DBS Checks for Cleaner
Apply for your Enhanced DBS check today, fully online with digital ID verification.
What Is a DBS Check for Cleaners?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals whether you have any criminal convictions, cautions, or whether you appear on the Children’s Barred List or Adults’ Barred List. For self-employed cleaners working in homes with children or vulnerable adults, an Enhanced DBS check is the standard check required by clients and care providers.
An Enhanced DBS check includes information about spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and barred list status. It also includes local police intelligence where it is considered relevant to the role. For cleaners, this means clients can be confident you have been properly vetted before you work unsupervised in their homes.
Before January 2026, self-employed cleaners could only obtain a Basic DBS check, which shows unspent convictions only. The gap this created was significant: a cleaner could legally work in a vulnerable person’s home even if they were on the Adults’ Barred List. That gap is now closed. Self-employed cleaners can now apply for an Enhanced DBS check through a registered provider like self-employed-dbs.co.uk.
Do Self-Employed Cleaners Need a DBS Check?
Yes, if you work in homes with children or vulnerable adults. Care providers, schools, and private clients increasingly expect or require an Enhanced DBS check before allowing you to work unsupervised in their homes. If you work for a cleaning agency, your employer arranges the check. If you are self-employed, you arrange it yourself.
Whether you need a check depends on the setting. Cleaners working in private homes with vulnerable occupants (elderly people, people with disabilities, or children) fall into regulated activity and require an Enhanced DBS check. Cleaners working in commercial offices or businesses do not typically need a check unless a specific client requests one.
Self-employed cleaners working with vulnerable people: get your Enhanced DBS check fully online, digital ID verified, e-submitted today from self-employed-dbs.co.uk.
Until 21 January 2026, self-employed cleaners had no legal route to obtain an Enhanced DBS check. You could only get a Basic check, which does not include barred list information or spent convictions. This meant clients could not fully verify you were safe to work in their homes.
A Statutory Instrument that came into force on 21 January 2026 changed this. It amended the Police Act 1997 to allow paid self-employed workers — including cleaners — to apply for Enhanced DBS checks for the first time. The change closes a safeguarding gap that had existed for years: cleaners working unsupervised with vulnerable people can now be properly vetted before they start work.
For self-employed cleaners, this is a significant shift. Clients who previously had no way to verify your background can now request an Enhanced DBS certificate. Many are already beginning to do so. This is not optional: if a client asks for it, you cannot work without one.
You can read the full story of what changed, and why, in our guide to DBS changes in 2025 and 2026.
What Type of DBS Check Does a Cleaner Need?
An Enhanced DBS check is the standard check for self-employed cleaners working in homes with vulnerable people. It shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and confirms you are not on the Children’s Barred List or Adults’ Barred List.
You can apply for an Enhanced DBS check on its own, or with a Barred List check included. Most cleaners apply for the Enhanced DBS check with both barred lists included, as this is what clients and care providers expect. This single check covers everything: criminal history, barred list status, and local police intelligence relevant to the role.
A Standard DBS check is not typically required for cleaners. This check is used for roles with regular access to children but not in a caring capacity. A Basic DBS check only shows unspent convictions and is not sufficient if you work with vulnerable people.
How to Get a DBS Check as a Self-Employed Cleaner
The process is straightforward, though it differs from the route an employed cleaner would take.
Check eligibility
You must be paid and in a qualifying role. Volunteers are not covered.
Register an account
Self-employed applicants cannot submit directly to the DBS.
Complete application
Personal details, 5 years of addresses, and your 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 your client or parent.
How Long Does a DBS Check Take for a Cleaner?
Most Enhanced DBS checks are processed within 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DBS receives your application. Some applications are processed faster, while others may take longer if the DBS needs to conduct additional checks.
The time from when you submit your application to us to when the DBS receives it is typically 1 to 2 working days. After that, the DBS takes over and processes the application at their pace. There is no guaranteed fast-track service for Enhanced checks, despite what some providers claim.
Once you receive your certificate, it is valid indefinitely. However, many clients and care providers ask cleaners to renew their Enhanced DBS every 3 years as a safeguarding best practice. You can renew at any time if you choose to, or subscribe to the DBS Update Service, which allows clients to check your current status online without needing a new certificate.
How Much Does a DBS Check Cost for a Cleaner?
| Check Type | DBS Fee |
|---|---|
| Enhanced DBS | £49.50 |
| Enhanced + Barred List | £49.50 |
| DBS Update Service | £16/year |
The DBS statutory fee is VAT-exempt. No payment is taken until your application is ready to submit. For a full breakdown of all fees, see our pricing page.
This guide applies to self-employed cleaners in England and Wales only. Self-employed cleaners 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 I need an Enhanced DBS check if I only clean commercial offices?
No. Cleaners working in offices, shops, or commercial premises do not fall into regulated activity and do not need an Enhanced DBS check unless a specific client requests one. If a client does ask, you can apply for a Standard or Enhanced check depending on their requirements.
Can I work as a self-employed cleaner without a DBS check?
Yes, if you do not work with vulnerable people. However, if a client asks for one, you cannot legally work in their home without providing it. Most clients working with care services, schools, or vulnerable adults now expect an Enhanced DBS check before allowing you access.
What is the difference between an Enhanced DBS and a Basic DBS for cleaners?
A Basic DBS shows only unspent criminal convictions. An Enhanced DBS shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, barred list status, and local police intelligence relevant to the role. For cleaners working with vulnerable people, an Enhanced DBS is essential and provides clients with full verification of your background.
How often do I need to renew my Enhanced DBS check as a cleaner?
There is no legal requirement to renew. Your certificate is valid indefinitely. However, many clients and care providers ask cleaners to renew every 3 years as a safeguarding best practice. Alternatively, you can subscribe to the DBS Update Service (£16 per year) and skip the need for a new certificate.
Can I apply for a DBS check if I have a criminal record?
Yes. A DBS check reveals your criminal history but does not automatically disqualify you from working. Whether you can work with vulnerable people depends on the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and the specific circumstances. Each case is assessed individually. If you have concerns, contact our support team before applying.
What if my DBS check reveals something I did not expect?
You have the right to challenge any information on your DBS certificate if you believe it is incorrect. Contact the DBS directly to request a review. You can also contact our support team for guidance on next steps.
How do I verify my identity for the DBS application?
We use a secure digital ID verification system. You submit a photo of your passport, driving licence, or other valid ID, and our system verifies it instantly. This is faster and more secure than posting documents by post.