DBS Disclosure for Self-Employed: Ultimate Guide On How To Get One

If you are searching for a DBS disclosure for self-employed workers, the good news is that yes, many self-employed people can get a DBS check for themselves.

Whether you are a:

• Private tutor
• Taxi driver
• Carer
• Sports coach
• Sole trader
• Freelancer working with vulnerable people

having a DBS check can help demonstrate trust, professionalism, and credibility.

At Self Employed DBS Check, we help self-employed individuals across the UK apply for DBS checks online using a straightforward digital process designed specifically for individual applicants.

What Is a DBS Disclosure?

A “DBS disclosure” is another term for a DBS certificate or DBS check issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

It is used to show information about a person’s criminal record history, depending on the level of check requested.

There are three main levels:

• Basic DBS check
• Standard DBS check
• Enhanced DBS check

The type of DBS disclosure you need depends on your role and eligibility.

Do You Need a DBS if You Are Self-Employed?

Many self-employed people choose to get a DBS check to:

• Increase client confidence
• Meet licensing requirements
• Work with children or vulnerable adults
• Demonstrate professionalism
• Satisfy organisation requirements

In some areas of work, for example as a Carer or Teacher, a DBS check is legally required before the self-employed individual can begin working with vulnerable groups.

DBS Disclosure for Self-Employed: Can They Get One?

Yes, self-employed individuals can apply for a DBS Disclosure for themselves.

Self-employed individuals (either sole traders, or individuals) can usually apply for:

• A Basic DBS check
• An Enhanced DBS check (if eligible)

Basic DBS checks are available to anyone.

Enhanced DBS checks are only available for eligible roles, usually involving:

• Children
• Vulnerable adults
• Regulated activity

Common roles that are eligible for an Enhanced DBS check include Private Tutors, Self-employed carers, Taxi/Private Hire Drivers, and Sports Coaches.

As individuals cannot apply for higher-level DBS checks directly through the government, the DBS state that you must go through an organisation that is set up to perform, and request, DBS checks – such as Self-Employed DBS Check.

What Is a DBS Umbrella Body?

A DBS Umbrella Body is an organisation authorised to process DBS applications on behalf of individuals and businesses.

Using a DBS Umbrella Body helps:

• Confirm eligibility
• Process applications correctly
• Reduce delays
• Provide digital identity verification
• Submit applications electronically

At Self Employed DBS Check, we help self-employed individuals apply online quickly and securely. Our system, connected to a DBS Umbrella Body, allows you to create and submit DBS applications for yourself.

Basic DBS Disclosure for Self-Employed Individuals

A Basic DBS check shows:

• Unspent convictions and conditional cautions only

This level of DBS check is commonly used by:

• Sole traders
• Freelancers
• Contractors
• Individuals wanting a personal background check

Enhanced DBS Disclosure for Self-Employed Individuals

An Enhanced DBS check includes:

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

This level is usually required for roles involving:

• Children
• Vulnerable adults
• Care work
• Teaching or tutoring

If you are unsure whether you can apply yourself, read our guide on getting an enhanced DBS check for myself.

How to Get an Enhanced DBS Check as a Sole Trader

As a sole trader, you can apply for an Enhanced DBS check through Self-Employed DBS check if your role is eligible through the DBS criteria.

Simply create an account on our website, choose the level of check you require, fill out the DBS form, and complete a Digital ID check. The whole process can be completed in 5-10 minutes, and we will handle the rest.

Why You Should Use Our System For a DBS Disclosure for Employ-Employed Checks

Applying for a DBS disclosure as a self-employed person can sometimes feel confusing, especially when trying to understand eligibility rules, document requirements, or whether you can even apply for the level of check you need.

Many people come to us after spending hours trying to work out:

• which DBS check they need
• whether they are eligible for an Enhanced DBS check
• what documents are accepted
• how to complete the process correctly

That is exactly why Self Employed DBS Check was created.

Our system has been designed specifically for self-employed individuals who want a clear, straightforward, and supported way to apply for a DBS check online.

