Change of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-update-service-employer-guide

Change description : 2026-01-16 15:25:00: Information has been added about the new self-employed guidance that came into effect from 21 Jan 2026 [Guidance and regulation]

Showing diff : 2025-06-24 13:44:45.284052686 +00:00..2026-01-16 15:25:46.547850426 +00:00

Guidance

DBS Update Service: employer guide

As an employer, you can access the Update Service to do status checks on an individual’s standardStandard or enhancedEnhanced DBS certificate, if they've joined the service.

From:
Disclosure and Barring Service
Published
23 May 2013
Last updated
2416 JuneJanuary 20252026 — See all updates

Documents

DBS Update Service: employer guide

HTML

Gwasanaeth Diweddaru’r DBS: canllaw i gyflogwyr

HTML

Details

You don’t need to register or pay to carry out a status check, however you must be legally entitled to carry out a check and have the person’s permission.

Currently the Update Service is only available for standardStandard and enhancedEnhanced checks. The Update Service cannot be used for basicBasic checks.

Updates to this page

Published 23 May 2013
Last updated 2416 JuneJanuary 20252026 + show all updates

  2. A line has been added to clarify that original certificates must be checked in person, copies or viewing certificates over video link is not permitted.

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Update history

2026-01-16 15:25
Information has been added about the new self-employed guidance that came into effect from 21 Jan 2026

2025-06-24 14:44
A line has been added to clarify that original certificates must be checked in person, copies or viewing certificates over video link is not permitted.

2025-04-03 10:08
Section added to explain that applicants should have control of their Update Service subscription, and what to do if they don’t

2024-12-02 00:00
Information about the fees for the Update Service has been updated.