GovWire

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

• applicants to keep their DBS certificates up to date
• employers to check a DBS certificate

The service is for standard and enhanced DBS checks only.

Register

You need to register for the Update Service.

It costs 16 per year and you can pay by debit or credit card. Theres no charge if youre a volunteer.

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.

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 youve registered, you can sign in to the Update Service to:

• add or remove a certificate
• give employers permission to check if anythings changed on your certificate
• see whos checked if anythings changed on your certificate
• view your details

Youll be able to take your DBS certificate from one job to the next, unless:

• an employer 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 certificate (for example, you have a standard DBS certificate and need an enhanced one)

The employer 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, youll 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:

• be legally entitled to carry out a check
• have the workers permission

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