Need an Individual DBS Check? You can apply online for your own Basic DBS check, or request an Enhanced DBS check if you are self-employed or a personal employee carrying out eligible work.
Our secure online service makes it easy to complete your application, verify your identity and receive your result as quickly as possible.
dbs-check.co.uk is proud to be an official provider of Basic and Enhanced DBS applications for individuals and the self-employed.
What’s Included in Your Individual DBS Check?
Why Apply Through dbs-check.co.uk?
When you apply through dbs-check.co.uk, you receive more than the DBS check itself. Our service is designed to make your application quicker and easier to complete while reducing the risk of avoidable mistakes and delays.
A Simple Online Application
Our form only asks for the information required for your check. Most applicants can complete their form and Digital ID check in just a few minutes, without posting documents or attending an appointment.
Checked Before Submission
Before sending your application to the Disclosure and Barring Service, we check it for common errors and missing information. This helps prevent avoidable issues from delaying your check, or the DBS withdrawing it without refund.
Same-Day Processing
Complete your application and Digital ID check before 4pm, Monday to Friday, and we will process and submit your application to the DBS that same day.
There is no additional fast-track charge. Prompt processing is included as standard.
Digital ID and Address Verification Included
Your Digital ID and address checks are included in the advertised price. You can verify your identity online without needing to post valuable documents.
Online Result Summary
As soon as your check has been completed, you can access a digital summary of the result through your online account. Your official DBS certificate will also be printed and posted directly to you by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Money-Back Guarantee
We are confident in the speed of our service. If your DBS check is not completed and sent for printing within the advertised timeframe, you can request a refund of our administration fee. Terms apply.
With clear pricing, online verification, same-day processing and an application checked for mistakes, dbs-check.co.uk provides one of the simplest ways to apply for an Individual DBS Check online.
Which Individual DBS Check Do I Need?
The right Individual DBS Check depends on why you need it and the type of work you will be doing.
Through dbs-check.co.uk, you can apply for a Basic DBS check or, if your role is eligible, an Enhanced DBS check. If you are unsure, do not worry. Our application will ask you some simple questions to help establish the correct check.
Basic DBS Check
A Basic DBS check shows any unspent convictions and conditional cautions held on your criminal record.
A Basic DBS check may be suitable if you:
- Have been asked to provide a Basic DBS check for a new job
- Are self-employed and want to reassure customers
- Work in customers’ homes but do not carry out an Enhanced DBS-eligible role
- Are a freelancer or contractor working in a position of trust
- Need a DBS check for a licence, contract or personal record
- Want to check the information currently held on your own criminal record
Self-Employed Tradesperson
A self-employed plumber regularly enters customers’ homes and wants to provide additional reassurance to new clients. Entering private homes does not, by itself, make the plumber eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, so a Basic DBS check would usually be the appropriate choice.
Applicant Starting a New Job
An applicant has been asked to provide a Basic DBS check before starting a new job in a warehouse. Because the position does not qualify for a higher level of check, the applicant can request their own Basic DBS check online.
Freelance Photographer
A self-employed photographer carries out family photo sessions in customers’ homes and wants to give clients additional reassurance. Photography alone does not normally qualify for an Enhanced DBS check, so a Basic DBS check may be the appropriate option.
Enhanced DBS Check
An Enhanced DBS check includes relevant spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions and information held by local police forces.
Where the work qualifies, the check can also include the Children’s Barred List, Adults’ Barred List or both.
An Enhanced DBS check may be appropriate if you:
- Teach, train, care for or supervise children
- Provide eligible healthcare, personal care or support to adults
- Work regularly in a school or another setting involving children
- Work in another role that meets the Enhanced DBS eligibility rules
- Have been told that your role requires an Enhanced DBS check
Private Tutor
A private tutor provides one-to-one lessons to children several times each week. Because the tutor regularly teaches children, they may be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.
Personal Carer
A carer provides personal care and support to an individual in their home. The work may qualify for an Enhanced DBS check with an Adults’ Barred List check.
Contractor Working in a School
A contractor will be working regularly inside a school while pupils are present. Their work gives them the opportunity to have contact with children, so an Enhanced DBS check may be required.
Whether the Children’s Barred List should also be checked will depend on the contractor’s duties, how frequently they work at the school and whether the work amounts to regulated activity.
What About a Standard DBS Check?
Standard DBS checks are only available for particular eligible occupations and positions. They cannot be requested through our Individual DBS Check application.
If your role qualifies for a Standard DBS check, this must be arranged through the organisation requesting it.
Still Not Sure Which Check to Choose?
You do not need to work it out alone. When you begin your application, we will ask you some short questions about the reason for your check and the work you will be doing.
If your role is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, you will be able to select the appropriate option. If it is not, you can continue with a Basic DBS check instead.
Start Your DBS ApplicationDBS Pricing
Money-Back Guarantee
If your Basic DBS check is not completed and sent for printing within 1 working day of the application being submitted to the DBS, we will refund you the Admin Fee portion of your check upon request.
If your Enhanced DBS check is not completed and sent for printing within 14 work days of the application being submitted to the DBS, we will refund you the Admin Fee portion of your check upon request.
The DBS charge £21.50 per Basic DBS application, or £49.50 per Enhanced DBS application, is not refundable.
Please read the Terms and Conditions for more information.
