Standard DBS checks

What is a Standard DBS Check

A Standard DBS check is a criminal record check provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It shows details of spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings held on the Police National Computer (subject to the DBS filtering rules). Employers usually request this level of check for roles that require a higher level of trust or professional responsibility.

What a Standard DBS shows

• Spent and unspent convictions

• Cautions, reprimands and final warnings

• Information from the Police National Computer (with certain records filtered according to DBS rules)

Who can request a Standard DBS?

• Only employers, registered bodies, or umbrella companies can apply for a Standard DBS check.

• Individuals cannot apply for a Standard DBS check directly. If you need a criminal record certificate for personal purposes, you can request a Basic DBS check instead. 

Typical roles requiring a Standard DBS

• Solicitors and barristers

• Accountants and financial services professionals

• Security staff in sensitive workplaces

• Certain positions in government or regulatory environments

Price & turnaround

At Digital Background, a Standard DBS check costs £29.90 plus an admin fee of £4–£7 (depending on account type). Typical turnaround times range from a few days to several weeks depending on police force workloads.
👉 See our full pricing

How it works (step flow)

1. Register online with Digital Background (free sign-up).

2. Applicants submit details securely through our portal.

3. Verify ID to confirm identity. Learn more.

4. We process and submit the application to DBS.

5. Receive results digitally as soon as they’re returned.

👉 Start a Standard DBS check today

Further information on gov.uk