Thousands of UK jobs and volunteer opportunities require applicants to complete a DBS check as part of their application. DBS check applications involve the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as the Criminal Records Bureau) checking applicants’ criminal records to confirm their suitability of working with children or vulnerable adults.
One of the main areas of confusion surrounds who is responsible for the DBS check cost or paying for a DBS. The short answer is that it depends. This brief guide should clear up any misconceptions including who pays for DBS check and how much is a DBS check.
How Much Does a DBS Check Cost?
There are three levels of DBS checks which are available to applicants. The prices reflect the extent of the criminal record check’s disclosure. In other words, the more digging that’s required by the DBS and local police constabularies, the more expensive the check will be.
How much is a DBS check?
The DBS check prices for one-off applications are as follows (at the time of writing):
- Basic DBS check – £39.40
- Standard DBS check – £51.80
- Enhanced DBS check – £69.80
The prices differ to the DBS check costs listed on the gov.uk website because as a registered DBS check body, we have to charge administration fees and VAT.
For employers who require multiple DBS checks, we offer a range of applicable discounts.
DBS Checks for Employers
Who pays for DBS checks?
As far as determining who pays for DBS check or who is responsible for DBS check payments, it is the employer most of the time. The majority of organisations accept the responsibility of paying for Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS check applications.
Employers looking to hire will usually highlight that a DBS check is compulsory as part of the job recruitment process. This will usually be specified by the governing body (if applicable) as well.
For people working as teachers, private tutors or healthcare providers, they will need to apply for an Enhanced DBS check due to their direct contact with children and vulnerable adults.
However, there is no legal requirement for employers to pay a DBS check fee. So, do you have to pay for a DBS check as an employer? Sometimes, the applicant is responsible. Usually, the employer specifies who is accountable in the job description. Most employers who require several DBS checks will usually have an account with the DBS, so will front the cost.
To help employers save time and money, they should only request that applicants apply for a DBS once they have accepted the offer of employment. Depending on the role, they may not start work until they have been deemed safe to work with children or vulnerable adults.
DBS Checks for Volunteers
Do you have to pay for a DBS check for volunteering?
For voluntary roles, the DBS does not charge either party for Standard or Enhanced DBS certificates. Neither the charity, volunteering organisation nor the applicant will be required to pay.
As long as the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for Standard and Enhanced DBS applications, this will be free.
Please note, administration fees may still be charged by the organisation that submits an application to the DBS. This is not the same as the price of the DBS check itself.
DBS Checks for Individuals
There is no law that states that employers must pay for DBS applications.
Do you have to pay for DBS check as an individual?
Some organisations may ask employees to pay for the checks themselves, which can be difficult for people who regularly move jobs or have multiple employers.
At any point, applicants can apply for a Basic DBS check, which only shows unspent convictions (provided they are at least 16 years of age). Applicants can apply for Enhanced or Standard checks once they have been requested to do so by the employing company.
It’s worth enquiring at the interview stage who will be responsible.
FAQS
Who pays for DBS checks?
Some employers will take on the cost of the DBS check, others will make you pay upfront and perhaps give you the money back later, whereas some expect you to cover the cost yourself. It really depends on the company and how much they need someone for the job. It’s worth enquiring at the interview stage who will be responsible.
How much do DBS checks cost?
The DBS check prices for one-off applications are as follows (at the time of writing):
- Basic DBS check – £39.40
- Standard DBS check – £51.80
- Enhanced DBS check – £69.80
The prices differ to the DBS check costs listed on the gov.uk website because as a registered DBS check body, we have to charge administration fees and VAT.
What happens when I move jobs?
Sometimes your new employer will accept a recent DBS certificate you already have, which saves everyone time and money. Other times they'll want a new DBS check.
