Basic DBS check
A Basic DBS check is the lowest level of check and the only one anyone can apply for themselves, with no eligibility restriction. It shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions — and, importantly, being available to anyone is not the same as being the level a role needs.
What a Basic check shows — and doesn’t
A Basic check discloses unspent convictions and conditional cautions. [GOV.UK] It does not show spent convictions or cautions, any information held by local police, or whether a person is on a barred list — those appear only on the higher levels. A Basic certificate is a point-in-time criminal-record check; it is not a judgement of someone’s suitability for a role.
Who can apply, and the Update Service
You can apply for a Basic check yourself, or an employer may ask you to get one. [GOV.UK] The DBS Update Service does not cover Basic checks — it is for Standard and Enhanced certificates only — so a Basic check is obtained fresh each time it is needed. [GOV.UK] See the Update Service guide.
Fee
A Basic check costs £21.50 until 4 October 2026, and £20 from 5 October 2026. [GOV.UK] Unlike Standard and Enhanced checks, a Basic check is not free for volunteers — the fee applies to everyone. [GOV.UK]
Available, not automatically required
Because anyone can get one, it is tempting to treat a Basic check as the “default” when a higher level has not been established. It is not. If a role is eligible for a Standard or Enhanced check, that is the level to establish; and if it is not, a Basic check is simply available — you do not need a Basic DBS merely because a higher level was not proven. [GOV.UK] Work out the right level first with which DBS check do I need?
Is a Basic check the right step?
| Situation | Is Basic available? | Who applies | Likely next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| No contact with children/adults, not a listed profession | Yes | You, or your employer may ask | A Basic check is the level available |
| A role that might be eligible for Standard/Enhanced | Yes, but may not be the right level | — | Check eligibility first before defaulting to Basic |
| Employer policy asks for a Basic check | Yes | You or the employer | Obtain the Basic certificate |
Basic vs a higher-level check
| Basic | Standard / Enhanced | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | None — available to anyone | Only specific eligible roles |
| Who can request | The individual (or an employer) | An organisation (Enhanced also has a self-employed route from 21 Jan 2026) |
| Shows | Unspent convictions & conditional cautions | Spent & unspent (Enhanced adds police information and, where relevant, barred-list status) |
| On the Update Service | No | Yes |
Worked examples
| The role | Likely direction (confirm) |
|---|---|
| Ordinary office role, no vulnerable-group contact | Basic available |
| Self-employed tradesperson | Basic available — apply yourself |
| Ordinary driver (goods or general public) | Basic available — no eligibility from driving itself |
| Volunteer in a non-eligible role | Basic available — and a Basic check is not free for volunteers |
| Contractor with no qualifying duties | Basic available |
| Role where employer policy asks for a Basic check | Basic (available); the certificate belongs to the individual |
Not sure which level applies?
Our free DBS eligibility guidance checker walks you through the official criteria and points you to the guidance to confirm against. It is guidance, not a legal determination.
Open the DBS eligibility checker →Where Complys fits
Complys does not carry out DBS checks. It helps you keep the record that a check was done, its level and date, and review reminders against each worker — within the official handling rules (see DBS record keeping & compliance).
FAQs
Can I get a Basic DBS check on myself?
Yes. Anyone can apply for a Basic check for themselves — there is no eligibility restriction — and an employer may also ask you to get one. This is different from Standard and Enhanced checks, which an individual cannot generally request for themselves.
Is a Basic check covered by the Update Service?
No. The DBS Update Service is for Standard and Enhanced certificates only. If you rely on Basic checks you obtain a new one when needed.
Related DBS guides
- Standard DBS checkWhat a Standard DBS check shows (spent and unspent convictions and cautions), who is eligible, who can request it (an organisation via a Registered Body or umbrella body — not the individual), the fee with the 5 October 2026 change, and how it differs from Enhanced.
- Which DBS check do I need?Basic, Standard, Enhanced or Enhanced with a barred-list check? Eligibility depends on the role's actual duties, setting and regulated-activity status — not the job title. A UK employer guide.
- DBS eligibility guidance checkerA free guided tool that helps UK employers work out which official DBS eligibility guidance to review for a role. Guidance only — it does not make a legal eligibility determination.
Official sources and further guidance
- Check someone's criminal record — types of check you can make — GOV.UK
- DBS Update Service — GOV.UK
- DBS reduces fees for checks and Update Service from 5 October 2026 — GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service
- DBS check application process for volunteers — GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service
- DBS eligibility guidance — GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service
This guidance is maintained by the Complys team and reviewed against the primary DBS / GOV.UK sources listed above (last reviewed 24 September 2026). It is general information, not legal advice, and DBS rules can change — always confirm against the official sources.