An enhanced DBS check is often required before someone can start work or volunteering in roles involving children, vulnerable adults or regulated activity. It is commonly used for teaching, healthcare, social care, childcare, charity work and other sensitive roles.

Although many DBS checks are completed quickly, enhanced checks can take longer than basic or standard checks because they may involve local police force checks. This means the processing time can depend not only on DBS, but also on the accuracy of the application, address history and the police forces involved.

GOV.UK states that a standard or enhanced DBS check usually takes around 14 days, but it can take longer if the details given are incorrect or several police forces need to be involved. It also confirms that you cannot pay more to get a faster check.

This guide explains how long an enhanced DBS check can take, why delays happen, how to track progress and what to consider if the certificate will be used abroad.

What is an enhanced DBS check?

An enhanced DBS check is the highest level of DBS criminal record check available for eligible roles in England and Wales.

It can show:

• spent and unspent convictions
• cautions
• warnings
• reprimands
• relevant police information
• barred list information, if the role is eligible for a barred list check

An enhanced DBS check is usually requested by an employer, charity, school, healthcare provider, care organisation or other eligible body. Applicants cannot normally apply for a standard or enhanced DBS check by themselves; GOV.UK explains that these checks must be requested through the employer or organisation asking for the check.

Enhanced DBS vs basic DBS

A basic DBS check can be requested by an individual and shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.

An enhanced DBS check is more detailed and can only be requested for eligible roles. It may include relevant local police information and, where appropriate, barred list checks.

This is why enhanced checks usually take longer than basic checks. They involve more stages and may require police force input before the certificate can be issued.

How long does an enhanced DBS check take?

GOV.UK says a standard or enhanced DBS check usually takes around 14 days, but this is not a guaranteed timescale. It can take longer if the application contains incorrect details or if several police forces need to be involved.

In practice, some enhanced DBS checks are completed faster, while others take several weeks. The timing depends on the complexity of the check and whether it gets held at the police review stage.

If you need the certificate for a job start date, visa process, overseas role or volunteering deadline, it is safer to allow extra time rather than relying on the average turnaround.

Why enhanced DBS checks take longer

Enhanced DBS checks can take longer because they involve more detailed checks than basic or standard DBS checks.

Delays may happen because:

• details on the application are incorrect
• names or previous names do not match records
• addresses are incomplete
• the applicant has lived in several police force areas
• local police forces need to review information
• additional information must be considered
• identity documents need checking
• the employer or umbrella body has not submitted the application promptly
• the certificate is delayed in the post

The police review stage is often the stage most associated with longer waits.

The police check stage

Enhanced DBS applications may be sent to local police forces so they can check whether there is relevant information that should be disclosed.

If the applicant has lived in different areas, more than one police force may need to be involved. GOV.UK specifically notes that checks can take longer if several police forces need to be involved.

This stage can also take longer if a force is dealing with high volumes, staffing pressures or complex information review.

Incorrect details can cause delays

Small mistakes can slow down an enhanced DBS check.

Common issues include:

• misspelled names
• missing middle names
• incorrect date of birth
• incomplete address history
• wrong postcode
• missing previous addresses
• inconsistent previous names
• incorrect ID document details
• errors made by the employer or umbrella body

Before submission, the applicant and employer should check the application carefully. Correct information at the start is one of the best ways to reduce avoidable delays.

Address history and previous names

Enhanced DBS checks usually require accurate address history. If the applicant has moved several times, lived abroad or used different names, the check may take longer.

Previous names are especially important. This may include:

• maiden names
• married names
• deed poll names
• informal names used on official records
• spelling variations
• names used in another country

If previous names are missing, the application may be delayed or may need correction.

Can you speed up an enhanced DBS check?

You cannot pay DBS more to speed up a standard or enhanced check. GOV.UK states that applicants cannot pay more to get a faster check.

However, you can reduce avoidable delays by:

• submitting accurate details
• providing complete address history
• checking previous names carefully
• using correct identity documents
• responding quickly to employer or umbrella body requests
• tracking the application
• making sure the employer submits the application promptly

Once the application is with DBS or local police, there may be limited scope to speed it up.

How to track an enhanced DBS check

Applicants can track the progress of a standard or enhanced DBS application using the DBS tracking service. GOV.UK says applicants need their application reference number and date of birth to track the application.

Tracking can help show whether the application is still being processed, has reached the police stage or has been completed.

Employers registered with DBS can also track multiple applications, which can be useful where several staff checks are being processed at the same time.

When to contact DBS

If the application has been waiting for longer than expected, check its status online first.

