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Who can check your criminal record for a role, the application process and how to recognise a genuine certificate.

• Who can check your criminal record

  Employers can check your criminal record no matter what role you apply…

• Checking process

  You need to fill in an online or paper form, depending on the type of…

Documents you need when you get asked for a criminal record check when applying for a role

• You're from the UK or the European Economic Area

  You must prove your identity if you’re applying for the type of role where…

The Criminal Records Bureau is now part of the Disclosure and Barring Service

• Updated: 15 April 2021

When to tell a potential employer, university, college or insurance company about a criminal record, when it becomes 'spent' and what shows up on a DBS check.

How to check if your criminal record will affect your licence application, and the information you need to provide for our criminality checks.

• Updated: 1 December 2025

How to request a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for a potential employee: types of DBS check, how to request a check, how much it costs, how long it takes.

Get a criminal record check if you're applying to become an approved driving instructor (ADI)

Get a criminal record check if you’re an approved driving instructor (ADI) and want to renew your registration

Factsheets to help you understand your criminal record and whether it affects the jobs you can apply for.

• Updated: 3 March 2025

A guide to applying for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

• Updated: 1 May 2025