Standard DBS Checks with EasyDBS
Employers choose EasyDBS to handle their Standard DBS Checks
Standard Criminal Record Checks
A Standard DBS check is an England & Wales criminal background screening that gives employers information about an individual’s criminal history. It shows any unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer.
Standard online DBS Check Within 24 Hours
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All About Standard DBS Checks
What is the Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS check is a criminal record check in the UK that allows employers to review an individual’s criminal history. It is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and is commonly used for roles where a higher level of background screening is required.
What Does a Standard DBS Check Show?
A Standard DBS check includes details of an applicant’s criminal record held on the Police National Computer. This typically includes:
Unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
This information helps employers understand whether a candidate’s criminal history may affect their suitability for certain roles.
What Is Not Included in a Standard DBS Check?
Unlike an Enhanced DBS check, a Standard DBS check does not include information held by local police forces. It also does not check the children’s or adults’ barred lists.
The check focuses only on nationally recorded criminal convictions and related sanctions.
Who Needs a Standard DBS Check?
Employers typically request a Standard DBS check for positions that involve a degree of trust or responsibility but do not require direct work with vulnerable groups.
Common roles that may require a Standard DBS check include positions in financial services, legal professions, security roles, and certain regulatory occupations.
Why Employers Use Standard DBS Checks
A Standard DBS check helps employers make informed hiring decisions by providing a clear summary of an applicant’s relevant criminal record. This ensures organisations can maintain appropriate safeguarding, compliance, and trust within their workforce.
What does an Standard DBS Check cost?
Cost of a Standard DBS Check
When using an Umbrella Body to obtain a DBS check, the total cost usually has two parts.
DBS Government Fee
The first part is the fixed fee set by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This fee remains the same regardless of how many applications are submitted. For a Standard DBS check, the DBS fee is £21.50.
Umbrella Body Administration Fee
The second part is the administrative fee charged by the Umbrella Body for processing and handling the application. This fee varies depending on the provider and the number of checks requested.
For example, at EasyDBS, administrative fees start from £4.00 per application, making it a cost-effective way for organisations to obtain DBS checks.
Are there eligibility requirements for Standard DBS Checks?
Eligibility for a Standard DBS Check
Standard DBS checks have strict eligibility criteria and are not available for all jobs or situations.
Roles That Qualify for a Standard DBS Check
Standard DBS checks apply only to specific roles defined in law, such as certain legal, financial, and security-related positions.
Employers must demonstrate a valid reason for requesting a Standard check based on the job’s legal or regulatory requirements.
Legal Requirements for Requesting a Standard DBS Check
Applicants must be applying for roles or activities where the law permits or requires a Standard DBS check.
This level of check is not available for general employment or volunteering unless the role meets the legal eligibility criteria.
When an Enhanced DBS Check Is Required
If a role involves direct work with children or vulnerable adults, an Enhanced DBS check is usually required instead.
Employers must justify each Standard DBS check request and ensure it complies with the Disclosure and Barring Service regulations.
Organisations are responsible for selecting the correct level of DBS check in line with DBS guidance.
Who can request a Standard DBS Check?
What about Sole Traders?
Standard DBS Checks for Sole Traders
Since January 2026, sole traders, self employed individuals, and single person companies can apply for a Standard DBS check through a DBS Umbrella Body.
Changes for Self Employed Professionals
In the past, many self employed professionals found it difficult to obtain a Standard DBS check because applications usually had to be submitted by an employer or organisation. The updated approach now allows eligible individuals running their own business to request a check through an authorised umbrella provider.
Who This Applies To
This change allows independent professionals working in regulated or trust based roles, such as consultants, contractors, or security professionals, to obtain the appropriate level of DBS certification when it is required by clients, regulators, or industry standards.
How to Apply
If you are a sole trader or self employed professional and need a Standard DBS check, you can apply through a specialist provider here:
What shows up on a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS Check provides details of any unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer, provided they are not subject to filtering. It encompasses both spent and unspent convictions and cautions deemed relevant to the position. However, it’s important to note that this check does not include police intelligence or information from barred lists. This type of check is generally employed for roles that involve specific regulated activities or positions of trust.
What doesn't show up?
A Standard DBS check specifically excludes:
Spent convictions or cautions that have been filtered under official rules for older or minor offences.
Police intelligence or local police information, which is included only in an Enhanced DBS check.
Any information about barred lists, which are checked only during an Enhanced DBS check when relevant to the role.
How to Apply for a Standard DBS Check
EasyDBS is an AI-powered platform that helps organisations manage DBS checks online. It provides intelligent guidance and automation throughout the process.
Getting Started
After registering, your organisation receives a secure login. You can then add users, such as HR or safeguarding staff, and assign permissions.
Initiating a DBS Check
To start a Standard DBS check, enter the applicant’s name and email. The platform emails them an invitation to complete their application.
