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DBS Update Service

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Update Service allows:

  • applicants to keep their DBS certificates up to date
  • employers and voluntary organisations (or third parties acting on their behalf) to check a DBS certificate

The service is for standard and enhanced DBS checks only.

You need to request a new DBS check in a different way.

Register

You need to register for the Update Service.

It costs £16 per year and you can pay by debit or credit card.

There’s no charge if you’re a volunteer.

To qualify as a volunteer, you must not:

  • be paid for the role, apart from approved travel and out-of-pocket expenses
  • benefit financially from the role
  • be on a work placement
  • be a trainee or studying for a qualification that will lead to a full-time role
  • be a paid foster carer or kinship carer, or a member of their household

If you are in the process of getting a standard or enhanced DBS check

You will need your application reference number (called ‘form ref’ on your application form).

DBS must receive your application form within 28 days.

You can use the DBS tracking service to check the progress of your DBS certificate.

If you already have a standard or enhanced DBS certificate

You will need your certificate number. You must register for the Update Service within 30 days of the certificate being issued.

For basic DBS checks

For basic checks, register for an online services account instead of using the Update Service.

Sign in

Once you’ve registered, you can sign in to the Update Service to:

  • add or remove a certificate
  • give permission for an organisation to check whether anything has changed on your certificate
  • see who’s checked if anything’s changed on your certificate
  • view your details

You’ll be able to take your DBS certificate from one role to the next, unless:

  • an organisation asks you to get a new certificate
  • you need a certificate for a different type of ‘workforce’ (for example, you have an ‘adult workforce’ certificate and need a ‘child workforce’ certificate)
  • you need a different level of certificate (for example, you have a standard DBS certificate and need an enhanced DBS certificate)

The organisation can tell you what DBS certificate they need you to have.

Renew your subscription

A subscription to the Update Service lasts for one year.

You can renew your subscription through the Update Service, either:

  • when you first register, by choosing automatic renewal
  • up to 30 days before your current subscription ends - but you cannot renew on the last day of your subscription

Sign in to the Update Service to renew your subscription.

If you do not renew your subscription before it ends, you’ll need to apply for a new DBS check and register for the Update Service again.

Employers and other organisations

To check a DBS certificate status online, you must:

You do not need to pay or register to carry out a status check. You can see the results from the check straight away.

Read the detailed guidance for employers.

If you need help

DBS customer services
customerservices@dbs.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 0200 190
Welsh: 0300 0200 191
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 03000 200 192
British Sign Language (BSL): download or log in to Convo
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)
Find out about call charges
Get help through DBS webchat

Transgender applications
sensitive@dbs.gov.uk

Sensitive applications team
Customer services
PO Box 165
Liverpool
L69 3JD

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