Frequently Asked DBS Check Questions

Answers to general and specific Self-Employed DBS Checks

Childminders • Private Tutors • Personal Care Assistants • Counsellors • Sports Coaches • Live-in Carers • Locum Medics • School-Site Contractors • Personal Trainers • Children's Club Staff • Allied Health Staff • Music Teachers • Nannies • Exam Invigilators • Private Carers • Education Trainer • Agency Care Staff •

Everything You Need To Know

Information based on current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) guidance and UK legislation

Can self-employed people get a DBS check?

Yes. Self-employed people can obtain DBS checks only where their role is legally eligible under Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) rules. Basic checks can be applied for directly. Standard and Enhanced checks must be submitted through a DBS-registered Umbrella Body.

Can a self-employed person apply for their own Standard or Enhanced DBS check?

Yes, if the role is eligible. Since January 2026, self-employed individuals can apply for their own Standard or Enhanced DBS checks through a DBS-registered Umbrella Body instead of an employer.

How much does a DBS check cost for self-employed people?

The official Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) fee is £21.50 for Basic and Standard checks and £49.50 for Enhanced checks. Umbrella Bodies may charge an additional administration fee.

Government Disclosure & Barring Fees

What type of DBS check does a self-employed person need?

The correct level depends on the work performed. Roles involving unsupervised work with vulnerable children or adults usually require an Enhanced DBS check. Lower-risk roles may only require a Standard or Basic check.

How long does a DBS check take for a self-employed person?

Basic checks often complete within hours. Standard checks typically take 24 to 48 hours. Enhanced checks commonly complete within ten working days, although some are faster.

What does a DBS Check check for?

A DBS Check shows key information from an individual’s criminal record. This helps organisations make informed and safer decisions.

The information shown depends on the level of the check you choose. Options include Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred List checks.

Is there a fast-track DBS service?

No. The Disclosure and Barring Service does not offer a fast-track or priority service. All applications are processed through the same system.

What ID is required for a DBS check?

Applicants must provide valid identity documents under DBS rules. A biometric passport allows digital ID verification by smartphone. Otherwise, original documents must be checked in person by an authorised ID checker.

How do I get a fast Self-Employed Standard or Enhanced DBS Check for myself?

If you need a DBS check as a self employed worker or sole trader, the first step is to register with us. After registration, you receive secure login details.

You’ll then be able to complete the online application form, and request your check.

Once that has been completed, you’ll be sent a link to complete your digital ID validation.

Thereafter, we submit the application electronically to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

After processing, you’ll receives the physical DBS certificate by post. An electronic snapshot of the certificate becomes available within one day of issue.

The system clearly shows each step. Tracking updates remain simple and easy to follow.

How do I get a Basic DBS Check?

Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks have strict eligibility rules. Anyone can apply for a Basic DBS Check for themselves.

Basic DBS Checks do not require an Umbrella Body. Individuals and organisations can apply directly through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The only cost is the official DBS fee of £21.50. Higher prices usually include an added administration charge. You can avoid this by applying directly.

Apply for a Basic DBS Check on GOV.UK

Always confirm that a Basic check meets your requirements. If your role needs a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, you will usually need an Umbrella Body such as self-employed-dbs.co.uk or a DBS registered organisation.

Which self-employed jobs require a DBS check?

Self-employed roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults often require a DBS check. This includes carers, tutors, healthcare workers, and certain contractors working in regulated activity. Eligibility depends on the duties performed.

What type of DBS Check do I need?

Roles that involve close or unsupervised contact with vulnerable people often require an Enhanced DBS Check with a Barred List check. This helps prevent barred individuals from carrying out regulated work.

Some support roles with limited responsibility may only need a Standard DBS Check. Examples include basic admin, cleaning, or maintenance work.

Where work involves regular contact with vulnerable people, an Enhanced DBS Check without a Barred List check may still be required. This applies even when the role is not classed as regulated activity.

Self employed workers and sole traders should review their duties carefully. The correct DBS level depends on the nature of the work and who you work with.

The Disclosure and Barring Service provides detailed eligibility guidance.

DBS eligibility guidance

The DBS also offers an online tool to help confirm which check you need.

DBS eligibility tool

These rules exist to protect vulnerable people. DBS Checks help reduce risk by stopping unsuitable individuals from working in sensitive roles.

How long is a DBS check valid?

A DBS check has no official expiry date. It is a snapshot of records on the issue date. Clients or organisations decide when a new check is required.

Do self-employed DBS checks include barred list checks?

Barred list checks are only included with Enhanced DBS checks where the role involves regulated activity. Not all roles qualify.

What is the difference between a CRB Check and a DBS Check?

CRB checks were replaced by DBS checks in 2012. DBS checks are the current UK system for criminal record checks and safeguarding.

