Yes, individuals living or working in England and Wales can apply for a Basic DBS Check directly through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The application requires personal details, identity verification documents, and a fee of £21.50. The check reveals only unspent convictions and conditional cautions as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Processing typically takes 14 calendar days from submission. Self-employed individuals may apply for business purposes, though employers cannot request Basic checks on employees’ behalf. The following sections explain eligibility requirements, application procedures, and certificate contents in detail.
What Is a Basic DBS Check?
A Basic DBS Check is a criminal record check that discloses only unspent convictions and conditional cautions held by an individual.
This service is provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service for those residing or working in England or Wales. The check operates under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which determines what information appears on the certificate.
Individuals can apply for a Basic DBS Check directly through the official online platform at a cost of £21.50. The certificate provides detailed information about any criminal history, including the court, offence type, and sentence imposed.
This document serves as proof of good character and is commonly required for employment applications, volunteering positions, and other professional opportunities where organisations need to verify an applicant’s background. It complements other types of DBS checks, which vary in detail and are used based on the role’s safeguarding requirements.
Who Can Apply for a Basic DBS Check?
Individuals living in England or Wales can apply for a Basic DBS Check independently, without requiring sponsorship from an employer or organisation. The check is also available to self-employed persons who need to demonstrate good character for business purposes. Employers may alternatively request Basic DBS Checks on behalf of their employees, volunteers, or contractors, though this differs from Standard and Enhanced checks which must be employer-sponsored. Basic DBS Checks provide results on unspent convictions, making them suitable for general employment needs.
Eligibility for Individual Applications
Who exactly qualifies to request a Basic DBS Check on their own behalf?
Individuals living or working in England or Wales possess eligibility to apply directly for this disclosure, which reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions from their criminal history.
The application process remains accessible for anyone requiring proof of their record for personal purposes, including employment opportunities, volunteering roles, or specific situations such as visa applications and personal alcohol license requests.
Applicants must complete their submission through the designated online platform and pay the £21.50 processing fee.
Importantly, individuals can only request Basic DBS Checks independently; Standard and Enhanced checks remain restricted to employers and organisations requesting them on behalf of candidates for specific roles requiring higher-level criminal record scrutiny.
Employer-Sponsored Check Options
Unlike Standard and Enhanced checks, Basic DBS Checks operate under a distinctly different application framework that prevents employers from requesting them directly on behalf of their workforce.
Only individuals can apply for a Basic DBS Check, which costs £21.50 and reveals unspent convictions relevant to personal employment or volunteer opportunities.
When organization requests require more thorough criminal history information, employers must apply for Standard DBS Checks or Enhanced DBS Checks for their employees and contractors instead.
This distinction guarantees Basic checks remain individual-controlled, whilst Standard and Enhanced options provide employers with necessary safeguarding information.
Individuals seeking to apply for a DBS check at the Basic level maintain complete control over their application process, making this option suitable for roles requiring minimal background verification rather than employer-sponsored thorough screening.
How to Apply Directly Through the Disclosure and Barring Service
When applying for a Basic DBS Check, the most direct route is through the official Disclosure and Barring Service online platform, which offers a straightforward self-service application process for a statutory fee of £21.50.
The application process requires applicants to complete several essential steps:
- Provide personal data, including full address history and payment details
- Complete identity verification through GOV.UK Verify or at a designated Post Office
- Upload valid identification documents and a current selfie photograph
- Submit the application and await processing
After submission, the DBS check certificate is dispatched to the applicant’s specified address, with a typical processing time of 14 calendar days.
Should any inaccuracies appear on the certificate, applicants can contest them by contacting DBS directly within 90 days of the issue date.
Basic DBS checks reveal only unspent convictions and are available to individuals, aligning with the UK’s Rehabilitation of Offenders Act provisions.
Applying Through a Registered Organisation
Although individuals can submit Basic DBS Check applications directly through the official government portal, many applicants choose to proceed through a registered organisation, commonly referred to as a Responsible Organisation, which acts as an intermediary between the applicant and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This approach provides potential assistance throughout the application process, ensuring the application is completed correctly and reducing errors that might delay effective checks. Registered organisations offer support and guidance particularly valuable for those unfamiliar with DBS procedures.
Applicants typically receive eResults whilst one paper certificate is issued to the organisation. Costs include the DBS application’s standard fee of £21.50 plus an intermediary fee that varies between providers.
