What is a DBS certificate?
A DBS certificate is the paper certificate issued after a Disclosure and Barring Service check has been completed. It records the result of the check, based on the level requested, and helps employers, clients, parents or private individuals make a safer recruitment or hiring decision.
For self-employed professionals in England and Wales, the main point is eligibility. You cannot choose a higher level of DBS check simply because it would look better to clients. The role must qualify for that level. Self Employed DBS helps eligible self-employed people apply for enhanced DBS checks, including enhanced checks with barred list information where the role allows it.
What a DBS certificate is
A DBS certificate is the official result of a criminal record check processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The certificate is issued to the applicant and can then be shown to a person or organisation that has a proper reason to see it.
The certificate is not a licence, qualification or guarantee that someone is safe. It is one part of a wider safeguarding or suitability decision. A private tutor, carer, sports coach or therapist may use a DBS certificate to help reassure clients, but the client should still consider references, experience, insurance, safeguarding policies and how the service will be delivered.
The information shown depends on the level of check. A basic certificate is different from a standard certificate, and an enhanced certificate can include additional police information if it is relevant to the role. Some enhanced checks can also show whether the person is on the Children’s barred list, the Adults’ barred list or both.
What information can appear on a DBS certificate
A DBS certificate can show criminal record information, but the detail depends on the level of check and the legal filtering rules. Filtering means certain old or minor information is not disclosed on a certificate where the law says it should be removed.
At the simplest level, a basic DBS certificate shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions. A standard DBS certificate can show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions from the Police National Computer, subject to filtering. An enhanced DBS certificate includes the same criminal record information as a standard check, plus relevant information held by local police.
An enhanced DBS certificate with barred list information goes further. If the role is eligible, it can show whether the person is barred from regulated activity with children, adults or both. This matters for roles involving certain work with children or adults receiving health care, personal care or social care services.
A certificate may also come back with no information disclosed. People often call this a clear DBS certificate, but it is better to say that the certificate shows no disclosed information at the time it was issued.
The four main DBS check levels
There are four common DBS certificate types: basic, standard, enhanced and enhanced with barred list information. The role determines the level, not the applicant’s preference or the client’s preference.
A basic DBS check can be used for any role or purpose and individuals can apply for one themselves through DBS. Standard and enhanced checks are restricted. They are available only where the role is covered by the relevant legal rules. Asking for a higher-level check when the role is not eligible is not allowed.
Self Employed DBS provides enhanced DBS checks for eligible self-employed people. If your role is not eligible for an enhanced check, you may need to consider a different route, such as a basic DBS check through the official DBS service.
If you are unsure which level applies, start with role eligibility rather than price or speed. Our DBS Eligibility Check tool can help you understand whether your self-employed work may qualify for an enhanced DBS check.
How an enhanced DBS certificate is usually obtained
For eligible self-employed people, the process is straightforward when the role has been checked first and the identity documents are ready.
Check role eligibility
Confirm whether the work qualifies for an enhanced DBS check and whether barred list information is allowed for the role.
Choose an Umbrella Body
Use a provider that can process enhanced DBS checks for eligible self-employed applicants and explain the correct workforce.
Complete the application
Provide accurate personal details, address history and the information needed for the application. Mistakes can cause delays.
Verify identity
Your identity must be checked in line with DBS requirements before the application can move through the checking stages.
Receive and use the certificate
The certificate is posted to you. You can show the original to clients and, where suitable, join or use the Update Service.
How DBS certificates work for self-employed people
Since 21 January 2026, eligible self-employed people and personal employees have been able to apply for enhanced and enhanced with barred list DBS checks through a DBS Umbrella Body. This is useful for people who work directly for private clients, such as private tutors, personal carers, sports coaches, music teachers and other eligible roles.
The self-employed person must apply for their own eligible enhanced DBS check through an Umbrella Body. A private parent, client or householder cannot apply for the check on the worker’s behalf. If the self-employed person contracts with an organisation, that organisation may apply for the check where its own policies and the role allow it.
Eligibility can be role-specific. For example, a private tutor working regularly with children may need a different check from a tradesperson entering a home to complete ordinary repair work. If you want more detail on this route, read our guide on how to apply for a DBS check if you’re self-employed.
How clients, parents and private individuals should use a certificate
If you are buying services from a self-employed person, you can ask to see their DBS certificate where it is appropriate for the role. You should look at the original certificate rather than relying on a screenshot, copy or a promise that a check has been completed.
Check that the name and details match the person you are considering, that the certificate level suits the role, and that the workforce is relevant. For example, a child workforce certificate for private tutoring is not the same as an adult workforce certificate for personal care. Where barred list information is needed, make sure the certificate actually includes the relevant barred list check.
DBS certificate information is sensitive personal information. It should be used only for the specific suitability decision and should not be shared with other people. If information appears on a certificate, the fair response is to consider its relevance to the work, the context of the role and any explanation from the applicant.
For role examples, see our pages for tutors, care workers and other DBS checks by occupation and role.
Does a DBS certificate expire?
A DBS certificate does not have a fixed expiry date printed into the DBS system. It is a snapshot of information available when the check was carried out. A client, employer, agency or regulator may still set its own renewal policy, often asking for a new check after a set period.
The DBS Update Service can help eligible people keep standard or enhanced certificates up to date. It is not available for basic DBS checks. For standard and enhanced certificates, an applicant can join during the application or within 30 days of the certificate issue date. The subscription costs £16 per year for paid roles and is free for eligible volunteers.
The Update Service can be especially useful for self-employed workers with more than one client, but the same conditions still matter. A status check is useful only where the role is in the same workforce and needs the same level of check. For a fuller explanation, read our guide to the DBS Update Service for self-employed workers.
This guide is general information for England and Wales. DBS eligibility depends on the specific role, duties, setting and frequency of work. Self Employed DBS can help with enhanced DBS checks for eligible self-employed applicants, but it cannot guarantee eligibility, certificate content, processing times or the decision made by a client, employer or regulator.
Need an enhanced DBS certificate for self-employed work?
If your role is eligible, Self Employed DBS can help you apply for the appropriate enhanced DBS check online. Start by giving us the details of your work so the application can be handled against the right role and workforce.