Collection

DBS check detailed guidance

A collection of guidance about DBS checks and processes.

Contents

  1. Continuation sheet
  2. ID checking guidelines
  3. Detailed guides for applicants
  4. Detailed guides for employers
  5. Promotional booklets

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

    • Form

ID checking guidelines

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

  1. DBS ID checking guidelines

    • Guidance

Detailed guides for applicants

  1. DBS certificate reprint guide

    • Guidance

  2. DBS application forms: guide for applicants

    • Guidance

  3. DBS disclosure representations process

    • Detailed guide

  4. DBS certificate disputes and fingerprint consent forms

    • Form

  5. DBS unusual addresses guidance

    • Guidance

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

    • 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. DBS checks: guidance for employers

    • Detailed guide

  2. DBS code of practice

    • Policy paper

  3. DBS home based positions guide

    • Guidance

  4. Statutory disclosure guidance

    • Guidance

  5. DBS application form: countersignatories guide

    • Guidance

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

    • Detailed guide

  7. Completing the DBS application form: e-guide

    • Guidance

  8. DBS unusual addresses guidance

    • Guidance

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

    • Policy paper

  10. Guidelines for the lead countersignatory application form

    • Guidance

  11. Guidelines for the countersignatory application form

    • Guidance

  12. Handling of DBS certificate information

    • Guidance

Promotional booklets

  1. DBS check: application process for volunteers booklet

    • Promotional material

  2. DBS checks: case studies booklet

    • Promotional material
Published:
Updated:

+ full page history

Added the new e-guide for completing the DBS application form.
First published.
From:
Disclosure and Barring Service