How To Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check Online

If you need an Enhanced DBS check as an individual, or a self-employed the good news is that the process can now be completed almost entirely online.

Whether you are self-employed, applying for a licence, or starting a new role working with children or vulnerable adults, applying online is usually the quickest and easiest option.

This guide explains exactly how to apply for an Enhanced DBS check online, who is eligible, what documents you need, and how long the process takes.

What Is an Enhanced DBS Check?

An Enhanced DBS check is the highest level of criminal record check available in the UK and is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

It includes:

• Spent and unspent convictions
• Cautions and warnings
• Relevant police information
• Barred list checks (if required)

Enhanced DBS checks are commonly required for:

• Care workers
• Teachers
• Healthcare staff
• Taxi drivers
• Volunteers working with vulnerable groups

Can You Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check Online?

Yes – many people can now apply online.

As long as you are eligible, under DBS guidance, for an Enhanced DBS check, you can request it. The DBS’s rule changes in January 2026 mean that Enhanced DBS checks can now be requested by both individuals and organisations, only if the applicant’s role is eligible for the check.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check Online

Step 1: Check You Are Eligible

Not everyone can legally apply for an Enhanced DBS check.

Your role must qualify under DBS eligibility rules. This usually means working with:

• Children
• Vulnerable adults
• Sensitive or regulated positions

For official guidance, see our Enhanced DBS Eligibility page.

Step 2: Start Your Online Application

Create an account on Self-Employed DBS Check, and you can start your application immediately.

You will need to:

• Enter your personal details
• Add your address history
• Choose the type of check required

Step 3: Complete Your Identity Check

Once your application has been filled out, you will be sent a Digital ID check. Depending on what you have available will depend on the type of ID check you need to perform. Commonly, you will be required to use one of the following to verify your identity and address:

• Biometric Passport
• Passport + UK Driving Licence
• Online Banking

This usually only takes a couple of minutes to complete.

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate

The Disclosure and Barring Service and relevant police forces carry out checks on your application. Once this has been completed, you DBS certificate is printed under secure conditions and posted out to you.

How Long Does an Enhanced DBS Check Take?

Most Enhanced DBS checks are completed within 7 to 14 workings days. At Self-Employed DBS Check, we often seem them completed within a few days of submission to the DBS

Some applications may take longer if additional police checks are needed.

How Much Does an Enhanced DBS Check Cost?

An Enhanced DBS check usually includes:

• The official DBS fee (£49.50)
• An administration fee charged by the provider

The Update Service

Once your DBS check is complete, you can register it on the DBS Update Service. This will keep your DBS up-to-date, as long as there is no new information (such as convictions, cautions, or reprimands).

The DBS Update Service costs £16 a year for paid workers, and is free for volunteers.

Final Thoughts – How To Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check Online

If you are an individual or self-employed person wanting to apply for an Enhanced DBS check online, you can do it on our website, Self-Employed DBS Check.

Using an online system allows you to:

• Complete your application from home
• Verify your identity digitally
• Avoid paper forms and unnecessary delays

At Self Employed DBS Check, we make the process straightforward with an easy online application system designed specifically for individuals applying for their own DBS checks.