Collection

DBS check detailed guidance

A collection of guidance about DBS checks and processes.

Published 17 October 2013
Last updated 11 November 2013 — see all updates

• From: Disclosure and Barring Service

Applicants (job candidates) can’t do a criminal records check on themselves.

You will need to get an application form from the employer who asked you for a DBS check.

You can find out more about the DBS check process in our quick guide.

If you’re looking for detailed information about the DBS update service go to the guidance collection.

There are also collections of guidance about DBS check eligibility and filtering of offences from DBS checks.

Continuation sheet

Use this if you can’t fit all of your information on the DBS check application form.

1. DBS continuation sheet

   • 1 May 2013
   • Form

ID checking guidelines

Guidance for ID checking a DBS check applicant and countersignatory applicants.

1. DBS ID checking guidelines

   • 25 January 2018
   • Guidance

Detailed guides for applicants

1. Basic checks

   • 18 January 2018
   • Guidance

2. Basic check guidance and policies

   • 26 October 2017
   • Guidance

3. DBS certificate reprint guide and forms

   • 23 February 2017
   • Guidance

4. DBS application form: guide for applicants

   • 17 February 2015
   • Guidance

5. DBS privacy policy

   • 10 February 2015
   • Policy paper

6. DBS disclosure representations process

   • 15 January 2015
   • Guidance

7. DBS certificate disputes and fingerprint consent forms

   • 21 March 2014
   • Form

8. DBS unusual addresses guidance

   • 24 April 2014
   • Guidance

9. Applicant's introduction to the decision-making process for enhanced criminal record checks

   • 25 March 2014
   • Guidance

Detailed guides for employers

The DBS can’t access criminal records held overseas. 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.

1. Responsible Organisations

   • 17 April 2018
   • Guidance

2. Basic check guidance and policies

   • 26 October 2017
   • Guidance

3. DBS checks: guidance for employers

   • 24 April 2018
   • Guidance

4. DBS code of practice

   • 16 November 2015
   • Policy paper

5. DBS home based positions guide

   • 17 August 2015
   • Guidance

6. Statutory disclosure guidance

   • 11 August 2015
   • Guidance

7. DBS application form: countersignatories guide

   • 12 June 2015
   • Guidance

8. E-bulk: submitting multiple applications for DBS checking

   • 3 March 2017
   • Guidance

9. DBS privacy policy

   • 10 February 2015
   • Policy paper

10. DBS unusual addresses guidance

    • 24 April 2014
    • Guidance

11. DBS sample policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders

    • 8 January 2014
    • Policy paper

12. Guidelines for the lead countersignatory application form

    • 10 May 2013
    • Guidance

13. Guidelines for the countersignatory application form

    • 10 May 2013
    • Guidance

14. Handling of DBS certificate information

    • 14 November 2012
    • Guidance

Promotional booklets

1. DBS check: application process for volunteers booklet

   • 6 July 2015
   • Promotional material

2. DBS checks: case studies booklet

   • 6 July 2015
   • Promotional material

Published 17 October 2013
Last updated 11 November 2013 + show all updates

1. 11 November 2013 Added the new e-guide for completing the DBS application form.
2. 17 October 2013 First published.