DBS Checks for Babysitters & Au Pairs
What Is a DBS Check for Babysitters?
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a criminal record check that reveals whether someone has convictions, cautions, or other information that could make them unsuitable to work with children.
For babysitters and au pairs, a DBS check demonstrates to parents that you have been vetted and are safe to care for their children. You are providing unsupervised childcare, often in the family’s home, which means parents need absolute confidence in your background.
Most babysitters and au pairs who work regularly with children will need an Enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children’s Barred List.
Do Babysitters Need a DBS Check?
If you babysit on a regular, paid basis, caring for children more than three times within any 30-day period, you are carrying out regulated activity with children. That means you are eligible for an Enhanced DBS check.
Occasional babysitting for friends or family is different from professional, regular babysitting. The legal threshold is based on frequency and whether you are paid, not on the setting.
Au pairs who live with a family and provide regular childcare are almost always in regulated activity and should hold an Enhanced DBS check.
Babysitters & au pairs are one of several roles covered in our childcare DBS checks guide, alongside childcare workers and after-school & holiday club staff.
Apply for Your Babysitter DBS Check. Get your Enhanced DBS check fully online, digital ID verification, e-Bulk submitted today from self-employed-dbs.co.uk.
Until 21 January 2026, self-employed babysitters and au pairs could only apply for a Basic DBS check. For someone entrusted with unsupervised care of children, often overnight, a Basic check was clearly inadequate.
From 21 January 2026, self-employed individuals in paid regulated activity can apply for Enhanced DBS checks through a registered platform. Babysitters and au pairs can now access the level of vetting parents have always wanted to see.
Read more in our guide to DBS changes in 2025 and 2026.
What Type of DBS Check Does a Babysitter Need?
Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List for regular, paid babysitters and au pairs.
Basic DBS for occasional or informal babysitting where the regulated activity threshold is not met.
Read more about Enhanced DBS checks.
How to Get a DBS Check as a Babysitter or Au Pair
The process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online.
Check eligibility
Regular, paid childcare qualifies. Occasional informal babysitting may not.
Register an account
Apply through our platform. No employer or agency needed.
Complete application
Personal details, 5 years of addresses, and your childcare role information.
Verify your identity
Digitally via biometric passport or EU ID card, or with standard documents.
Receive certificate
Posted directly to you. Show the original to parents before your first session.
How Long Does a DBS Check Take for Babysitters?
Enhanced DBS checks typically complete within 14 days via e-Bulk electronic submission.
There is no fast-track route. Read more about how long a DBS check takes.
How Much Does a DBS Check Cost for Babysitters & Au Pairs
DBS check prices can change from time to time. For the most up-to-date costs, including a breakdown of the fees, please visit our DBS check costs for self-employed page.
This guide applies to self-employed workers in England and Wales only. Self-employed workers in Scotland should apply through Disclosure Scotland. In Northern Ireland, the equivalent service is AccessNI. This page is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, contact our support team or consult a qualified legal adviser.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most popular questions we get about DBS Checks and our Platform
Do all babysitters need a DBS check?
Regular, paid babysitters who care for children more than three times in any 30-day period are in regulated activity and should hold an Enhanced DBS check. Occasional informal babysitting for friends may not require one.
Do au pairs need a DBS check?
Yes. Au pairs who live with a family and provide regular childcare are in regulated activity and should hold an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List.
I babysit through an agency. Do I still need my own DBS?
Your agency may process a DBS check on your behalf. If you also babysit independently, having your own certificate through the self-employed route gives you a portable credential.
Can parents check my DBS certificate online?
Only if you register for the DBS Update Service. Parents can then verify your certificate status instantly with your consent.
How long is a DBS certificate valid?
No official expiry date. Parents typically expect a certificate less than three years old, or an active DBS Update Service subscription.
I only babysit one family. Do I still need a DBS?
If you babysit regularly for one family, more than three sessions in 30 days, you are in regulated activity and an Enhanced check is appropriate.
What does the Enhanced DBS check show?
Spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, relevant local police intelligence, and whether you appear on the Children’s Barred List.