS status if I have lost my DBS certificate?
Yes, if you are enrolled in the DBS Update Service, your employer can check your DBS status online without needing the physical certificate again. However, they would need to have seen the original when the employment first began.
8. How can I prevent losing my DBS certificate in the future?
To avoid needing a replacement DBS certificate, store your document safely in a secure place. Similar to how you would store your passport and Birth Certificate.
Final Thoughts
If you lost your DBS certificate after receipt, the most effective solution is to apply for a new DBS check. Unfortunately, there is no way to request a duplicate, but by taking precautions - such as storing your certificate securely and signing up for the DBS Update Service you can ensure that your DBS status remains accessible in the future.
