How do I get a basic DBS check?

For people who need a basic criminal record check for a job or volunteering role in England or Wales.

Applies to: England, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Apply online for a basic DBS check; it costs £20. It usually takes up to 3 days to process, then a paper certificate is posted to you.

You must be 16 or over.
It only shows convictions that aren't 'spent'.
You'll need addresses for the last 5 years and to prove your identity with GOV.UK One Login.
It's for jobs in England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own checks.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Scotland: Check mygov.scot for Scotland
Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

£20
Up to 3 days to process
Age 16 or over

What a basic DBS check is

A basic DBS check is a copy of your criminal record from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It is for people working in England and Wales. It shows convictions and conditional cautions that are "unspent" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Spent convictions do not show.

You can also apply if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland but are applying for a job in England or Wales.

New lower fee from 5 October 2026

From Monday 5 October 2026, a basic DBS check costs £20. It was £21.50 before that date. This includes checks for volunteers.

Check	Fee from 5 October 2026	Fee before
Basic	£20.00	£21.50
Standard	£20.00	£21.50
Enhanced	£41.00	£49.50
Update Service (per year)	£15.00	£16.00

What you need

To be 16 or over.
Your addresses for the last 5 years, with the dates you lived at each one.
Your passport, driving licence and National Insurance number, if you have them.
To prove your identity with GOV.UK One Login.
A debit or credit card.

How to apply

Go to the "Request a basic DBS check" page on GOV.UK. The service is open from 8am to 11:30pm.
Prove your identity using GOV.UK One Login.
Enter your personal details and 5 year address history.
Pay the £20 fee.

How long it takes

It usually takes up to 3 days to process an application, but it can sometimes take longer. A paper certificate is then posted to you.

After you get your certificate

Show the certificate to the employer who asked for it. Some cautions stop showing after 3 months, so a recent caution may not appear for long.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

For jobs in Scotland, you apply for a Basic Disclosure through mygov.scot. For jobs in Northern Ireland, you apply for a check through AccessNI on nidirect.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Apply for a basic DBS check

Common questions

What shows up on a basic DBS check?

It shows convictions and conditional cautions that are unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Do volunteers pay for a basic DBS check?

Yes, all basic checks cost £20, including for volunteers.

How much is an enhanced DBS check?

From 5 October 2026, an enhanced DBS check costs £41 and a standard check costs £20.

Can I get a basic DBS check if I live in Scotland?

Yes, if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland but the job you're applying for is in England or Wales.

Official sources

1.Request a basic DBS checkwww.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record
2.Basic DBS checks: guidancewww.gov.uk/guidance/basic-dbs-checks-guidance
3.DBS reduces fees from 5 October 2026www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-reduces-fees-for-checks-and-update-service-from-5-october-2026

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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