Basic, Standard, Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s)? Find out how the checks differ and which application route may be right for you, your staff or your self-employed work.
The correct DBS check depends on the work being carried out — not simply the job title.
Each level provides different information. Standard, Enhanced and Barred List checks are only available when the position meets the legal eligibility rules.
For personal applications, general recruitment and roles without a specific legal requirement for a higher-level check.
Employers: arrange a Basic check for staff.
Apply for a Basic DBS Check →For specific positions covered by DBS eligibility legislation, including some legal, financial and regulated occupations.
For eligible positions involving children, adults or other duties specifically covered by legislation.
For roles that legally qualify for an Enhanced check of the Children’s Barred List, Adults’ Barred List or both.
Important: A more detailed check is not automatically a better or lawful choice. The level requested must be appropriate for the person’s actual role.
These examples are a starting point, not automatic eligibility decisions. Duties, setting, frequency and legal requirements can change the appropriate level.
Can’t see your role? Check the official DBS eligibility guidance or ask our team before submitting an application.
Since 21 January 2026, eligible paid self-employed people and personal employees have been able to apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through a registered umbrella body.
This includes potentially eligible work such as private tutoring, sports coaching, childcare, personal care and certain healthcare services. The work itself must still meet the legal eligibility rules; being self-employed alone is not enough.
Explore Self-Employed DBS Checks →A few details can make the difference between a Basic, Standard or Enhanced check.
Are you applying for yourself, recruiting someone or working as a self-employed professional?
Look beyond the job title. What will the person do as part of their normal work?
Consider work involving children, adults receiving care, particular settings and how often activities take place.
Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks have additional legal eligibility requirements and cannot simply be added by preference.
Yes. Anyone aged 16 or over can apply for a Basic DBS check. Eligible paid self-employed people and personal employees can also apply for their own Enhanced check through a registered umbrella body. Other Standard and Enhanced applications are normally requested through an eligible organisation.
No. The level depends on the activities, working arrangements, setting and eligibility rules. Similar job titles do not always qualify for the same check.
It contains more types of information, but that does not make it the right choice for every role. Standard and Enhanced checks can only be requested when the law permits them.
Only where your role meets the specific statutory eligibility requirements. An Enhanced check does not automatically include either list.
Check the official DBS eligibility guidance and email support@dbschecks.org before applying. We’ll help you identify the appropriate application route.
DBS Support is a registered DBS umbrella body helping individuals, employers and eligible self-employed professionals arrange criminal record checks across England and Wales.
Still not sure? Email support@dbschecks.org.
Registered DBS Umbrella Body 30157900009. DBS Support is independent of HM Government. Eligibility for Standard, Enhanced and Barred List checks is determined by legislation.