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Guide to Basic DBS checks

Updated 16 October 2025

Guide to Basic DBS checks

Statistic: On average 2.6 million Basic DBS checks are requested each year. Source: DBS, 2019 to 2024

Statistic: 88% of Basic DBS checks are completed within 48 hours. Source: DBS, 2024

Statistic: 36,000 Basic DBS checks reveal a conviction each year. Source: DBS, 2024

Basic DBS check.

A Basic DBS check is a check of any conditional cautions and unspent convictions, under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

A Basic DBS check can be obtained by anyone over the age of 16 living or looking to live and work in England and Wales.

An individual can apply for a Basic DBS check directly to DBS through our online application route, or an employer can apply for a Basic DBS check on an individual’s behalf, through a Responsible Organisation (RO), if they have consent.

There are no legislative or eligibility requirements to have a Basic DBS check, so anyone aged 16 or over can apply at any time and you can request this as part of your recruitment process.

Why are Basic DBS checks important?

Basic DBS checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) are important because they provide relevant information about an individual’s criminal history. This information can serve as a useful tool in supporting informed recruitment decisions.

Anyone can apply or be requested to apply for a Basic DBS check. Conducting a Basic DBS check on an individual before hiring them can help to inform job role suitability, strengthen recruitment decisions and protect an organisation’s reputation.

Basic DBS checks focus on unspent convictions and cautions. This can include both minor and serious offences, such as theft, fraud, or assault. Employers can use this information to assess an individual’s suitability for the role they are applying for, reducing the risk of hiring someone who has a history of criminal behaviour that may pose a risk to their organisation.

Basic DBS checks can contribute to determining an individual’s reliability, particularly when they are handling sensitive information.

What is disclosed on a Basic DBS check?

Convictions are classified as either spent or unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The rehabilitation period varies in time depending on the sentence given and any subsequent convictions that might overlap it. A Basic DBS check will disclose any unspent convictions.

The rehabilitation period.

This is the period before a conviction becomes spent. For more serious offences with longer sentences, the rehabilitation period is longer. Some convictions never become spent.

What is a spent conviction?

A spent conviction is one for which the rehabilitation period has passed and therefore it should no longer be disclosed.

What is an unspent conviction?

An unspent conviction is one that is still within the rehabilitation period.

Serious violent, sexual or terrorism offences listed on Schedule 18 of the Sentencing Act 2020, where the prison sentence is more than 4 years will always be disclosed on a Basic DBS check.

If a sentence has been given for the Protection of the Public, this will never be spent and will always be shown on a Basic DBS check.

Key benefits of the Basic DBS check.

Peace of mind:

You can demonstrate that you’ve taken steps to ensure that criminal unspent convictions of your workforce is disclosed.

No ties to eligibility:

There is no legislative or role-based eligibility criteria that must be met for a Basic DBS check, making it a simple addition to any recruitment process.

Protect the vulnerable:

Basic DBS checks help provide additional reassurance, empowering better recruitment decisions.

Quick turnaround:

Basic DBS checks are processed in 48 hours, in 88% of cases.

Simple process:

Basic DBS checks can be applied for online, directly to DBS needing only personal details and ID.

Widely accepted:

Basic DBS certificates are respected by a wide range of employers and organisations, giving your customers confidence.

Value for money:

A Basic DBS check costs just £21.50, making it an accessible option for employers on a budget.

Quote from Jeff James, DBS Chief Executive at the Disclosure & Barring Service:

The Basic DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is an affordable and accessible way to obtain a criminal record check.

It is widely accepted and can provide peace of mind for both individuals and employers. By using the Basic DBS check, you can make more informed decisions regarding job suitability and ensure a safer working environment.

Rehabilitation of offenders.

Considering ex-offenders as a part of your recruitment process:

Access to a wider talent pool: You can tap into a pool of individuals who may possess various skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. This can bring diversity to the workforce and help fill skill gaps.

