Self-Employed DBS Checks

Apply for your own Basic or Enhanced DBS Check

Self-employed people can now apply for their own Enhanced DBS Check, provided their work is eligible. If you’re not eligible for an Enhanced check, you can still apply for a Basic DBS Check

Choose Your DBS Check
  • Simple online application
  • Eligibility and application details checked before submission
  • Digital result, with the paper certificate posted to you

Which Self-Employed DBS Check Do You Need?

Choose Basic if your work is not eligible for a higher-level check. Choose Enhanced only if your actual duties meet the DBS eligibility rules

Basic DBS Check

Available for every self-employed role

A Basic DBS Check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions. You do not need to meet any special eligibility rules, so you can apply whatever type of self-employed work you do

  • Available without an employer
  • No Enhanced-check eligibility test
  • Does not include spent records, local police information or barred-list information
Apply for a Basic DBS Check

Enhanced DBS Check

Only for legally eligible self-employed work

An Enhanced DBS Check includes spent and unspent criminal record information, together with relevant information held by local police. A Children’s or Adults’ Barred List check is included only when the work is legally eligible

  • Eligibility depends on your actual duties—not simply your job title
  • Suitable roles can include private tutors, personal carers, nannies and some sports coaches
  • We check your eligibility before submitting the application
Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check

How a Self-Employed DBS Check Works

Apply online, complete the identity check and we’ll submit your application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

1

Choose the Correct Check

Choose Basic for any type of self-employed work, or Enhanced if your duties meet the legal eligibility rules

2

Complete Your Application

Complete the secure online form and follow the identity-checking instructions provided for your chosen DBS Check

3

We Check and Submit It

Your application is checked before submission. You’ll receive a digital result, followed by your paper certificate in the post

Can I Get an Enhanced DBS Check if I’m Self-Employed?

Yes, if your work is legally eligible. Since 21 January 2026, eligible self-employed people and personal employees have been able to apply for their own Enhanced DBS Check through a registered DBS Umbrella Body. Eligibility depends on what you actually do, where you work, how often you carry out the work and who you work with—not simply your job title

Roles That May Be Eligible

  • Private tutors working directly with children
  • Personal carers employed through direct payments
  • Some childminders, nannies and childcare workers
  • Some sports coaches and instructors working with children
  • Some contractors whose actual duties meet the Enhanced-check eligibility rules
  • Other roles involving eligible work with children or vulnerable adults

When a Basic Check Is More Suitable

Working in someone’s home does not automatically make a role eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check.

For example, a self-employed plumber entering customers’ homes would normally need a Basic check unless their actual duties meet specific Enhanced-check eligibility rules

  • Available for every self-employed role
  • Shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions
  • Does not require Enhanced-check eligibility

Self-Employed DBS Check Questions

No. Being self-employed does not automatically make you eligible. Your actual duties, working arrangements, frequency of contact and the people you work with must meet the legal eligibility rules

Yes. A Basic DBS Check is available for every type of self-employed work and does not require an eligibility assessment

You will need to follow the identity-checking route provided for your application. For a self-employed Enhanced application, your original documents must be checked by an authorised independent verifier. You cannot verify your own documents

Yes. The Disclosure and Barring Service posts the paper certificate directly to you. A digital result may also be provided where available

Yes. You can apply to join the Update Service using your DBS application reference number or certificate details, provided you register within the required timeframe

Ready to Apply for Your DBS Check?

Choose the check that is suitable for your work. If you are unsure about Enhanced eligibility, we will check the details before submitting your application

Apply for a Basic DBS Check
Apply for an Enhanced DBS