How To Apply For Your DBS Check
Individual DBS Check – Basic vs Enhanced
| Individual DBS check | Who can apply? | What does it show? |
| Basic DBS check | Any individual | Unspent convictions and conditional cautions |
| Enhanced DBS check | Eligible self-employed people and personal employees. | Unfiltered relevant convictions and adult cautions, relevant police information and eligible barred-list searches |
How Long Does A DBS Check For Myself Take?
With dbs-check.co.uk, a Basic or Enhanced DBS check for yourself can take as little as 5 minutes to complete – this includes filling out the application and doing the digital ID check.
Once the application has been processed, Basic checks are usually completed and ready for printing within 24 hours, and Enhanced within 14 working days. As soon as your check is processed, you can download digital PDF summary of your result.
The physical certificate will be posted by the DBS.
What is a DBS Check for Myself?
A DBS check for yourself allows you to see details of your own criminal record.
If you apply for a Basic DBS check, it will show any unspent convictions held against your name.
You may also be eligible to apply for an Enhanced DBS check as an individual, depending on the role or purpose it is required for. This check will show both spent and unspent convictions, as well as Local Police information, and the Barred List checks if requested.
Standard DBS checks cannot be requested by individuals and must be applied for by an employer or organisation for specific positions.
If you’re unsure which level of DBS check you need, we can help guide you through the process.
Why Get a DBS Check for Myself?
If you’re an individual looking to verify your criminal record history, a Basic DBS check is the easiest and most accessible option. Whether you need it for a job, volunteering, or other personal reasons, our online system makes it fast, secure, and simple.
For certain roles, such as those involving healthcare, working with children, or vulnerable adults, you may require an Enhanced DBS check.
What’s Included in a Basic DBS Check?
A Individual Basic DBS check will show any unspent convictions or conditional cautions on your criminal record. This is the most common type of check for roles that don’t require higher levels of security clearance.
What’s Included in an Enhanced DBS Check?
An Individual Enhanced DBS check shows details of spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings held on your criminal record.
It may also include a check of the Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred Lists, if required for the role, as well as any relevant information held by local police forces.
An Enhanced DBS check is typically required for roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults, or positions of greater responsibility and trust.
What Are Unspent Convictions?
Unspent convictions are criminal convictions that are still considered relevant and have not been “spent” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
What Are Spent Convictions?
A spent conviction is one that has passed its rehabilitation period under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Spent convictions do not appear on a Basic DBS certificate. Some spent convictions may appear on Standard and Enhanced certificates where they have not been protected by the DBS filtering rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Individual DBS Checks
Can I apply for an Individual DBS check?
Yes. You can apply online for your own Basic DBS check. You may also be able to apply for an Enhanced DBS check through dbs-check.co.uk if the work you will be doing meets the legal eligibility requirements.
Our application will ask why you need the check and help you select the appropriate option.
Can I get an Enhanced DBS check as an individual?
You may be able to request an Enhanced DBS check without an employer if your role is legally eligible. This may apply to certain self-employed workers, private tutors, personal carers and other people carrying out eligible work with children or vulnerable adults.
Enhanced checks are not available simply because you would prefer a more detailed certificate. Your duties must meet the relevant eligibility rules. Where appropriate, the check may also include the Children’s Barred List, Adults’ Barred List or both.
What is the difference between a Basic and Enhanced individual DBS check?
A Basic DBS check shows any unspent convictions and conditional cautions. It is available to anyone aged 16 or over and can be requested without an employer.
An Enhanced DBS check contains more detailed criminal record information. It can show relevant spent and unspent convictions, cautions and information held by local police forces. If the role qualifies, it can also include a check of one or both Barred Lists.
Unlike a Basic check, an Enhanced DBS check is only available when the work being carried out meets the legal eligibility requirements.
How long does an Individual DBS check take?
Basic DBS checks are usually completed and sent for printing within one working day of being accepted by the DBS.
Enhanced DBS checks involve additional searches and may take longer. We aim for them to be completed and sent for printing within 14 working days of DBS acceptance.
Once your check is complete, you can view a result summary through your online account. Your paper certificate is then printed and posted by the DBS. Processing times can occasionally vary where additional information or police checks are required.
Can I apply without an employer?
Yes. You do not need an employer to request a Basic DBS check.
You may also be able to request an Enhanced DBS check without an employer where your role meets the legal eligibility requirements. We will ask you about the work you perform to help establish whether an Enhanced check is available.
If an employer has specifically asked you to complete a DBS check, it is worth confirming the required level with them before applying.
Will I receive a paper certificate?
Yes. Once your application has been completed, the DBS will send the official paper certificate directly to the address entered on your application.
You will also be able to view a digital result summary through your dbs-check.co.uk account. The digital summary is useful for seeing your result quickly, but it does not replace the official paper certificate.
Can I use my DBS certificate for more than one job?
Possibly, but the decision rests with the employer or organisation accepting it. They may consider how recently the certificate was issued, the level of check completed, the workforce and whether the original check covered the same type of role.
Standard and Enhanced certificates can also be registered with the DBS Update Service. This may allow an eligible certificate to be used for another role where the workforce and level of check are the same. Basic DBS checks cannot currently be added to the Update Service.
An employer can still ask you to obtain a new check even if you already have a certificate.
Does a DBS certificate expire?
No. A DBS certificate does not have an official expiry date. However, it only shows the information held about you when the check was completed.
Employers and organisations decide when a new DBS check is required. Some have policies requiring checks to be renewed after a particular period, while others may accept an existing certificate or use the DBS Update Service where available.