The Ultimate Guide to DBS Checks For the Self-Employed
DBS Checks can be complicated to obtain as a self-employed person. Typically they are used by employers to make recruitment decisions. In the eyes of the DBS, self-employed people can’t make a recruitment decision on themselves.
This means self-employed individuals are usually only eligible for the Basic DBS Check. However, Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks (previously CRB Checks) are essential for those working in specific roles, industries and environments. If you’re self-employed here you’ll find all you need to know about what type of check you need, and how to apply!
Which DBS Check Can Self-Employed People Get?
There are three types of DBS Checks available: Basic, Standard and Enhanced. In most cases, self-employed persons will only ever require a Basic DBS Check. Basic DBS checks reveal any ‘unspent’ criminal convictions and conditional cautions on an individual’s criminal record.
If you are working in certain industries, you may need a higher level of DBS Check. For example, contractors working on school sites often need an Enhanced DBS Check.
Do self-employed people need DBS checks?
DBS checks are carried out by employers or individuals to prove suitability for a position. Depending on their occupation, self-employed people may need a DBS check to secure work.
Standard and Enhanced Disclosures are more thorough, searching for cautions, warnings, reprimands or convictions. These are often required for roles that involve contact with children or adults in vulnerable positions. Enhanced DBS checks can also search the Childrens and/or Adults Barred List.
Basic DBS checks reveal any ‘unspent’ criminal convictions and conditional cautions on an individual’s criminal record.
Each conviction is given a timeframe for when it will become ‘spent’, which means at the end of this time, if the applicant has not committed any other offences during this period, the applicant is then classed as rehabilitated and the conviction would become ‘spent’.
Read more about what each level of DBS Check shows here.
What kind of jobs require a DBS check?
Lots of roles request a DBS check, including some you really wouldn’t expect.
From carers to pest-control experts, there are many instances where a self-employed person would need to prove they are suitable to work. Even people applying for a Personal Licence to sell alcohol need an up-to-date Basic Disclosure.
Why should a self-employed person get a DBS check?
Many self-employed individuals are requested to obtain a criminal record check by organisations they are carrying out work in.
Having a check on record before seeking work can:
Make an organisation more confident in giving you a contract
Allow you to work in positions of trust and reliance
I’m self-employed – how can I get a DBS check?
For many years, a Basic online check was the only level of DBS check available for self-employed individuals to apply for directly themselves.
The Basic Disclosure searches your criminal record for any unspent convictions. These are often requested by employers to help them make informed decisions, protecting their business and customers. For self-employed individuals going into organisations on a temporary basis, this may even be a requirement.
Basic checks are available to any individual and are easily and quickly applied for online.
Historically, Standard and Enhanced checks were only available for organisations to apply for on behalf of their staff. This is because DBS checks were designed for employers to be able to make a recruitment decision on potential employees. This is usually in relation to some kind of ‘regulated activity’.
In the eyes of the law, when someone was self-employed, there is nobody suitable to make an informed recruitment decision for them. However, this is no longer the case.
As of January 21st 2026, the DBS have updated their guidance to make Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks available for the self-employed. This means that as long as you are carrying out regulated activity and you meet all the other eligibility requirements, you can apply for the higher levels of DBS Check directly with an registered body like Personnel Checks.
What is the DBS Update Service?
If the company requesting a Standard or Enhanced DBS check obtains it for you, you can sign up for the DBS Update Service. This means, for an annual fee of £13, you can keep your DBS certificate information updated, online. You can then give organisations permission to view this information when they request it. This means the same DBS check can be made portable.
As long as you’re undertaking the same type of work for each organisation, (i.e., you do lots of contract work on school sites) then you can continue to use the same DBS Check for each new job. If you change sectors, then you may need to apply for an additional DBS Check.
You can register for the Update Service using your DBS application e-reference number, whilst your DBS Check is still in process. Alternatively, you can apply with your certificate number within 30 days of the certificate issue date.
Please note, that Personnel Checks are unable to sign applicants up for the Update Service, this must be done by the applicants themselves. You can do this by contacting the DBS directly. Find out more about the Update Service here.
If you’re self-employed and need to provide a Basic check, you can request one here.
For a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, please give us a call on 01254 355688 and we’ll be happy to help you find the solution that’s right for you.