Increased loyalty and commitment: You can often find higher levels of commitment and employee loyalty. These individuals appreciate the chance to re-integrate into society through gainful employment and often strive to prove themselves.

Positive impact on re-offending: Stable employment plays a crucial role in reducing re-offending rates, as ex-offenders with jobs are less likely to re-offend. By offering employment opportunities, you can contribute to building safer communities, reducing overall crime rates, and enhancing your corporate social responsibility.

Potential financial benefits: Increased loyalty and reduced staff turnover can decrease costs. These financial benefits can offset potential risks associated with recruitment or training costs. Sector specific advice and case studies are available if you want to find out more.

Rehabilitation and personal growth: You can serve as a rehabilitative tool for ex-offenders, allowing them to acquire new skills, build self-esteem, and reintegrate into society. It offers a chance for personal growth and a fresh start, giving back to your community.

Responding to Disclosure information: If the Basic check shows unspent cautions or convictions and you are unsure on what decision to take next, visit our website.

Choosing an application route.

Basic Digital Service

Individuals can apply directly to DBS via our Basic Digital Service.

The Basic Digital Service is an online system that allows individuals to apply for Basic DBS checks quickly and efficiently. The service is provided by GOV.UK and it streamlines the process by offering a fully digital method for submitting applications, tracking progress, and receiving results.

Responsible Organisation

Employers can also ask individuals to apply for a Basic DBS check via a Responsible Organisation (RO).

Individuals can also apply for a Basic DBS check through a Responsible Organisation (RO). This is a third-party provider that is registered with the DBS to process applications on behalf of individuals or employers. This method is often used by companies that require DBS checks for multiple employees or also use other services from that Responsible organisation such as right to work checks.

Ways to apply.

Unspent convictions and conditional cautions

Basic - Yes

Standard - Yes

Enhanced - Yes

Enhanced with Barred List(s) - Yes

Spent convictions and conditional cautions, subject to filtering

Basic - No

Standard - Yes

Enhanced - Yes

Enhanced with Barred List(s) - Yes

Relevant non-conviction information from the police

Basic - No

Standard - No

Enhanced - Yes

Enhanced with Barred List(s) - Yes

Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred List check

Basic - No

Standard - No

Enhanced – No

Enhanced with Barred List(s) - Yes

Who can apply?

Basic

Standard

Enhanced

Enhanced with Barred List(s)

How do I apply?

Basic – Anyone 16 or over

Standard – Eligible roles

Enhanced – Eligible roles

Enhanced with Barred List(s) – Eligible roles

Can I link to the Update Service?

Basic – Online or through a Responsible Organisation (RO)

Standard – Through a Registered Body (RB)

Enhanced - Through a Registered Body (RB)

Enhanced with Barred List(s) - Through a Registered Body (RB)

What does it cost?

Basic - £21.50

Standard - £21.50

Enhanced - £49.50

Enhanced with Barred List(s) - £49.50

Useful Links

Request a basic DBS check - GOV.UK: Online application route for Basic DBS checks.

Basic DBS check: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK :Guidance on Basic DBS checks including how to apply, the cost, and what information is disclosed on a Basic DBS certificate.

DBS checks: detailed guidance - GOV.UK : A collection of guidance documents and information about DBS checks and processes.

DBS eligibility guidance - GOV.UK: A collection of documents that you can use to decide whether a role is eligible for a Basic, Standard, Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check.

Rehabilitation Periods - GOV.UK: A table of rehabilitation periods for the most common sentences and disposals, and example scenarios.

Transgender applications - GOV.UK: Guidance and information regarding the sensitive applications route for transgender applicants.

DBS checks: guidance for employers - GOV.UK: Guidance for employers about DBS checks, including how to apply, registering with DBS, and the code of practice.

Responsible Organisations - GOV.UK: A list of Responsible Organisations (RO) and their responsibilities.

Update Service and other DBS online services - GOV.UK : A page linking to an online subscription that allows you to keep your Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS certificates up-to-date, and allows employers to check a certificate online.