This method combines professional oversight with streamlined processing for Basic DBS Check requirements. Employers should ensure they have a policy on employing ex-offenders in place when conducting criminal records checks.
Understanding What Your Basic DBS Certificate Contains
Upon receiving a Basic DBS certificate, applicants will find that the document contains only unspent convictions and conditional cautions as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The certificate does not disclose spent convictions, ensuring that offences no longer considered relevant are excluded from the criminal record check.
The Basic DBS certificate provides essential details for employment purposes:
- Conviction dates and specific offences committed
- Sentences or disposals associated with each unspent conviction
- Conditional cautions that remain active on the criminal record
- Format variations between DBS and Access NI certificates (though core information remains consistent)
Understanding conviction status is vital, as employers rely on this certificate to verify applicants meet legal requirements.
Only unspent convictions pertinent to employment or other legal obligations appear on the document.
For roles involving close contact with children or vulnerable adults, employers may instead require an Enhanced DBS check, which can only be requested by registered organizations and includes a more detailed criminal history.
Processing Times and What to Expect
The Basic DBS check processing timeline varies depending on the application method and current demand, though most applications complete within a predictable timeframe. The standard processing time for a Basic DBS check is typically completed within 14 calendar days from the application date. However, many applications processed through online services are finished considerably faster, with numerous checks completed within 48 hours. Applicants receive notifications via email and text messages throughout the processing period, keeping them informed of progress. The certificate is sent via post to the address provided on the application form once processing concludes. Individuals can monitor their application using status tracking features available on the online platform by entering their application reference number and personal details. Compared to other levels, Standard and Enhanced checks can take longer, with Enhanced checks typically requiring 4-8 weeks due to additional police and barred list screening.
Costs and Payment Options for Your Application
Understanding the financial requirements for a Basic DBS check guarantees applicants can prepare accordingly and select the most cost-effective application route. The standard fee varies depending on whether an individual applies directly through the official service or via a registered organisation, which may add intermediary charges. Determining who pays for the check—the applicant or a requesting employer—also affects the overall process and timelines. Employers should be aware that roles involving regulated activities may require enhanced checks with Adults Barred List screening, which carry different fees and legal obligations.
Direct Application Pricing
How much does a Basic DBS Check cost when applying directly? When individuals submit a direct application through the official DBS online platform, the pricing is set at £21.50.
This standard fee applies to all Basic DBS Check applications processed directly without intermediary involvement.
The direct application process includes several key features:
- Payment methods accepted include credit and debit cards during the online platform submission
- Processing time typically completes within 14 calendar days after application submission and payment
- No third-party consent is required for individuals applying independently
- Paper certificates can be sent to a third party upon request
This 21.50 pricing remains consistent for direct applications, though registered organisations may charge additional intermediary fees that differ from this baseline cost.
Registered Organisation Fees
When applicants choose to submit their Basic DBS Check through a registered organisation rather than directly, they should expect to pay more than the standard £21.50 fee. The registered organisation adds an intermediary fee to cover administrative services and application processing. These organisations facilitate DBS checks for employers screening potential employees, though they cannot provide third-party consent for identity verification.
| Fee Component | Typical Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| DBS Standard Fee | £21.50 | Basic disclosure processing |
| Intermediary Fee | Varies | Administrative support, submission handling |
| Total Application Fee | £21.50+ | Complete service package |
The intermediary fee amount differs between registered organisations based on their service offerings. Some provide electronic results (eResults) instead of traditional paper certificates. Employers may cover application costs according to their policies regarding employee screening requirements.
Who Covers Costs
Beyond understanding the fee structure itself, applicants must determine who bears responsibility for payment. Individuals applying for a Basic DBS Check directly through DBS pay £21.50, completing a straightforward online application without requiring third-party consent.
However, payment responsibility varies depending on circumstances:
- Individual applicants typically cover costs themselves when applying independently for personal reasons or new employment opportunities.
- Organizations frequently pay fees on behalf of employees or volunteers as part of their recruitment or safeguarding procedures.
- Registered bodies may charge additional intermediary fees beyond the standard application cost when processing checks.
- Employers often reimburse applicants after successful completion of identity verification and receipt of the certificate.
Organizations covering costs streamline the process for employees whilst maintaining compliance with safeguarding requirements, though applicants should clarify payment arrangements before proceeding.
