DBS checks: detailed guidance
A collection of guidance documents and information about DBS checks and processes.
An employer may request a DBS check as part of their recruitment process. These checks are processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
The types of check are as follows:
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a basic check, which shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions
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a standard check, which shows spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions, from the Police National Computer which have not been filtered in line with legislation
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an enhanced check, which shows the same as a standard check plus any information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role
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an enhanced check with a check of the barred lists, which shows the same as an enhanced check plus whether the applicant is on the adults’ barred list, children’s barred list or both
Applicants (job candidates) can’t do a standard or enhanced check on themselves - you will need to get an application form from the employer who asked you for a disclosure check.
You can request a basic check for yourself.
The type of work you are doing, or will be doing, will determine the level of check that you need.
You can find out more about the DBS check process in this guide.
There are also collections of guidance relating to the following:
*Filtering refers to the disclosure rules that explain when criminal record details will be disclosed on a DBS certificate.
Information about the DBS Update Service guidance.
Hardships
An applicant can contact DBS if their application has been in progress for more than 28 days, if they are in financial hardship or their employment is at risk. They may be asked for evidence when doing this.
Evidence may include correspondence from an employer stating they must receive your DBS certificate by a certain date, or evidence of your current arrears.
Please email customerservices@dbs.gov.uk with your evidence.
Guides for applicants
The below guides may be useful for applicants (job candidates). They relate to basic, standard and enhanced DBS checks.
Applicants can’t apply for a standard or enhanced check by themselves. This will need to be done through the employer who has asked for a DBS check.
Applicants can apply for a basic check by themselves, either directly to DBS via our online application route, or through a Responsible Organisation.
Guides for employers and third parties
The below guides may be useful for employers, and third parties such as Registered Bodies.
Note, the DBS can’t access criminal records held overseas, so a DBS check may not provide a complete view of an applicant’s criminal record if they have lived outside the UK.
Employers should make sure they have access to all the information available to them to make a safer recruitment decision. You can read about how to get a criminal record check for overseas applicants, or those who have previously lived outside the UK, on the Home Office website.
Registered employers can order blank application forms through the multiple online tracking tool, or by calling us.
DBS application form: continuation sheet
This form can be used if you can’t fit all of your information on the DBS application form.
ID checking guidelines
The below guidance will help organisations registered with us, to validate the identity of a DBS check applicant and/or a new countersignatory or lead countersignatory.
Updates to this page
Published 17 October 2013Last updated 20 September 2024 + show all updates
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A section about Hardships has been added.
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New link added within the section for employers and third parties - Where to apply for criminal record checks in the UK and overseas
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A recent change note advised there had been an update to this guidance following a filtering legislative change. To confirm, this was a change from 2020.
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Legislative change relating to filtering rules.
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Added the new e-guide for completing the DBS application form.
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First published.