DBS Checks for Individuals
Individuals living in the UK can apply for a Basic DBS check. Eligibility for Standard or Enhanced DBS checks depends on the role and must be processed through a DBS-registered Umbrella Body.
Individuals can apply for a Basic DBS check for any purpose without the involvement of an employer.
Enhanced DBS checks are eligibility-based and can only be applied for where a role legally qualifies under DBS rules. Eligibility is determined by the nature of the role, not employment status.
Where a role is eligible, the individual is the applicant, and the Enhanced DBS application must be processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body. This applies equally to employed individuals, eligible self-employed professionals, and personal employees.
Enhanced DBS checks cannot be applied for simply by choice or for reassurance, and eligibility must always be confirmed before an application is submitted.
What Jobs Require an Enhanced DBS Check for an Individual?
The following sectors (and more) will necessitate an enhanced DBS check to be obtained by individuals:
- Volunteer roles
- Healthcare
- Education
- Vulnerable Adult care
- Social Care
For these roles individuals can order the Enhanced DBS check, if they have an employer/agency ready to hire them and do their ID verification.
There are Three Different Types of Individual DBS Checks:
- Basic DBS Check for individuals
A Basic DBS check is available to individuals for any purpose and does not require an employer or organisation. A Basic DBS certificate shows unspent criminal convictions recorded on an individual’s record at the time of issue. This level of check is commonly used where a higher-level DBS check is not legally permitted. Applications are processed through a registered DBS provider, and the certificate is issued directly to the individual.
- Standard DBS Check for individuals
A Standard DBS check is eligibility-based and can only be applied for where a role legally qualifies under DBS rules.
Where eligible, the individual is the applicant, and the application must be processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body such as Online DBS Checks. This may apply to employed roles or, in limited circumstances, other eligible arrangements where a Standard DBS check is permitted by law.
A Standard DBS check includes:
- Spent convictions
- Unspent convictions
- Cautions, warnings, and reprimands
Standard DBS checks cannot be applied for simply by choice and eligibility must be confirmed before an application is submitted.
- Enhanced DBS Check for individuals
An Enhanced DBS check is the highest level of DBS check and is restricted to roles involving regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults.
Under updated DBS guidance (January 2026), eligible individuals - including self-employed professionals and personal employees can now apply for an Enhanced DBS check themselves, where the role legally qualifies.
However, Enhanced DBS checks are still not personal checks. The application must be submitted and processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body, such as Online DBS Checks, to confirm eligibility and meet safeguarding requirements. It cannot be applied for directly through the government DBS website.
An Enhanced DBS check may include:
- Spent and unspent convictions
- Cautions, warnings, and reprimands
- Relevant local police information (where lawful and proportionate)
- Barred List information, where legally required
This updated process makes DBS access clearer for individuals working independently, while maintaining the legal safeguards around higher-level disclosures.
Is it Possible to Get an Enhanced DBS Check Online for Individuals?
The answer depends on role eligibility, not employment status.
Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are eligibility-based and can only be applied for where a role legally qualifies under DBS rules. They cannot be requested simply by choice or in advance “just in case”.
Where a role is eligible, the individual is the applicant, and the DBS application must be processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body such as Online DBS Checks. This applies whether the role is employed, self-employed, or a personal employee position.
You may start your application online through our website once eligibility has been confirmed. The application process will collect the information required to ensure the request is legitimate and compliant with DBS rules, and the check will be processed correctly through our Umbrella Body service.
If I Need an Enhanced DBS Check for Myself, How Can I Organise This?
The answer depends on whether your role is legally eligible for an Enhanced DBS check.
From January 2026, eligible self-employed individuals and personal employees may also apply for an Enhanced DBS check themselves, provided the role qualifies and the application is submitted correctly through an Umbrella Body such as Online DBS Checks. In employed roles, an employer may still be involved in confirming eligibility, but this is not required in all cases.
If your role is eligible, Eurocom CI can guide you through the full application process online - from confirming eligibility and completing identity verification to submitting your DBS application compliantly.
Applying for an Enhanced DBS check through Online DBS Checks is straightforward. All applications are processed online through our secure platform, and DBS certificates are always issued directly to the individual by post. Employers or organisations do not receive DBS results automatically.
If you’re unsure which level of DBS check applies to your role, our team can help explain the differences and ensure you apply for the correct and legally permitted check.
Get in touch with our DBS check specialists today to get started with confidence.
BASIC
Provided by the Disclosure Barring Service. Only contains details of unspent convictions.
*Results: 48 hours
STANDARD
Formerly a CRB check, only available for certain occupations & entry into specified professions.
*Results: 48 hours
ENHANCED
The highest level Disclosure for those training, caring for and supervising children/vulnerable adults
*Results: 48 hours
FAQS
1. What is a DBS check for individuals?
A DBS check for individuals (also known as an individual DBS check) is a Basic check you can request yourself. This personal DBS check shows unspent convictions and is often used for visas or licensing.
2. Can I apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check as a self DBS check UK?
The answer depends on role eligibility. A self DBS check UK applies only to Basic DBS checks, which are available to individuals for any purpose.
Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are eligibility-based and cannot be applied for simply as a personal or self-check. Where a role legally qualifies, the individual is the applicant, and the application must be processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body.
From January 2026, this includes eligible self-employed individuals and personal employees, as well as employed individuals, provided the role meets DBS eligibility criteria. An employer or organisation is not always required, but eligibility must be confirmed before an application can proceed.
3. When should someone order a personal DBS check?
A personal DBS check is useful if you want to view your own criminal record or need proof for purposes such as an overseas visa application, background verification, or personal records.
In these situations, a Basic DBS check is usually the appropriate option. A Basic DBS check is available to individuals for any purpose and does not require role-based eligibility.
Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are not personal or self-checks. These higher-level checks are eligibility-based and can only be applied for where a role legally qualifies. Where eligible, the individual is the applicant, and the application must be processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body like Online DBS Checks rather than being obtained simply as a personal check.
4. How long does a DBS check for individuals take?
Basic DBS checks for individuals usually take 48 hours*. If an employer is requesting a Standard or Enhanced individual DBS check, processing times vary. A self DBS check UK always results in the certificate being sent directly to you.
5. Are CRB checks for individuals still available?
The term CRB checks is no longer used. Criminal record checks are now carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), which replaced the Criminal Records Bureau.
Individuals can apply for a Basic DBS check for any purpose, including personal record checks or overseas visa applications.
Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are eligibility-based, not personal checks. They can only be applied for where a role legally qualifies. Where eligible, the individual is the applicant, and the application must be processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body such as Online DBS Checks. This applies to employed individuals as well as eligible self-employed professionals and personal employees.
Higher-level DBS checks cannot be obtained simply as a personal or self-check and must always meet DBS eligibility requirements.
*The turnaround times given are the average times taken to receive an electronic result. The time it takes can vary depending on local police searches, multiple addresses, common names and multiple name changes.