What is the DBS e-bulk platform?

The Disclosure and Barring Service introduced the e-Bulk system to speed up and improve the efficiency of DBS Check applications.

This system supports two-way data transfer, allowing

The Disclosure and Barring Service introduced the e Bulk system to improve DBS application speed and efficiency.

The system supports two way data transfer. Application results and tracking details return within two to three hours.

Self-employed-dbs.co.uk uses the e Bulk system to remove paper forms and simplify applications.

When you submit an application, the system sends it to the Disclosure and Barring Service within minutes. This helps speed up the full process.

Application results and tracking details to be sent directly to us, usually within two to three hours. We adopted the e-Bulk system to eliminate the need for paper forms and provide users with a quicker, more seamless experience. When applications are submitted via us, they are transmitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service within minutes, helping to accelerate the entire process.

What is the Children's Barred List?

The Children’s Barred List is a confidential register maintained by the Disclosure and Ba

The Children’s Barred List is a confidential register held by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It lists people who cannot legally work with children.

A person can appear on this list without any criminal convictions. A barring decision is a legal restriction.

An Enhanced DBS Check may include a Children’s Barred List check if the role qualifies. Roles working only with adults do not qualify.

There is no price difference between an Enhanced DBS Check with or without the Children’s Barred List.

rring Service. It contains the names of individuals who are legally barred from working with children. Importantly, a person can be included on this list even if they have no criminal convictions. Being barred is a legal restriction that does not require a criminal record. An Enhanced DBS Check may include a check against the Children’s Barred List if the role qualifies for it. For instance, roles working solely with adults would not be eligible for a Children’s Barred List check. There is no additional cost difference between an Enhanced DBS Check that includes the Children’s Barred List and one without it.

What is the Adults' Barred List?

The Adults’ Barred List is a confidential register held by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It lists people who cannot legally carry out regulated work with vulnerable adults.

A person can appear on this list without a criminal record. A barring decision is a legal restriction.

An Enhanced DBS Check may include an Adults’ Barred List check if the role qualifies. Roles without regulated activity do not require this check.

There is no price difference between an Enhanced DBS Check with or without an Adults’ Barred List check.

What is 'Regulated Activity'?

Regulated activity includes work such as providing personal care, healthcare, or managing finances for vulnerable people. These roles usually require an Enhanced DBS check.

Regulated Activity for adults has a clear legal definition. It includes specific tasks such as personal care or managing finances. You can read the full definition in the official guidance.

Official Regulated Activity guidance PDF

Common examples of Regulated Activity include the following tasks.

Providing personal care such as washing, dressing, feeding, or toilet support.
Delivering healthcare services including nursing, dentistry, or physiotherapy.
Providing social work services linked to health or care needs.
Helping with finances such as handling cash, paying bills, or shopping.
Transporting vulnerable adults to appointments for care or treatment.
Managing or supervising people who carry out regulated activities.

What is 'Vulnerable Adult'?

A vulnerable adult is someone aged 18 or over who may struggle to protect themselves from harm or neglect. This can result from disability, illness, frailty, or mental health conditions.

Some people need support with daily tasks, decision making, or personal safety. Social factors such as isolation or financial difficulty can also increase vulnerability.

The term helps identify people who need safeguarding measures. Examples include individuals with dementia, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, chronic illness, or mental health challenges.

Safeguarding involves taking steps to prevent abuse and acting quickly when concerns arise. This is especially important where people rely on others for support.

In England, the Care Act 2014 sets out the legal framework for protecting adults at risk. It covers people who need care and support and cannot protect themselves from abuse or neglect.

Further guidance is available from the following sources.

Understanding vulnerability helps self employed workers and organisations apply the right level of care and protection.

What is an Adult First Check, and is it the same as an Adults' Barred List check?

An Adults’ Barred List Check and an Adult First Check are linked but serve different purposes.

An Adults’ Barred List Check forms part of an Enhanced DBS Check. It confirms whether someone is legally barred from regulated work with vulnerable adults. Regulated activity includes personal care, healthcare tasks, and managing finances.

Some roles qualify for an Enhanced DBS Check without the Barred List. Other roles must include the Adults’ Barred List check. For example, a care home receptionist may not need the list check. A care worker providing personal care would need it.

An Adult First Check is a quick initial check of the Adults’ Barred List. You can only request it alongside an Enhanced DBS Check that includes the Barred List.

You usually receive a response within 72 hours. The reply confirms the person is not on the list or advises waiting. A wait message does not mean the person is barred.

The cost of an Enhanced DBS Check stays the same with or without the Adults’ Barred List. The Adult First Check is optional and costs extra.

There is no fast track option for checking the Children’s Barred List.

How do I track DBS Check applications?