Unlike some online systems that simply leave you to complete forms yourself, we provide real human support throughout the process. If you are unsure about eligibility, documents, or any stage of the application, our team is available to help guide you.

Self-employed applicants choose our system because we provide:

• Straightforward online DBS applications
• Clear guidance throughout the application process
• Real human support from a UK-based team
• Fast electronic DBS processing
• Digital identity verification
• Application updates and progress notifications
• Secure online systems designed for individuals
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

We understand that for many self-employed people, a DBS check is important for:

• starting work quickly
• meeting licensing requirements
• building trust with clients
• winning contracts
• demonstrating professionalism

Because of this, we focus heavily on making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. On top of this, to help speed up your DBS application, and in many cases end up with a same-day result, all applications sent to us before 4pm (Mon-Fri) are processed the very same day.

Many applicants also prefer using a specialist self-employed DBS service rather than a generic large corporate platform, particularly when they want reassurance that someone is available to help if they get stuck or have questions.

Whether you need a Basic DBS check for personal credibility or an Enhanced DBS check for regulated work, our goal is to help you complete the process quickly, correctly, and with confidence.

How Long Does a DBS Disclosure Take?

Basic DBS Checks

Often completed within:

• 1–2 days

Enhanced DBS Checks

Usually completed within:

• 2–14 days

Some Enhanced checks may take longer depending on police force processing times.

If your DBS application is done through us at Self-Employed DBS Check, we will also provide you with an online PDF result summary. This can be accessed through your account as soon as your check is complete.

Why Having a DBS Check Can Help Your Business

For many self-employed professionals, having a DBS check is no longer just a “nice extra” to have. In many industries, it is becoming an important part of building trust, winning work, and demonstrating professionalism.

When potential clients are choosing who to work with, reassurance matters. A recent DBS certificate can immediately help show that you take safeguarding, professionalism, and trust seriously.

Many self-employed individuals now use DBS checks to help:

• Build trust with clients
• Win contracts and secure new work
• Meet safeguarding or licensing requirements
• Stand out from competitors
• Improve credibility and professionalism
• Reassure parents, families, and vulnerable clients

In some industries, clients actively expect a DBS check before allowing work to begin. This is especially common for:

• Tutors
• Carers and support workers
• Taxi and private hire drivers
• Sports coaches
• Childcare providers
• Healthcare professionals

For example, if a parent is choosing between two private tutors, or a family is selecting a self-employed carer, having a recent DBS certificate can often provide the additional reassurance needed to move forward with confidence.

The same applies when bidding for contracts or registering with organisations. Many businesses and local authorities now expect self-employed workers to already have a DBS check in place before work starts.

A DBS check can also help speed up onboarding processes, as organisations may feel more comfortable progressing quickly when safeguarding checks have already been completed.

At Self Employed DBS Check, we regularly help individuals who need their DBS certificate quickly because:

• a client has requested one
• they are applying for a licence
• they want to start work urgently
• they are trying to secure a contract
• they want to appear more professional and trustworthy

That is why we have designed our online system to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.

With clear guidance, Digital ID checks, fast electronic processing, and real human support available throughout the application, we help self-employed individuals apply for their DBS checks with confidence.

If you need a DBS check for your business, reputation, or future work opportunities, you can start your application online today.

Summary – DBS Disclosure for Self-Employed

If you are self-employed, having a DBS check can do far more than simply tick a box.

For many individuals, it helps build trust, improve credibility, meet safeguarding expectations, and create new work opportunities. In some industries, clients and organisations now expect self-employed professionals to already have a DBS check in place before work begins.

Whether you need a Basic DBS check for personal credibility or an Enhanced DBS check for eligible work, choosing the right provider can make the process much easier.

At Self Employed DBS Check, we have designed our online system specifically for self-employed individuals who want a straightforward and supported way to apply for their DBS check online.

With:

• clear guidance throughout the process
• Digital ID verification
• fast electronic processing
• application updates
• transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• real human support when you need help

we aim to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

If you are ready to apply for your DBS disclosure, you can start your application online today.