DBS FAQs For Applicants

If you’re applying for a DBS check, it’s important to understand the process and avoid common pitfalls. This FAQ guide covers everything you need to know as an applicant, from what identification to provide, to how to handle sensitive disclosures or mistakes on the form.

Whether you’re unsure about filling out specific sections, or wondering how to join the DBS update service, this comprehensive list will help you navigate the application process smoothly and ensure your DBS check is completed without delays.

Question	Answer
What identification do I need to show my employer?	When you are given a DBS form to complete, there should also be a document ‘Disclosure Guidance notes for Applicants’ which specifies what identification documents need to be shown by you to your employer. If you are still unsure, you can check directly with the DBS service website
What am I legally obliged to disclosure regarding cautions or convictions (e55 on the DBS application form)?	Question e55 on the application form asks: “Do you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings, which would not be filtered in line with guidance?”. All unspent conditional cautions and convictions (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act) will be automatically disclosed on a DBS certificate and should be disclosed by an applicant. You do not need to disclose certain convictions and cautions which are ‘protected’. You must disclose anything that is not protected and wouldn’t be filtered out for the DBS check. To understand more about how to answer this question and what you are obliged to disclose, please read more about the rules in the filtering guide.
What boxes do I need to complete on the application form?	All yellow highlighted questions need to be answered. If you answer ‘YES’ to any of these questions, then you have to complete the subsequent element as well, e.g., if you answer yes to question a20, you must provide your national insurance number in a21.

I have made a mistake on the form – what should I do?	If you make a mistake, put a line through it and correct it to the right – don’t use correction fluid.
Can I apply for a DBS without disclosing a gender change to my employer?	Yes you can, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) offers a confidential checking service for transgender applicants in accordance with the Gender Recognition Act 2004. This is known as the sensitive applications route, and is available for all levels of DBS check – basic, standard and enhanced. The sensitive applications route gives transgender applicants the choice not to have any gender or name information disclosed on their DBS certificate that could reveal their previous gender identity.For more information on using this route go to Transgender applications – GOV.UK.
I haven’t received my certificate and it has been over 8 weeks – what should I do?	You can check the progress of any application made through the DBS website, Disclosure and Barring Service (crbonline.gov.uk). You will need the reference number from your application form (this is held by BAND if you did not make a note of it) and your date of birth.
How do I join the update service and how much is it?	The update service currently (as of Oct 2024) costs £13 per year. To join the update service you will need to go to the DBS website, to the update service page, where you can register and pay to join. To do this you will need your application form reference number or your certificate number. You can join the Update Service for standard and enhanced checks as soon as you have your application form reference number. This number is on the top right-hand corner of your application form. You can also join the Update Service with your certificate number when you receive your DBS certificate. If so, you must do so within 30 calendar days of the ‘date of issue’ which is printed on the certificate.