Can I Get an Enhanced DBS Check for Myself?

We are often asked the question “Can I now get an Enhanced DBS check for myself?”

The naswer is yes, you can now get an Enhanced DBS check for yourself if you are self-employed or employed directly by a private individual, provided the work you do is legally eligible for this level of check.

The rules changed on 21 January 2026. Before then, self-employed people could not normally request their own Enhanced DBS check. An eligible employer, organisation, local authority or licensing body had to apply on their behalf.

Under the new rules, eligible self-employed people and personal employees in paid roles can apply for an Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check through a registered DBS Umbrella Body.

At dbs-check.co.uk, we provide a straightforward online route for individuals who need their own DBS check. We will help confirm whether your role is eligible, verify your identity and check your application before submitting it to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Who Can Apply for Their Own Enhanced DBS Check?

The new application route is available to two main groups.

Self-employed people

A self-employed person works for themselves and provides services directly to clients or families, rather than being employed by an organisation.

Examples may include:

• A self-employed private tutor providing lessons directly to children
• A self-employed carer working directly for individual clients
• A personal assistant providing eligible care or support
• A self-employed professional carrying out another role that meets the Enhanced DBS eligibility rules

Being self-employed does not automatically make you eligible. The activities you perform, where you perform them and who you work with will determine whether an Enhanced DBS check can legally be requested.

You can read more in our guide to getting a DBS check when you are self-employed.

Personal employees

A personal employee is someone employed directly by a private individual to provide services to them or a member of their family.

For example, an individual receiving a personal health budget or direct payments may employ a carer or personal assistant themselves. The worker is employed by that individual rather than by a care company, agency or other organisation.

If the work is eligible, the personal employee must apply for their own Enhanced DBS check, which can be done through dbs-check.co.uk. The private individual or family employing them cannot submit the application on their behalf.

The official Disclosure and Barring Service guidance explains how this application route works.

Can Anybody Get an Enhanced DBS Check for Themselves?

No. An Enhanced DBS check is not available simply because you would like a more detailed criminal record check or want additional reassurance to give customers.

Your role must meet the legal eligibility requirements for an Enhanced DBS check.

For example, the Government’s guidance explains that a self-employed plumber who enters customers’ homes would not qualify for an Enhanced with Barred List(s) check on that basis alone. In this situation, the plumber could consider applying for a Basic DBS check instead.

You are also unlikely to use this individual route if:

• You are employed by an organisation that should request the check for you
• You provide your services to an organisation that is willing to apply under its own procedures
• You are applying for a voluntary position, as the organisation should usually arrange the appropriate check
• You only want a DBS check for personal reassurance
• Your work does not meet the legal criteria for an Enhanced check
• You require a Standard DBS check, which is not included in the new self-employed application route

If your role is not eligible for an Enhanced check, you can still apply for an individual Basic DBS check. A Basic DBS check can be requested for any position or purpose.

What Jobs Qualify for an Enhanced DBS Check?

Eligibility is based on the activities being performed, not simply a job title.

Enhanced DBS checks are available for specific positions, duties and licences covered by the relevant legislation. This can include certain roles involving:

• Regularly caring for, teaching, training or supervising children
• Being solely responsible for children
• Providing particular forms of healthcare or personal care to adults
• Carrying out certain regulated activities with children or adults
• Holding certain licences or specified positions

A job title on its own is not enough to confirm eligibility. Two people with similar titles could require different levels of DBS check because their day-to-day responsibilities are different.

For example, a self-employed tutor who regularly teaches children directly may be eligible for an Enhanced check with a Children’s Barred List check. A tutor who only teaches adults would not qualify on the same basis.

If you provide tuition independently, our private tutor DBS check guide explains the application route in more detail.

The Government also provides an official collection of DBS eligibility guidance for different roles and workforces.

What Is the Difference Between Enhanced and Enhanced With Barred Lists?

There are two possible forms of Enhanced DBS check:

Enhanced DBS check

An Enhanced DBS certificate contains relevant information from the Police National Computer and can also include relevant information held by local police forces.

This level of check is available for specific eligible positions and activities.

Enhanced with Barred List(s) check

An Enhanced with Barred List(s) check contains the same information as an Enhanced check but also searches the relevant barred list:

• The Children’s Barred List
• The Adults’ Barred List
• Both lists, where the role qualifies for both

Barred-list checks are subject to stricter eligibility rules. They are generally available where someone will be carrying out regulated activity with children or adults, as well as for a limited number of other specified positions.