The applicant sets a password, logs in, and follows AI-guided steps. The system checks for errors like invalid National Insurance numbers or missing addresses.
Verifying ID and Submitting the Check
When the applicant finishes, you receive a notification to verify ID. Confirm which documents you checked, and the system validates them.
You then select:
• DBS check level (Basic, Standard, Enhanced)
• Job role
• Barred List inclusion
• Voluntary role status
• Home-based role status
The platform flags any eligibility issues before submission.
Payment Options
After finalising details, choose one of these payment options:
• Pay-as-you-go
• Prepaid credit bundles
• Applicant pays directly through delegated billing, suitable when applicants cover their own costs
Submission and Results
Once payment is made or credits applied, the platform submits the application securely to the DBS. Both you and the applicant get a reference number and tracking link.
When complete, the applicant receives a paper certificate by post. Your organisation gets an electronic summary through the platform.
The AI sends timely updates to keep everyone informed and ensure transparency throughout the process.
Need to ask a question before registering…?
If you are already a customer, please login and use the regular support channels on the platform
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most popular questions we get about Standard DBS Checks
How much does a Standard DBS Check cost?
When applying for a Standard DBS check through an Umbrella Body, the overall cost is typically made up of two parts:
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) fixed fee: This is a set charge from the DBS itself, which remains constant regardless of the number of applications processed. For a Standard DBS check, this fee is £21.50.
The Umbrella Body’s administrative fee: This is the charge from the Umbrella Body (like EasyDBS) for handling the application process. This fee can vary, often depending on the volume of checks. At EasyDBS, their administration fees start from £4.00 per application.
How do I get a Standard DBS Check for my Employees\Volunteers?
If your organisation needs to carry out DBS checks, the first step is to register for a free DBS platform account by clicking here.
Upon registration, you will receive client login details within one working day, granting you access to the portal. From there, you can begin adding individuals who require DBS checks.
Each individual added will then receive their own applicant login to complete their part of the DBS application. Once they finish, you’ll be notified so you can log in, complete the ID verification, and select the appropriate DBS check type. The completed application is then submitted electronically to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Once the check has been processed by the DBS, the applicant will receive their physical certificate by post. Crucially, within one day of the certificate being issued, you will be able to access an electronic snapshot of the certificate through the portal.
The entire process is designed to be clearly organised, and the tracking system is straightforward and easy to navigate.
Which identification documents are required for a Standard DBS Check?
For a Standard DBS check, applicants must show identification documents to an authorised ID checker in the organisation.
The required documents depend on what the applicant can provide, but all must be current and valid.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) sets these rules to ensure secure and accurate identity verification.
For the most current guidelines on accepted documents, visit here
What is the DBS Update Service?
The DBS Update Service is a subscription from the Disclosure and Barring Service that keeps Standard DBS checks current and verifiable online.
It provides an ongoing, up-to-date record instead of relying on a single, one-time DBS certificate.
After receiving a Standard DBS certificate, individuals can join the Update Service for £16 per year.
You must activate the subscription within 30 days of the certificate being issued or during the initial application process.
Once subscribed, you can reuse the same certificate for multiple roles if they require the same level and workforce category.
You must renew the subscription every year to keep the certificate valid and active.
Employers, with your permission, can perform a free online check to confirm if the certificate remains current.
The system shows if the certificate is valid, needs renewal, or requires contacting the DBS for further review.
To check online, employers need the certificate number, your name, and your date of birth, with your consent.
How long does a Standard DBS Check take?
A Standard DBS check typically takes around 2 to 5 working days to be processed once the application is submitted. However, the precise timeframe can vary due to several factors. These include the efficiency with which the applicant and employer provide all necessary information, the current workload at the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and whether any additional checks or clarifications are required.
In some instances, processing might take longer, particularly if there are complex issues or if local police forces need more time to review relevant information.
Despite these variables, the majority of Standard DBS checks are generally completed within one week.
When does a Standard DBS Check expire?
A DBS check does not have a formal expiry date; it provides a snapshot of an individual’s criminal record at the specific time it was issued.
The information on the certificate is only accurate up to that date. Unlike a passport, it doesn’t expire after a set period, but it will not reflect any new offences or cautions that occur after its issue date. Due to this, employers should always consider the issue date and assess whether a new check is needed, based on the certificate’s age and the specific requirements of the role.
In many sectors, particularly those involving vulnerable groups, regularly renewing DBS checks is regarded as good practice and is sometimes a regulatory requirement. While a common interval for renewal is every three years, certain positions or industry regulations may necessitate checks annually or every two years.
How do I track a Standard DBS Check application?
All tracking information for a Standard DBS application is readily available to both employers and applicants through our platform.
You can easily monitor the progress at every stage. When the application reaches the Disclosure and Barring Service, there is a dedicated button that links directly to their official tracking system for live updates.