You can view full DBS tracking by logging into the platform. The system clearly shows each stage of the application. After submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service, a dedicated button links directly to the official DBS tracking system. This provides the latest status updates.

What is a Home-Based Position?

A Home Based position refers to a role where the applicant carries out regulated activity in their own home.

For example, a music tutor teaching children at the teacher’s home counts as a Home Based role. In contrast, a care worker visiting someone in that person’s home is not Home Based for DBS purposes.

Home Based roles are uncommon. They receive extra review by local police, so you should only select this option when it clearly applies.

There is no price difference between an Enhanced DBS Check for a Home Based role and a standard Enhanced DBS Check.

What is a DBS Umbrella body?

A DBS Umbrella Body is an organisation registered to access DBS services. It submits DBS applications on behalf of employers and individuals.

self-employed-dbs.co.uk operates as a DBS Umbrella Body. It supports self employed workers, sole traders, and organisations that need DBS checks.

Umbrella Bodies act as a link between applicants and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Most businesses do not register directly with the DBS.

Direct DBS registration usually suits organisations handling very high volumes. An Umbrella Body provides the application system, submits checks, and offers guidance throughout the process.

What is the DBS Update Service?

The DBS Update Service is a paid subscription from the Disclosure and Barring Service. It lets individuals keep a DBS check up to date and check status online.

The service turns a single DBS certificate into a record that stays current.

After receiving a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate, you can subscribe for £16 per year. You must subscribe within 30 days of issue or during the application process.

Once active, you can reuse the certificate for multiple roles. Each role must need the same DBS level and workforce type.

You must renew the subscription every year to keep it valid.

With consent, organisations can run a free online status check. The result appears instantly.

This certificate is up to date and shows no new information.
The certificate needs renewal or you should contact the DBS.

The check uses the certificate number, name, and date of birth. You must always give permission.

Official DBS Update Service information

Can someone begin work before their DBS is complete?

Whether someone can start work before a DBS check completes depends on the organisation’s own policy. Some allow work to begin under supervision while waiting for final clearance.

For roles that involve regulated activity with children or certain vulnerable adults, a Barred List check is required. It is illegal for barred individuals to carry out this work. In these cases, work rarely starts before confirming the person is not barred.

For regulated roles involving vulnerable adults, the Adult First Check may be available. This gives an early indication of whether someone appears on the Adults’ Barred List.

You can find more details about this option in the related FAQs.

Can a DBS Check Certificate be used for multiple jobs?

The Disclosure and Barring Service does not control whether DBS checks can transfer between employers. Each organisation decides whether to accept an existing certificate.

In practice, many organisations choose not to accept DBS checks from elsewhere. They may not know if the details were accurate or if the check suits the new role.

When is the right time to begin the DBS application process for a new employee?

Delays in issuing DBS certificates can cause real problems for organisations and individuals. Waiting for clearance can delay start dates and increase pressure on existing staff. Some candidates may accept other roles rather than wait.

DBS checks are also non refundable. Applying too early can lead to lost fees if a role does not go ahead.

Timing matters. self-employed-dbs.co.uk only charges when a DBS check is ready for submission. There is no cost for applications that are prepared but not sent.

You can register applicants early, complete their details, verify ID, and select the correct check. You can then submit and pay when the timing suits your needs.

This approach helps manage delays, control costs, and keep the process compliant.

Do Employers or Employees pay for DBS Checks?

There are no set rules on who must pay for a DBS check. Each organisation decides whether it pays the cost or asks the applicant to pay.

Self-employed-dbs.co.uk allows you to assign the DBS fee directly to the applicant. The applicant can then pay through their own login without the organisation paying upfront.

What are 'filtered' cautions and convictions?

Filtering decides which convictions appear on Standard and Enhanced DBS checks. Some older or minor offences are classed as protected and do not show.

Certain specified offences must always appear unless they relate to a youth caution. These usually include serious violent or sexual offences and safeguarding related crimes.

Any conviction that led to a custodial sentence will always be disclosed. This applies even when the sentence was suspended.

Most youth cautions, warnings, and reprimands no longer appear automatically. Youth Conditional Cautions may still be included.

Does a DBS Check cover foreign criminal records?

A DBS check only covers criminal record information held in the United Kingdom. It does not include offences committed overseas.

The check searches records from England and Wales. It also includes relevant information from Scotland and Northern Ireland held on the UK Police National Computer.

If someone has lived or worked abroad, offences from other countries will not appear. This can leave gaps in background checks.

In these cases, you should request an overseas criminal record check. This is often called a Certificate of Good Conduct.

Many countries issue police clearance certificates to current or former residents. The UK government provides guidance for each country.

When recruiting someone with overseas history, you should consider extra checks where needed.