DBS Check Cost: A Guide to DBS Fees for Employers

Last updated: 17 September 2026

Understanding the cost of a DBS check helps your organisation budget for recruitment and make informed decisions about employment screening.

The total you pay can include both the official Disclosure and Barring Service fee and additional charges from your screening provider. Knowing the difference makes it easier to compare services and understand what is included.

This guide explains official DBS check prices, the different check levels and what employers should consider when choosing a provider.

 

How much does a DBS check cost?

The current government fee is £21.50 for a Basic or Standard DBS check and £49.50 for an Enhanced DBS check.

From 5 October 2026, these fees will reduce to £20 for Basic and Standard checks and £41 for Enhanced checks.

These are statutory DBS fees only. They exclude any administration, software, or other service charges from a screening provider.

The reductions were announced by the Disclosure and Barring Service on 9 September 2026. Read the official DBS fee announcement.

 

Basic DBS check cost

The Basic DBS check fee is shown in the table above. A Basic check covers unspent convictions and conditional cautions and can be used for a wide range of roles.

Employers can arrange Basic checks through a Responsible Organisation, with the applicant’s consent. Individuals can also apply directly to DBS.

Basic checks carry a government fee even when the applicant is a volunteer. See the government’s guide to Basic DBS checks.

 

Standard DBS check cost

A Standard DBS check has the same statutory fee as a Basic check, but provides a different level of disclosure.

Standard checks disclose relevant spent and unspent convictions and cautions, subject to filtering rules. They are only available for eligible roles.

Your organisation should establish which level of check the role allows before submitting an application. The choice should be based on eligibility and responsibilities, rather than price. See DBS guidance for employers.

 

Enhanced DBS check cost

Enhanced DBS checks have a higher statutory fee than Basic and Standard checks.

When comparing an Enhanced DBS check price, establish whether the figure includes only the government fee or also covers the provider’s administration and other services.

Enhanced checks are available for eligible roles. Where a role also qualifies for a barred list check, your organisation should ensure the appropriate check is requested. The DBS guidance collection provides information on check levels and eligibility.

 

Why do DBS check prices vary between providers?

A provider’s total price may include more than the statutory DBS fee.

DBS sets its own fees, while Registered Bodies and Responsible Organisations may charge separately for handling applications. DBS does not set or regulate these additional administration charges. This distinction is explained in the official fee announcement.

When comparing providers, ask:

• Is the statutory DBS fee included in the quoted price?
• Are administration and identity verification included?
• Are there separate software or subscription charges?
• Does the quote clearly explain any applicable VAT?
• What support and application tracking are included?
• Are volume discounts available?

A clear breakdown helps your organisation compare services on the same basis and budget for the full screening process.

 

Are DBS checks free for volunteers?

Eligible volunteers do not pay the statutory fee for Standard, Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS checks.

However, the role must qualify for the relevant level of check, and the applicant must meet the DBS definition of a volunteer. An unpaid placement or training role does not automatically qualify.

A provider may still charge an administration fee. Basic DBS checks also remain chargeable for volunteers.

Read the DBS guidance on volunteer applications before requesting a free volunteer check.

 

How much does the DBS Update Service cost?

The DBS Update Service costs £16 per year, reducing to £15 per year from 5 October 2026. Subscriptions are free for eligible volunteers.

The service applies to Standard and Enhanced DBS certificates. It is not available for Basic checks.

With the applicant’s consent, an employer that is legally entitled to check the certificate can use the service to check its status online. Employers do not pay to carry out these status checks.

Using an existing certificate depends on its suitability for the role, including the level and type of check required. An Update Service subscription should not be treated as a replacement for every future DBS application.

Find out more about the DBS Update Service.

 

Making DBS screening simpler for your organisation

The cost of screening also includes the time your team spends collecting information, managing applications and following up on progress.

For organisations handling regular recruitment, reducing manual administration can make a practical difference to the screening process.

EBC Global is both a DBS Responsible Organisation and Registered Body. These registrations allow us to submit Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS applications through the appropriate routes.

Our employment screening software uses direct government integrations and automated workflows to reduce manual touchpoints and reliance on additional processing intermediaries. This helps your team manage screening more efficiently and keep recruitment moving.

Automation supports the administration and submission process. Completion times still depend on the checks required and processing by DBS and, where relevant, police forces.

 

Support for higher screening volumes

EBC Global offers volume discounts through applicable packages and committed-volume arrangements.

These relate to EBC’s commercial pricing; statutory DBS fees remain separate. The right package will depend on your screening volumes and the level of automation and support your organisation needs.

Visit our employment screening packages page to explore the options, and start a free trial.

Or complete our short form to arrange a demo with our team.

 

DBS check cost FAQs