Source: Disclosure and Barring Service published on this website Thursday 10 September 2026 by Jill Powell
This guidance applies to DBS checks in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Information about checks in Scotland is available from Disclosure Scotland. Information about checks in Northern Ireland is available from AccessNI.
Important
This guidance is for general information only. Not everyone can get every type of DBS check. Use the DBS eligibility guidance and DBS eligibility tool on GOV.UK to check whether the person you are looking to employ can apply for this type of DBS check.
1. Introduction
From 21 January 2026, some self-employed workers and personal employees can apply for an Enhanced DBS check where eligible.
In some situations, this may also include checks of the Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred Lists.
Not everybody can apply for every type of DBS check. Whether someone can apply depends on the work they do and who they work with. This is known as DBS eligibility.
This means that if you are considering employing someone to work with your child, yourself or a vulnerable family member, you can ask to see an Enhanced DBS certificate before making your decision. An Enhanced DBS certificate can provide useful information. However, it is only one part of making an informed decision.
This guide explains how a DBS certificate can be used alongside other information when choosing someone to work with your child or vulnerable family member.
