Update Service and other DBS online services
DBS offers a number of online services, including the Update Service, DBS online accounts and online tracking.
Update Service
Access the Update Service here.
The Update Service is an online subscription that allows individuals to keep their standard or enhanced DBS checks up-to-date, and allows organisations to check online whether a paper certificate presented to them by an individual is still up-to-date.
DBS check applicants can join the Update Service as soon as they have their application form reference number.
The Update Service is specifically designed for subscription by individual applicants who have already received or have applied for a DBS certificate. The Terms and Conditions make it clear that the subscriber should use their own personal information, including their email address. Update Service accounts must not be controlled by a third party.
The Update Service Privacy Policy can be found here.
Subscribe to the Update Service
Log in to the Update Service
Perform a status check as an employer
Update Service guidance for applicants
Update Service guidance for employers
DBS online account
You can access the DBS online account portal here and the below PDFs detail how to create, activate and edit your DBS online account, alongside some other actions.
Please note the online account is for Barring referrals, basic check products, and granting third party access. It cannot be used to apply for a standard check, enhanced check or to join the Update Service.
Account Reset
If you are unable to access your online account, and wish your account to be reset, please see information below:
If you have forgotten your username or password, please see the trouble signing in guidance.
If you have forgotten your memorable word, please telephone the DBS Call centre on 03000 200 190, selecting option 2 and then option 1.
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A Call Centre agent will use an account management tool, to ask for the answers to 2 of the 3 security questions, you originally set when creating your account.
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Providing you confirm that information, the system will reveal the memorable word to the agent.
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The agent can then share this information with you, allowing you to access your online account.
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Once logged in, you will be prompted to change your security questions and memorable word.
If you cannot remember your security questions or need additional support in resetting your account, please complete the form and email it into customerservices@dbs.gov.uk. A Customercustomer Serviceservice agent will thenarrange bethis ablewith toour reset3rd yourparty accountIT providers on your behalf.
Account deletion
If you want to have your online account deleted, please complete the form and email it into customerservices@dbs.gov.uk. A Customercustomer Serviceservice agent will thenarrange bethis ablewith toour delete3rd yourparty accountIT providers on your behalf.
If you wish to have your data erased (right to erasure) then please see the Deletion of Data GOV.UK page.
Apply for a basic DBS check
Individuals can now apply for a basic check through our online application route.
Apply for a basic DBS check online
DBS basic check information
Track your basic DBS application
Information about how to track your basic application can be found here or within the PDF below.
View a basic DBS certificate
Your DBS online account can also be used to view your own basic DBS certificate or an applicant’s basic DBS certificate if you are an employer.
Track your standard or enhanced DBS application
Track your standard or enhanced DBS application
Multiple tracking
Multiple tracking of standard or enhanced applications
Make an online barring referral
More information about barring referrals can be found here.
Online referral form
Updates to this page
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Information has been added about how the Update Service is designed for individuals, and should not be controlled by 3rd parties.
Update history
2026-05-14 14:47
Request for reset/deletion of basic online account form has been updated.
2025-09-25 10:13
Updated to reflect that when you complete the request for reset/deletion of basic online account form for a reset or deletion, a customer service agent will arrange this with our 3rd party IT providers on your behalf.
2025-04-03 10:08
Information has been added about how the Update Service is designed for individuals, and should not be controlled by 3rd parties.
2025-03-14 14:03
Information has been added about resetting your account, deleting your account, and the option to erase your data. The request for reset or deletions for online account form has also been uploaded.
2025-01-29 16:55
The ‘link your online account to a DBS profile’ leaflet has been updated to reflect the new process for obtaining an authorisation code.