Frequently Asked Questions
What Information do applicants need to provide on the online DBS Application form?
Applicants need to provide personal details, for example: full name and any other names ever used, birth details, and full 5 year address history. See our applicant user guide for specific information.
Please note: if you are obtaining a DBS Check for someone else you must obtain their express permission (in writing), to do so.
How do you verify applicants' ID?
It is a stipulation of the DBS Application process that applicants' ID is verified.
We require applicants to have their ID verified in accordance with the DBS ID Checking Guidelines,
All applicants must be able to provide COPIES of their ID documents so that we can verify your identity. These can be sent to us by by email or in the post - we will email you instructions when you submit your DBS Order form.
Applicants must provide copies of at least 3 x ID documents. Please see the list of acceptable ID documents.
One ID document must include:
- a valid Passport or a UK Driving Licence (For UK Nationals) or...
- a Primary Document (For Non-UK Nationals) - see List of Acceptable ID
NB: If you do NOT have one of these ID documents we CANNOT process a DBS Application for you.
How Long do the checks take?
On average:
- 1-2 weeks to receive a Standard DBS Certificate
- 4-6 weeks to receive an Enhanced DBS Certificate
...from the receipt of a correctly filled in application form and satisfactory ID Validation (any errors on the application form could cause delays in the processing). Please note: Due to the individual nature of the checks, this time-frame cannot be guaranteed. Seasonal fluctuations/delays will occur during certain time of the year for example during Christmas and Easter.
Who will receive my DBS Certificate?
Your DBS certificate will be posted to your current home address, which you provide on your DBS Application form. Please note, this address cannot be changed once your DBS Application has been submitted. If you move, it will be your responsibility to arrange for your mail to be re-directed to your new address.
HOW LONG WILL MY ON-LINE USERNAME/PASSWORD BE VALID FOR?
DBS applications are valid for 3 months from the order date. This is to ensure that the information you provide on your DBS application form is up to date and ensures that the DBS application form you have completed is the official current and valid application form at the time. In the event that VAT or the Disclosure costs increase during this time-frame, we reserve the right to pass this cost on to you, at our discretion. Please note the fee (which is paid at the point of creating a DBS Application) is non-refundable.
If you do not complete all steps of your DBS application(which are emailed to you when you complete the DBS order form) within this time-frame, your DBS application will be cancelled and any fee paid will be forfeited.
