A Basic DBS Check costs £21.50 as the mandatory government fee, with providers adding administration charges that typically range from £5.45 to £24.00. This brings the total cost to between £26.95 and £45.50 per check, depending on which service processes the application. Bulk orders of 10 or more checks can reduce the per-unit price. The check provides a certificate of unspent convictions, usually delivered within 2 – 3 days of application. Understanding pricing structures and provider comparisons reveals opportunities for significant cost savings.
Breaking Down the Total Cost of a Basic DBS Check
The total cost of a Basic DBS Check comprises two distinct components that determine the final price an applicant pays.
The first element is a constant DBS fee of £21.50, which remains fixed regardless of order quantity. The second component is the provider fee, which varies according to the number of checks requested.For orders between 1-50 Basic DBS Checks, the combined total reaches
For single orders the company fee is £11 but then will go down to as little as £6 per check depending on the amount of checks you are buying. This tiered pricing structure means the fee decreases as order volumes increase, providing cost benefits for bulk purchases.
Additionally, digital background screening offers faster turnaround and real-time tracking, with most checks completing within 48 hours thanks to automatic email alerts and secure online processing.
Government Fees vs. Provider Admin Fees Explained
When applicants purchase a Basic DBS Check, they encounter two separate fee components that together determine the total amount payable.
The Government Fee remains fixed at £21.50 for all Basic DBS Checks, regardless of the provider or quantity requested. This statutory charge covers the administrative costs of processing the disclosure through official channels.
Providers add an Admin Fee to cover their operational expenses, which varies considerably between organisations. For instance, MyVetting.com charges £11 as an Admin Fee when buying just one check, resulting in a total cost of £32.5.
Other providers may impose higher or lower charges, creating substantial price variations across the market.
Applicants should carefully compare Admin Fees between providers, as some organisations include inflated or undisclosed charges that increase overall costs beyond reasonable expectations.
Additionally, applicants should consider whether they plan to use the DBS Update Service, which can help manage ongoing check status for Standard and Enhanced certificates but does not replace the need for new checks.
How Basic DBS Pricing Compares Across Different Providers
Although all Basic DBS Check providers must charge the same £21.50 government fee, the total cost applicants pay varies greatly based on administrative fees imposed by individual organisations.
Applicants seeking a cost-effective option should compare admin fees carefully before selecting a provider.
Bulk application discounts further reduce per-check costs with certain organisations like MyVetting.com
Comparing total pricing guarantees applicants identify the most economical provider for their Basic DBS Check requirements.
Even when considering Basic DBS pricing, employers must remember that roles involving regulated activities with vulnerable adults may require enhanced checks that include the Adults Barred List, a legal safeguard to ensure safer recruitment and compliance.
Ways to Reduce Your Basic DBS Check Expenses
Understanding the pricing variations among providers establishes the foundation for implementing strategic approaches to further reduce Basic DBS Check expenses.
Organizations requiring multiple checks should utilize bulk pricing options, which reduce DBS check costs from £37.20 per check (1-50 applications) to £28.90 for volumes exceeding 1,001 checks.
Applicants should compare administrative fees charged by different Umbrella Bodies to identify competitive pricing structures.
Partnerships between employers enable shared costs for Basic DBS Checks, distributing expenses across multiple organizations.
Online dbs check platforms like myvetting.com offering customer loyalty programs provide discounts for frequent users, minimizing repeated application costs.
Applicants should only request checks when genuinely necessary, as the standard Basic DBS Check costs £27.50 per application.
Regular fee reviews assure organizations maintain access to the most cost-effective processing options available.
Employers should confirm whether a role truly needs a Basic, Standard, or Enhanced check based on eligibility requirements, since requesting the correct level prevents unnecessary expense and ensures legal compliance.
What You Get for Your Money With a Basic DBS Check
A Basic DBS Check for £27.50 provides applicants with a certificate detailing their unspent convictions and conditional cautions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This criminal record disclosure allows individuals to demonstrate their background to employers, volunteer organisations, or licensing authorities.
The service includes direct online application without requiring third-party involvement, reducing administrative delays. Results typically arrive within 24 hours of submission, enabling swift employment or licensing decisions.
The process requires providing personal data, a five-year address history, and two identification documents that comply with DBS guidelines. The certificate remains valid indefinitely as a snapshot of the applicant’s criminal record at the time of issue, though organisations may request updated checks periodically. You can verify whether a certificate is still current through the DBS update service, which allows organisations to check for any changes since the certificate was issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a DBS Check Cost in the UK?
A Basic DBS Check costs £21.50 when applying directly through the government service.
However, using third-party platforms like Myvetting.com increases the total cost, ranging from £32.50 for 1-50 checks to £27.50 for bulk applications exceeding 1,001 checks.
These additional fees cover administration and processing services.
Applicants can avoid extra charges by applying independently online, paying only the standard government fee of £21.50.
Do You Have to Pay for Basic DBS?
Yes, individuals must pay for a Basic DBS check.
The standard government fee is £21.50, though the total cost typically ranges to approximately £26.95 when applying through online platforms that include administrative charges.
There are no free Basic DBS checks available, regardless of the application method chosen.
However, individuals can minimise costs by applying directly online themselves, rather than through third-party organisations that may charge additional processing fees beyond the standard rate.
How Quickly Can I Get a Basic DBS Check?
A Basic DBS check typically processes within 24 hours, though the standard turnaround time extends up to 72 hours.
Most applications complete sooner than the maximum timeframe. Applications submitted before 4pm on weekdays benefit from fast-track processing options, potentially reducing waiting times further.
Applicants can monitor their application status online through real-time tracking systems. The efficient processing relies on automated verification systems and streamlined identity checks, ensuring quick results for employers and individuals requiring clearance.
What Are the Disadvantages of Basic DBS?
Basic DBS checks reveal only unspent convictions and conditional cautions, omitting spent convictions that may be relevant for certain positions.
They do not satisfy requirements for roles involving regulated activity or vulnerable individuals, which necessitate Standard or Enhanced checks.
Individuals cannot request these higher-level checks independently.
The application process requires five years of address history and personal data, potentially creating barriers for some applicants.
Conclusion
A basic DBS check costs £21.5 when applied for directly through the government, though some providers charge additional administration fees ranging from £6 to £11. Applicants should compare provider pricing structures, verify whether their employer covers the cost, and apply directly through the DBS website when possible to minimise expenses. The check provides a certificate confirming unspent convictions, delivering essential employment verification for many UK positions requiring basic criminal record disclosure.