How Long Does an Enhanced DBS Check Take?
A DBS Check is an independent check which requires time to complete. It’s becoming common place for Basics and Standard DBS checks to be completed within a few hours pending printing. Depending on the level of the check (whether a Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS check), as well as the role that’s being applied for, checks can take several working days to complete. This is particularly true if an Enhanced DBS application is facing delays due to a local police force dealing with a backlog.
Why is my DBS Taking so Long?
the results for all of our online DBS checks can also depend on how common your name is, whether you have changed names, as well as if you have prior convictions or more than one address.
How long does an Enhanced DBS check take?
For our clients and candidates our statistics show that on average 35% of our DBS checks are completed within one day, 63% are completed within 7 days. These statistics are significantly better than other Registered Bodies.
Can You Make DBS Applications Come Back Faster?
Many DBS Registered Bodies talk about fast track DBS on their website. However, the realisty is that once the DBS check has been submitted to the DBS it is no longer in the hands of the registered body, the DBS check will go through the system in its own time. The results of a Standard and Basic DBS can often be ready in a day if it was and online application, but Enhanced has more stages to go through.
While any delays to DBS applications are often out of applicants’ hands, sometimes there are things people do (without realising it) which cause delays. From the start of the application process, people should take care when applying, as you may be unknowingly preparing yourself for a long wait. Here are some tips to help you ensure your application is processed as fast as possible.
1. Use an online system
Instead of posting your forms, applying for your DBS check online can significantly speed up the process, avoiding delays (and potential losses) in the postal system. Also, when a postal form arrives at the DBS, it has to be scanned so it can be read digitally, for the process to begin. All of this adds time to your application.
2. Prepare information ahead of completing the form
It will save you time completing the form if you have all your documents and details to hand before you start the process. These are:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your address history for the last five years (including dates moved in and out of each address)
- Details of previous names and the dates they were changed
- Your Passport/Birth certificate for ID verification
- Current address proof documents
3. Use a system that checks the form as you complete it
If you send your application form to the DBS with mistakes or missing information, the DBS would have to raise a query, which will delay your application. A system that checks your information as you fill it in will not let you submit the form until all the information is correct and complete.
Make sure you don't omit any previous names or addresses. If the police find evidence that there are addresses or names missing then it take longer for them to verify for DBS check. Although this does not help with DBS fast track, it does make sure delays are avoided.
4. Use a company that submits applications quickly for you so you know there will be no delays with the registered body
At Online DBS Checks we countersign application throughout the day everyday. Once the ID verification is completed we will submit the DBS check to the DBS within minutes ensuring a fast track DBS. You can also track your application to find out which stage of the process your form is at.
5. Sign up to the DBS Update Service
The DBS Update Service is for Standard and Enhanced checks only and allows you to keep your DBS certificate up to date. You pay £13 a year (free if it’s for a voluntary post) and register through the gov.uk website. If you already have a certificate, you need to register for the Update Service within 30 days of it being issued, and if you are in the process of getting a check, the DBS must receive your application form within 28 days.