Identity Verification Requirements
Identity verification for a Basic DBS Check requires applicants to upload identification documents and a selfie for automated verification. Acceptable documents include a passport, driver’s license, or utility bills, which must match the application details precisely.
Online ID verification streamlines the application process by automatically populating data onto the form. Applicants receive two attempts at automated verification; unsuccessful attempts trigger a fallback option for in-branch ID verification at a local post office.
Presenting valid identity documents during verification is essential to verify identity effectively and avoid delays or complications in the application. The system guarantees that identification documents meet required standards before proceeding with the Basic DBS Check. Additionally, applicants can subscribe to the DBS Update Service to enable ongoing status checks and facilitate reuse of their certificate across employers.
Why Standard and Enhanced Checks Aren’t Available to Individuals
Two types of DBS Checks remain unavailable for individuals to apply for directly: Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks.
These checks are specifically reserved for employers, organizations, and recruitment agencies as part of safeguarding and responsible recruitment practices established by the DBS and UK Government.
Individual applicants can only request a Basic DBS Check, which discloses unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Those requiring detailed background checks must have employers submit applications on their behalf.
The checks reveal different levels of information:
- Basic DBS Check: Shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions only
- Standard DBS Check: Discloses unspent convictions, cautions, and some spent convictions
- Enhanced DBS Check: Includes additional police information beyond standard disclosures
- All advanced checks require organizational sponsorship for application
Your DBS profile number is a unique identifier linked to your DBS account that helps manage and track your DBS services and applications.
Correcting Errors or Inaccuracies on Your Certificate
Errors or inaccuracies appearing on a DBS certificate can considerably impact an individual’s employment prospects and must be addressed promptly through the official correction process.
Individuals have 90 days from the certificate issue date to contest inaccuracies by contacting the DBS directly. Corrections can be submitted via email at customerservices@dbs.gsi.gov.uk or by post to the address printed on the certificate.
When submitting corrections, individuals must include relevant supporting information to facilitate effective processing. Those with convictions listed incorrectly should provide documentation proving the inaccuracies.
Individuals can also submit Subject Access Requests to verify what personal information the DBS holds about them. For Access NI certificates, inquiries regarding inaccuracies should be directed to the Department of Justice in Belfast.
Prompt action guarantees employment opportunities remain unaffected by administrative errors on the DBS check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Anyone Request a Basic DBS Check?
Yes, anyone in England and Wales can request a Basic DBS Check for themselves through the online self-service platform.
Unlike Standard and Enhanced checks (which require employer requests), individuals may apply directly for a Basic check. The application costs £21.50 and requires identity verification via GOV.UK Verify or at a Post Office.
The certificate discloses unspent convictions and conditional cautions, making it suitable for employment, volunteering, and licensing applications.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Basic DBS?
A Basic DBS check costs £21.50 when applied for directly through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Applications through a registered organisation (Responsible Organisation) may include additional intermediary charges, increasing the total cost.
In Northern Ireland, applications submitted to Access NI cost £16.
Payment must be made in full at the time of application.
Employers may cover the fee for employee applications.
The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Is It Worth Getting a Basic DBS Check?
A Basic DBS Check proves worthwhile for individuals seeking employment, volunteering positions, or self-employment opportunities where demonstrating good character is advantageous.
At £21.50, it provides affordable verification of unspent convictions or conditional cautions within 14 days.
The check is particularly valuable when required for specific purposes, including alcohol licensing, visa applications, or roles where employers or clients request criminal record evidence, making it a practical investment in professional credibility.
What’s the Difference Between a Basic and Enhanced DBS Check?
A Basic DBS Check reveals only unspent convictions and conditional cautions, which individuals can request directly.
An Enhanced DBS Check discloses both spent and unspent convictions, plus additional police information relevant to specific roles. Enhanced checks cannot be requested by individuals—only employers or registered organisations can apply for them on behalf of employees.
Enhanced checks are typically required for positions involving vulnerable groups, whilst Basic checks suit general employment or volunteering purposes.
Conclusion
Obtaining a basic DBS check is straightforward for individuals aged 16 and over in England and Wales. Applicants must apply directly through the DBS website or use a registered umbrella organisation, providing valid identity documents and paying the applicable fee. The certificate reveals unspent convictions only and typically arrives within 14 days. Applicants should verify all details upon receipt and request corrections immediately if inaccuracies appear, ensuring the certificate remains accurate for employment or voluntary purposes.