Basic DBS check: guidance for applicants
Guidance for applicants on basic DBS checks, including the cost, how to share and view the result, and what information is disclosed on a basic DBS certificate.
Is a basic DBS check for me?
A basic DBS check is a criminal record check that is available to people working in England and Wales. You can request this for yourself, or you may be asked to request a basic check by your employer.
You can contact ACRO to request a police certificate which can be used by people who want to emigrate, travel, need a visa to live and/or work abroad, or are looking to obtain citizenship or residency in another country.
Find out if you need a basic DBS check or ask your employer if you’re not sure.
How do I apply for a basic DBS check?
You can use our online service to request a basic DBS check.
How much is a basic DBS check and how do I pay?
All basic checks, including volunteer applications, are £20. Payment can be made with a debit or credit card. Google Pay or Apple Pay can also be used.
If you are paying for your own basic check, payment can be made during the application process.
If someone else, for example an employer is paying for your basic check, you will be given the option to pay later.
Payment must be completed within 10 days of your application. You will receive a payment link via email, which can then be forwarded to someone else to complete payment. For example, you may want an employer or relative to do this. You can also use this option to pay later.
Your application will not be processed until payment is made.
How long will my basic DBS check take?
On average it takes 3 days to process an application but it can sometimes take longer.
How can I view the result of my basic DBS check?
If you go directly to DBS to request a basic check, you will be able to view the result of your check online, if it does not feature conviction information. You will receive an email explaining how to view your online result when your check is complete.
How can I share the result of my basic DBS check with a third party?
If you apply directly to DBS for your basic check using our online application route, you can view and share the result of your check online, if it does not feature conviction information.
You will need to provide the email address of who you want to share your basic DBS check online result with. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have consent from the person to use their email address.
DBS will email the third party directly with a link and instructions to view your online result.
You will also receive a one-time share code to send to the person who you want to view the result of your check. They will need this and the link in the email to access your online result.
What information is disclosed on a basic DBS certificate?
A basic check will contain details of convictions and conditional cautions considered to be ‘unspent’ under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 aims to give those with convictions or cautions the chance - in certain circumstances - to wipe the slate clean and start afresh.
Under the Act, eligible convictions or cautions become ‘spent’ after a specified period of time known as the ‘rehabilitation period’, the length of which varies depending on how the individual was dealt with.
There is a table of rehabilitation periods for the most common sentences and disposals, along with some example scenarios.
How do I withdraw my basic DBS check application?
You can contact DBS via telephone to ask to withdraw your application.
DBS is unable to withdraw a basic DBS check once the certificate is ready for issue.
Can I dispute the information on my basic DBS certificate?
You can raise a dispute about the content of your basic certificate if any of the following apply:
- personal information is incorrect, such as a name or place of birth
- incorrect information regarding conviction details
- the conviction details do not belong to you
To raise a dispute, get in touch with DBS using the contact details below.
If you need to contact DBS
DBS helpline: 03000 200 190 (select option 2 and then press 1)
Welsh: 03000 200 191
International: +44 (0)151 676 9390
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 03000 200 192
British Sign Language (BSL): download or log in to Convo
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)