DBS applications
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a public body that carries out checks on your criminal record. DBS checks help employers decide whether you are suitable to work for their business. This includes deciding whether you are safe to work with children or vulnerable adults, for example.
If you’ve been waiting for over 60 days for your DBS application, find out below how to check on its status.
Check online
The quickest and easiest way to check on the status of your DBS application is by using the UK government’s online service.
Contact the DBS team
If you have any trouble using the government’s online service above, call the DBS customer service team on 03000 200 190 (03000 200 191 for Welsh language). They should be able to update you on how your DBS application is progressing.
The DBS customer service team can also be contacted by:
- email: [email protected]
- email (for barring enquiries): [email protected]
- Twitter: @DBSgovuk
Delays with enhanced DBS checks
'Enhanced DBS' checks are checks that also have to be reviewed by local police forces as part of the disclosure service. This can add to the time it takes to process your application.
We have a 60 days escalation target to review enhanced DBS checks. However, we’re aware that some applications are taking up to 100 days. This is a serious concern for us and we understand the impact this can have on applicants and employers.
We apologise for this delay. We are working to improve processing times for enhanced DBS checks as quickly as possible.
However, in all cases, the DBS customer service team is your point of contact, not us. Please use the contact details under ‘Contact the DBS team’.