Standard DBS check vs enhanced DBS check

Standard DBS check versus Enhanced DBS check

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) provides criminal record checks at different levels. Standard and enhanced checks are the two most detailed levels and differ in the information disclosed, particularly whether police intelligence (soft information) is included.

Side by side

	Standard DBS check	Enhanced DBS check
What is disclosed	Spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings held on the Police National Computer	Everything in a standard check, plus any information held locally by police forces that the chief officer considers relevant and proportionate to disclose
Who can apply	An employer or licensing body for a role listed in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Cannot be applied for by individuals	An employer or body for a role involving work with children or vulnerable adults, or specified in the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulations 2002
Relevance filtering	Protected cautions and convictions are filtered and not disclosed, subject to rules on age, disposal type, and time elapsed	The same filtering rules apply to PNC data. However, locally held police intelligence is assessed separately by each chief officer
Police intelligence	Not disclosed. A standard check reveals only PNC-held records	Chief officers of every force in England and Wales review their local records and may disclose information they reasonably believe to be relevant. This can include allegations, intelligence, and information from non-conviction sources
Barred list	Not checked. The standard DBS check does not include a barred list check	An enhanced check with barred list check (available for regulated activity roles) also searches the children's and/or adults' barred lists maintained by the DBS
Processing time	Typically 14 days. There are no local force checks to await	Typically 6 to 8 weeks due to the need for every relevant police force to review local intelligence. Complex cases may take longer
Cost	£18 (as of 2024). Free for volunteers in certain roles	£38 (as of 2024). Free for volunteers in certain roles
Purpose	Roles requiring a higher level of trust, such as solicitors, accountants, security industry (SIA licence), certain health professionals	Roles involving regular unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults: teachers, carers, police officers, NHS clinical staff, social workers

Which applies

The key distinction is whether police intelligence (soft information) is disclosed. A standard check reveals only formal criminal records. An enhanced check adds local police force intelligence, which may include allegations that did not result in a charge or conviction. Applicants have the right to dispute the accuracy or relevance of disclosed information through the Independent Monitor.

Last updated 24 September 2026