DBS Checks for Film Production
DBS Checks for Film Production
Whether you're a production company checking a full crew or a freelance make-up artist who needs your own certificate, Online DBS Checks makes it quick to get the correct check. We're a registered DBS umbrella body, and we handle DBS checks for film crew, TV production staff, chaperones and tutors across England and Wales.
Why DBS Checks Are Essential in Film Production
Film productions often involve:
- Child performers who need licensed chaperones and tutors on set
- Hair, make-up and costume staff working closely with children
- Freelance crew booked at short notice
- Long days, location shoots and overnight filming
For roles working with children, a DBS check is not optional. Local authorities require chaperones to hold an Enhanced DBS check before they can supervise child performers. DBS checks help film production companies:
- Protect child performers on set
- Meet local authority licensing requirements
- Reduce safeguarding and reputational risk
- Avoid delays to filming schedules
- Make fair, informed crewing decisions
What Type of DBS Check Does Film Production Need?
The level of DBS check depends on what each person does on set, not their job title.
Basic DBS Check
Suitable for:
- Camera, lighting, sound, grips and runners
- Production office and other crew roles with no contact with children
Reveals:
- Unspent convictions and unspent conditional cautions
Enhanced DBS Check
Required for:
- Hair, make-up and costume staff who work with child performers, but not frequently
Reveals:
- Spent and unspent convictions
- Cautions, warnings and reprimands
- Relevant local police information
Enhanced DBS Check with Children's Barred List
Required for:
- Chaperones supervising child performers
- On-set tutors
- Staff working with child performers frequently: once a week or more, on more than 3 days in any 30-day period, or overnight
Reveals:
- Everything in an Enhanced DBS check
- Whether the person is barred from working with children
Most film production crew only need a Basic DBS check. Anyone working closely with child performers needs an Enhanced check, often with a Children's Barred List check.
What Information Does a DBS Check for Film Production Disclose?
Depending on the level, a DBS check may include:
- Spent and unspent convictions
- Cautions, warnings and reprimands
- Relevant police information (Enhanced only)
- Children's Barred List information (where permitted by law)
Some older or minor convictions and cautions are filtered and won't appear on Standard or Enhanced certificates. A DBS result does not automatically stop someone working in film production. Productions are encouraged to apply fair and proportionate risk assessments, considering the nature of the offence, its relevance to the role, and how long ago it occurred.
DBS Application Process for Film Production with Online DBS Checks
Whether a production company is checking its crew or a freelancer is applying for their own certificate, the process is fully online.
How the process works:
-
The application is started
A production company submits crew details through our e-Bulk service, or a freelancer applies directly online. -
The applicant completes their details online
The applicant enters their personal details and five-year address history. - Identity verification is completed British and Irish passport holders can verify their identity online. Other applicants have their documents checked in line with DBS ID standards.
-
We submit the DBS application
Once verified, the application is countersigned and submitted to the DBS for processing. -
The DBS certificate is issued
The DBS posts the certificate directly to the applicant's home address. You can track progress online at every stage.
Since 21 January 2026, self-employed people in eligible roles, such as freelance chaperones, tutors and make-up artists, can apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through an umbrella body like us. You no longer need a production company to start the application for you.
How Long Do DBS Checks Take for Film Production?
Typical turnaround times are:
- Basic DBS: 48 hours*
- Enhanced DBS: 48 hours* (may vary depending on police checks)
*Turnaround times can be affected by:
- Multiple address histories
- Overseas residence
- Common names or name changes
Enhanced checks depend on local police response times, so submit them early in pre-production. Leaving chaperone and tutor checks until the week of the shoot risks delaying your child performance licence and your schedule.
Can Crew Start Work While a DBS Check Is Pending?
For chaperones, no. A local authority will not approve a chaperone until their Enhanced DBS check has been completed. Anyone else working with child performers should not work unsupervised with children until a satisfactory DBS result has been received. For general crew roles, it's the production's decision, but any decision to start someone before their check is back should be based on a documented risk assessment.
DBS Update Service for Film Production
Freelance crew move from production to production, and the DBS Update Service means they don't need a new DBS check every time. Once a crew member subscribes, each new production can carry out a free online status check, with their consent, to confirm that no new information has been added since their certificate was issued.
Why the DBS Update Service Is Useful for Freelance Crew
The Update Service helps film production crew to:
- Take one certificate from production to production
- Avoid paying for repeat DBS applications
- Start work faster on new productions
- Meet local authority requirements, as some councils ask chaperones to be registered
Register within 30 days of your certificate being issued.
How Online DBS Checks Supports the DBS Update Service
We help film production companies and crew:
- Work out whether an existing certificate is the right level for a new role
- Understand how to carry out status checks, with the crew member's consent
- Apply for a new check when an existing certificate isn't the right level
Why Film Production Companies Choose Online DBS Checks
Productions and freelancers trust Online DBS Checks for:
- Online applications with no registration fees
- Online ID verification for British and Irish passport holders
- Real-time application tracking
- Expert advice on the right check level for each role
- e-Bulk checks for whole crews
- GDPR-compliant data handling
Whether you're checking one chaperone or a full crew, Online DBS Checks makes film production DBS checks simple, compliant and fast.
FAQS
1. What DBS check do most film production crew need?
Most film production crew only need a Basic DBS check. Chaperones, tutors and anyone working closely with child performers need an Enhanced DBS check, often with a Children's Barred List check.
2. What DBS check does a chaperone need?
An Enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check. Local authorities require this before approving someone as a chaperone for child performers.
3. Can freelance crew apply for their own DBS check?
Yes. Anyone can apply for a Basic DBS check. Since January 2026, self-employed crew in eligible roles, such as freelance chaperones and tutors, can also apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through a registered umbrella body like Online DBS Checks.
4. Can I use my DBS certificate on more than one film production?
Yes, if you're registered with the DBS Update Service. Each new production can check your certificate online, with your consent, instead of asking you to apply again. The new role must need the same level and type of check.
*The turnaround times given are the average times taken for electronic results to be received. The time it takes can vary depending on local police searches, multiple addresses, common names and multiple name changes.
