DBS checks explained

What is a DBS check?

If you’re starting a job, volunteering or renewing a professional licence, you might need a DBS check.

It’s a background check for criminal convictions or cautions. In England and Wales, it’s done by the Disclosure and Barring Service. In Scotland, it’s Disclosure Scotland. And in Northern Ireland, it’s AccessNI.

Many jobs and sectors need a DBS check. They include social work, childminding, veterinary care, solicitors and accountants. Employers use it to decide who can work with the public, children or vulnerable adults.

Post Office helps around 200,000 people get DBS checks in branches across the UK every year. This guide explains the types of checks, how they work and how we can help.

Types of DBS check explained

There are four main types of DBS check. Your employer or organisation will tell you which one you need.

Basic DBS check

This is the lowest level. It shows any unspent convictions. Employers can ask for this for any job, but it’s common for roles that deal with the public, like delivery drivers or charity workers.

Standard DBS check

This shows more detail, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings. It’s usually needed for jobs working with children or vulnerable adults, such as social workers or childminders. From this level onwards, you’ll need extra documents to prove your identity.

Enhanced DBS check

If you work closely with children or vulnerable adults, you may need this. It includes everything in the Standard check plus any other relevant information held by the police.

Enhanced with Barred List DBS check

This adds a search of the ‘barred lists’ of people banned from working with children or vulnerable adults. Teachers, doctors and others with high responsibility in unsupervised roles usually need this level.

Not sure which type of check you need?

Use the DBS eligibility tool on GOV.UK

How to get a DBS check

You can apply for a Basic DBS check yourself on the GOV.UK website.

For Standard, Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred Lists checks, your employer or organisation will start the application online.

After that, you’ll need to show your original documents in person to prove your identity.

How Post Office can help

About 1,150 Post Office branches across the UK can verify your identity documents for DBS checks.

If you need a Basic check but can’t confirm your identity online, start an online application but choose ‘Prove your identity in person.’ Then pop into a participating branch and we’ll verify your documents for you.

For Standard and Enhanced checks, these branches can also verify the ID documents you need.

What to bring

When you visit a branch, bring:

• Your in-branch verification letter
• The original ID documents you’ve chosen for your application, eg passport, driving licence or a recent bank statement

Our team will send your verified documents to the organisation handling your DBS application so they can complete the check.

Find a branch that offers DBS verification

How long does a DBS check take?

Processing times vary depending on the type of check and your circumstances.

• Basic DBS check: Usually completed within 3-10 working days
• Standard or Enhanced checks: Often completed within 2-4 weeks, though it can take longer if your application needs to be reviewed by multiple police forces

Delays can happen if information is missing or if you’ve lived in several different areas.

Once processed, your certificate will be posted directly to you at the address you provided.

How long does a DBS check last?

DBS certificates don’t have an official expiry date. Each certificate reflects your record on the date it was issued. It’s up to your employer or organisation to decide how often you’ll need to renew your check. Many request a new one every one to three years.

You can also subscribe to the DBS Update Service to keep your certificate up to date and allow future employers to check it online. This can save time and cost if you change jobs or work with multiple organisations.