Enhanced DBS check
An Enhanced DBS check shows everything a Standard check does plus relevant local police information. A barred-list check is a separate addition — available mainly where the role is regulated activity — so “Enhanced” and “Enhanced with a barred-list check” are not the same thing.
What an Enhanced check shows, and its four variants
An Enhanced check is the same as a Standard check plus any information held by local police that is reasonably considered relevant to the role. [GOV.UK] On top of that, a barred-list check can be added — principally for roles that are regulated activity, plus a small number of other roles specified in law. That gives four variants: Enhanced without a barred-list check; Enhanced with the Children’s Barred List; Enhanced with the Adults’ Barred List; and Enhanced with both. What counts as regulated activity is covered in depth on the regulated activity & barred lists guide. [GOV.UK] [GOV.UK]
Who is eligible, and who requests it
Enhanced checks are for specific eligible roles — higher-responsibility roles, specified places and positions, and regulated activity. An organisation normally requests the check; and, since 21 January 2026, an eligible paid self-employed person or personal employee can apply for their own Enhanced (or Enhanced-with-barred-list) check through a DBS Umbrella Body, provided the role qualifies. [GOV.UK] As always, the role must be eligible in the first place — the application route does not create eligibility.
Fee, volunteers and the Update Service
An Enhanced check costs £49.50 until 4 October 2026, and £41 from 5 October 2026. [GOV.UK] It is free for people who meet the DBS definition of a volunteer. [GOV.UK] An Enhanced certificate can be kept up to date on the DBS Update Service. [GOV.UK]
Enhanced route → barred-list eligibility → who applies
| Enhanced route | Barred-list check | Who applies / requests |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible role / specified place, but not regulated activity | None (Enhanced without a barred-list check) | Organisation (or eligible self-employed via an umbrella body) |
| Regulated activity with children | Children’s Barred List | Organisation (or eligible self-employed via an umbrella body) |
| Regulated activity with adults | Adults’ Barred List | Organisation (or eligible self-employed via an umbrella body) |
| Regulated activity with both; or taxi/PHV licensing | Both barred lists | Organisation; for taxi/PHV, via the licensing authority |
Enhanced vs Enhanced with a barred-list check
| Enhanced (no barred list) | Enhanced + barred list | |
|---|---|---|
| When it applies | Eligible role or specified place, but not regulated activity | The role is regulated activity |
| Shows | Standard + relevant local police information | The above + whether the person is barred from that workforce |
| Barred list | None | Children’s and/or Adults’ |
| Typical example | Some specified-place roles / infrequent contact | Teacher, or a care worker providing personal care |
Worked examples
| The role | Likely direction (confirm) |
|---|---|
| Teacher | Regulated activity with children → Enhanced + Children’s Barred List |
| Care worker providing personal care to adults | Regulated activity with adults → Enhanced + Adults’ Barred List |
| Hospital cleaner with patient contact | Standard, or Enhanced without a barred-list check if contact is frequent — further review |
| Taxi / private-hire driver (licensing) | Licensing authority should require Enhanced + both barred lists (DfT standards) |
| Self-employed tutor teaching children | Enhanced + Children’s Barred List → self-apply via an umbrella body |
| Contractor working in a school | Not automatic — depends on contact/frequency at the specified place — further review |
| Role eligible for Enhanced but not regulated activity | Enhanced without a barred-list check |
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/renewal reminders against each worker — within the official handling rules (see DBS record keeping & compliance).
FAQs
Does an Enhanced check always include a barred-list check?
No. A barred-list check is a separate addition, available principally where the role is regulated activity with children and/or adults (and for a small number of other roles specified in law). Plenty of roles are eligible for an Enhanced check without any barred-list check, and being eligible for Enhanced does not by itself make a role eligible for a barred-list check.
Can a self-employed person get an Enhanced check?
Since 21 January 2026, an eligible paid self-employed person or personal employee can apply for their own Enhanced (or Enhanced-with-barred-list) check through a DBS Umbrella Body — but only where the role qualifies. Otherwise an Enhanced check is requested by an organisation.
Related DBS guides
- Enhanced with barred list & regulated activityWhen a role needs an Enhanced DBS check with a children's or adults' barred-list check, what regulated activity means for each, and the 1 September 2026 change to regulated activity with children.
- 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.
- 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
- Eligibility for an Enhanced with Adults' Barred List DBS check — GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service
- Regulated activity with children (DBS guidance leaflet) — GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service
- DBS checks for self-employed people and personal employees — GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service
- DBS reduces fees for checks and Update Service from 5 October 2026 — 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.