You cannot choose a barred-list check simply because you would prefer one. It must be legally appropriate for the work being performed.

What Does an Enhanced DBS Check Show?

An Enhanced DBS check can show:

• Spent and unspent convictions that have not been filtered under current rules
• Adult cautions that have not been filtered
• Relevant information held by local police forces
• Whether the applicant appears on the Children’s or Adults’ Barred List, if the role qualifies for the relevant search

Not every conviction or caution will necessarily be disclosed. The DBS filtering rules prevent certain protected information from appearing on Standard and Enhanced certificates.

An Enhanced certificate also does not provide a general assessment of whether someone is suitable for a role. It supplies information that a client, family or organisation can consider alongside other safeguarding and recruitment checks.

How Do I Get an Enhanced DBS Check for Myself?

You cannot apply directly to the Disclosure and Barring Service for your own Enhanced check. You must apply through a registered DBS Umbrella Body that accepts applications from self-employed people and personal employees.

You can apply online through dbs-check.co.uk by following these steps:

1. Create your account

Start your application online and select the Enhanced DBS check option.

2. Confirm what work you will be doing

You will answer a short eligibility questionnaire about your role, responsibilities and the people you will be working with.

This is important because the correct level of check must be established before an Enhanced application can be submitted. During this stage you can tell us you need an Enhanced DBS check for myself

3. Complete the DBS application

You will provide the personal details required for the check. This includes your current and previous names, date of birth and five-year address history.

Accuracy matters. Missing addresses, incorrect dates and differences between your application and identity documents can lead to delays.

4. Verify your identity

You will complete an online Digital ID check so your identity can be verified securely.

5. We review and submit your application

Our team checks your application for mistakes before submitting it to the DBS. This helps prevent avoidable errors from holding up your check.

6. Receive your result and certificate

Once the check has been completed, your DBS certificate will be printed and posted directly to you by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Start your Enhanced DBS application

Why Apply Through dbs-check.co.uk?

dbs-check.co.uk specialises in DBS checks for individuals and self-employed professionals. Our service is designed to make applying for your own DBS check as simple as possible.

When you apply through us, you receive:

• A fully online application
• A short eligibility questionnaire to help establish the correct check
• Online identity verification
• An application checked for mistakes before submission
• Fast submission to the DBS
• A clear breakdown of all charges
• An online result summary when the check is completed
• Your official DBS certificate posted to you
• A 14-working-day money-back guarantee on eligible Enhanced applications

Unlike providers primarily designed for employers ordering checks in bulk, our service is specifically set up to help individuals apply for their own Basic or eligible Enhanced DBS check.

How Much Does an Individual Enhanced DBS Check Cost?

An Enhanced DBS check through dbs-check.co.uk currently costs £79.50.

This includes:

• £49.50 DBS fee
• £30 administration fee
• Digital identity verification
• Digital address checking
• Application checking and submission
• Online result summary
• Physical DBS certificate

Our prices are displayed clearly before you apply. You can view the latest charges on our DBS check pricing page.

How Long Does an Enhanced DBS Check Take?

Many Enhanced DBS checks are completed within 7 to 14 working days, although some are returned sooner. Others can take longer, particularly when additional checks need to be completed by one or more local police forces.

dbs-check.co.uk checks completed applications and submits them promptly so they do not sit waiting unnecessarily before being sent to the DBS.

Our Enhanced DBS checks are also covered by a money-back guarantee. If your Enhanced check is not completed and sent for printing within 14 working days of being submitted to the DBS, you can request a refund of our £30 administration fee. The £49.50 fee charged by the DBS is non-refundable. Terms apply.

Find out more about how long a DBS check takes or read our guide explaining why a DBS check may be taking longer than expected.

Should I Join the DBS Update Service?

If you are self-employed and work for several clients, joining the DBS Update Service may make it easier to demonstrate that your certificate remains current.

The Update Service allows eligible organisations and clients to check the status of your certificate online with your permission. Portability rules apply, including requirements relating to the workforce and level of check.

The Update Service currently costs £16 per year for paid positions. You can register using your DBS application reference or within 30 days of the date your certificate is issued.

You can learn more in the official DBS Update Service applicant guide.

Apply for Your Own Enhanced DBS Check

If you are self-employed or a personal employee and your work is eligible, you no longer need to rely on a traditional employer to obtain your Enhanced DBS check.

dbs-check.co.uk provides a secure online application designed specifically for individuals. We help establish your eligibility, verify your identity, check your application and submit it to the DBS as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions – Can I Get an Enhanced DBS Check For Myself