Apply for Enhanced DBS Online

For an individual to undergo an Enhanced DBS check, they must consistently be engaging in one or more of the following activities while working (volunteer or paid): 

• Providing healthcare for people over the age of 18 as a professional or under the supervision of one. 
• Assisting adults due to their age, illness or disability with hands-on care needs, such as bathing, dressing, eating, drinking, and using the toilet. This can also involve guiding, supervising, or teaching these tasks to other workers. 
• Social work services provided by a social care worker, as necessitated by health or social service requirements. 
• Facilitation of financial tasks such as managing cash, bills or shopping for adults due to age, illness or disability. 
• Managing an adult's personal affairs under formal appointment. 
• Transportation assistance for adults because of increased age, illness or disability, to and from locations that include their home and health and care institutions. 
• All unsupervised contact with children including being on a premises with children more than 3 times a month, even if there is no contact with them.  

We regularly offer promotional deals on our services, so be sure to keep an eye out for them. For employers that require multiple checks, you can look at our e-bulk discounted prices here.  

We often get this question: “Can I apply for an Enhanced DBS check for myself?”

The answer depends on your role and eligibility. Enhanced DBS checks are legally restricted to specific roles and cannot be requested simply by choice. Traditionally, these checks were requested by employers as part of recruitment.

However, from January 2026, eligible self-employed individuals and personal employees may also apply for an Enhanced DBS check where the role qualifies, provided the application is processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body such as Online DBS Checks. 

Anyone aged 16 or over can apply for a Basic DBS check, which is available for any purpose and does not require role-based eligibility.

A Basic DBS check and an Enhanced DBS check are two separate checks. This means if you currently have a Basic check and your employer has requested you undertake an Enhanced check, you must still go through the standard application process.  

For all types of DBS checks (basic, standard or enhanced), there is no official expiry date. Certain employers may ask employees to perform regular checks to keep them up to date.  

Like all DBS checks (whether basic, standard or enhanced), they extend as far back as the records held by the police for the individual. Similar to Standard DBS Checks, but unlike Basic ones, an Enhanced Check includes both spent and unspent convictions. 

Typically, the cost of this check is paid for by employers. With that being said, there is no regulation stating that employers must pay. If there is any uncertainty, please contact your employer.  

The check discloses the applicant's criminal history. It's then the responsibility of the potential employer or organisation to determine how to interpret this information. 

Typically, it's convictions related to violence, sexual offences or repeated instances of fraud that may lead to a negative outcome in a DBS check. However, this determination can vary based on the specific requirements of the job. Other factors that might result in an unfavourable outcome in an Enhanced DBS Check include providing false information on your application and poor credit history. 

An enhanced CRB check (now called an enhanced DBS check) is mandatory for roles that involve:

• Supervising or caring for children

• Supporting vulnerable adults

• Teaching, training, or healthcare

• Any regulated activity under UK safeguarding laws

If your role falls into these categories, your employer will instruct you to apply for a DBS enhanced check as part of robust safeguarding and safer recruitment.

A number of candidates ask this question often: “Can I complete an Enhanced DBS check for myself? Or an individual Enhanced DBS check if my employer requests it?”

The answer depends on role eligibility. Enhanced DBS checks are legally restricted to specific roles and cannot be applied for simply by choice.

Traditionally, Enhanced DBS checks were requested by an employer as part of recruitment or onboarding, and this remains the case for many roles. However, from January 2026, updated DBS guidance confirms that eligible self-employed individuals and personal employees may also apply for an Enhanced DBS check themselves, where the role qualifies, provided the application is processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body. Private individuals, clients, or parents cannot request the check on the applicant’s behalf.

Once eligibility has been confirmed - either by an employer or, where applicable, through an Umbrella Body such as Online DBS Checks:

• You can complete the Enhanced DBS check online

• Simply follow the steps through our secure platform

Yes. Volunteers in eligible roles can be requested to complete an Enhanced DBS check UK for individuals at no DBS application fee, although the organisation may charge an admin fee.

Usually no, to apply for DBS Enhanced check UK, it must be role-specific and is tied to:

• the job you applied for

• the workforce (child / adult / both)

• the employer who requested it

If you change roles, your new employer may need you to apply for an enhanced DBS UK again unless you’re subscribed to the DBS Update Service.

Your organisation must determine this before asking you to apply for a DBS enhanced check.

Enhanced checks are required for:

• regulated activity

• unsupervised work with vulnerable groups

• healthcare roles

• certain roles in education, fostering, adoption and social care

If you are unsure, always check with your employer.