DBS checks for self-employed carers and support workers
Caring for people in their homes, working as a PA on direct payments, or providing live-in support? You can now apply for your own Enhanced DBS check. Find your role and see what you're likely to need.
Free to register. See our DBS check costs.Find your role and check level
Pick your role for the full details. The level you get depends on what you do, who with and how often, so the eligibility checker confirms it before you pay.
How the barred lists work
The Children's Barred List is usually added when you teach, train, coach, care for or supervise under-18s once a week or more, on 4 or more days in any 30-day period, or overnight (between 2am and 6am). Less often than that, you'll usually get an Enhanced check without it.
The Adults' Barred List applies when you provide health care (as, or under the direction of, a regulated health professional), personal care, social work, help with cash, bills or shopping, help managing someone's affairs, or transport linked to that care. There's no minimum frequency: doing it once can count.
How to get your care & support DBS check
Apply online, verify your ID digitally and track your check from start to finish.
Check eligibility
Answer a few questions about your work to confirm your check level.
Register and apply
Create your account and complete your application online.
Verify your identity
Confirm your ID digitally. We check and submit your application to the DBS.
Receive certificate
Posted to you. Track it, then join the Update Service.
Who will ask to see your check
The person you support and their family
Will want to see your certificate before you start, and may check it on the Update Service.
Direct payments and personal budget teams
Often expect PAs to have an Enhanced check with the Adults' Barred List.
Care platforms and introductory agencies
Usually ask for a recent Enhanced check before listing you.
Care & Support DBS check FAQs
Can a self-employed carer get an Enhanced DBS check?
Yes. Since 21 January 2026 self-employed carers and personal employees can apply for their own Enhanced check through a registered Umbrella Body.
Will my check include the Adults' Barred List?
Usually, if you provide personal care, health care, or help with someone's money, bills, shopping or affairs. There's no minimum frequency for adult roles.
I'm a PA paid through direct payments. Who applies?
You do. The person or family employing you can't apply on your behalf, so you apply through an Umbrella Body like us.
I support adults and children. Can I get both barred lists?
Yes, if your role involves regulated activity with both. The eligibility checker will tell you.
How do I show my check to new clients?
Join the Update Service. You can then give clients your certificate number and permission to check it online, for free.
More answers in our DBS check FAQs.
Useful guidance
- Skills for Care: employing a PA
- GOV.UK: DBS checks for self-employed people
- How the Update Service works
Ready to apply?
Free to register. You only pay once you've confirmed your check level.
This guide applies to self-employed people in England and Wales. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland and Northern Ireland uses AccessNI. It's guidance only, not legal advice.