You may need to contact DBS or ask the employer or umbrella body for support if:

• the application has not moved for a long time
• the application details may be wrong
• the certificate has been issued but not received
• the employer cannot confirm submission
• there is a deadline for employment or volunteering
• the application has been with police for an extended period

Keep the application reference number available when contacting DBS or the organisation that submitted the check.

Enhanced DBS certificate delivery

Once the check is completed, the DBS certificate is normally issued to the applicant.

Employers usually ask the applicant to show the original certificate before confirming a role. If the certificate is lost or damaged, GOV.UK says DBS cannot provide replacements and the employer will need to start the process again.

If the certificate is needed for apostille or overseas use, keep the original safe. A damaged, missing or incomplete certificate can delay legalisation.

DBS Update Service

The DBS Update Service lets people keep standard and enhanced DBS certificates up to date and allows organisations to check a certificate online, with the applicant’s permission.

GOV.UK also explains that the Update Service is for standard and enhanced checks, and applicants can use it to help keep their check up to date.

The Update Service can be useful if you move between roles in the same workforce where the same type and level of check is required. However, it does not replace apostille legalisation if an overseas authority asks for a legalised DBS certificate.

Enhanced DBS for overseas use

An enhanced DBS certificate may be requested by an overseas employer, school, charity, healthcare provider, professional body or volunteering organisation.

It may be needed for:

• teaching abroad
• international schools
• childcare or nanny roles
• healthcare jobs
• social care roles
• volunteering overseas
• professional registration abroad
• adoption or safeguarding procedures
• employer background screening

However, not every overseas authority will accept an enhanced DBS check. Some visa or immigration authorities may ask for an ACRO police certificate instead.

Before applying, check whether the recipient needs:

• enhanced DBS certificate
• standard DBS certificate
• basic DBS certificate
• ACRO police certificate
• Disclosure Scotland certificate
• AccessNI certificate
• certificate with apostille
• certificate with translation

Enhanced DBS vs ACRO for overseas applications

Enhanced DBS and ACRO are not the same.

An enhanced DBS check is mainly used for eligible work or volunteering roles in England and Wales. It is requested through an employer or organisation.

An ACRO police certificate is commonly used for visa, immigration, residency and overseas police clearance purposes.

If an overseas authority asks for a “police certificate” or “police clearance certificate”, do not assume they mean enhanced DBS. They may expect ACRO instead.

Does an enhanced DBS need apostille?

An enhanced DBS certificate may need apostille if it is being used outside the UK and the receiving authority asks for legalised documents.

The UK Legalisation Office checks whether a signature, stamp or seal is genuine and legalises the document by attaching an apostille.

For DBS certificates, solicitor certification may be needed before apostille, especially if the FCDO cannot verify the certificate directly or if a copy is being submitted.

Solicitor certification before apostille

An enhanced DBS certificate may need solicitor certification before it can be apostilled.

This may apply if:

• the certificate is being submitted as a copy
• the certificate is digital or printed
• the receiving authority asks for a certified copy
• the FCDO needs a verifiable solicitor signature
• the document format is not suitable for direct apostille

The solicitor certification must be clear and suitable for legalisation. If the wording or signature is not accepted, the apostille application may be delayed or rejected.

How recent should an enhanced DBS certificate be?

A DBS certificate does not usually have a fixed expiry date, but it shows information as at the date it was issued. GOV.UK explains that a DBS check only shows convictions on the date you get the check.

For overseas use, the receiving authority may set its own validity period. Some organisations may ask for a certificate issued within the last three or six months.

Before apostilling an older enhanced DBS certificate, check whether the recipient will still accept it.

Translation requirements

If the enhanced DBS certificate will be used in a non-English-speaking country, a certified translation may be required.

The correct order depends on the receiving authority. Some authorities want the DBS certificate apostilled first and then translated. Others may require the translation itself to be certified, notarised or legalised.

Before arranging translation, check whether the recipient needs:

• the original DBS certificate
• a solicitor-certified copy
• an apostilled DBS certificate
• certified translation
• sworn translation
• translation of the apostille
• embassy legalisation

Embassy legalisation after apostille

If the destination country accepts apostilles, the FCDO apostille may be enough.

If the country does not accept apostille alone, the enhanced DBS certificate may need embassy or consular legalisation after apostille.

This can add time, especially if the document also needs solicitor certification and translation. If there is a job start date or visa deadline, check the full route early.

Common mistakes to avoid

Common mistakes include:

• assuming enhanced DBS checks always arrive within 14 days
• submitting incorrect names or address history
• forgetting previous names
• applying for DBS when ACRO is required
• assuming an applicant can apply for enhanced DBS alone
• relying on the Update Service when the overseas authority needs a new certificate
• apostilling an old certificate without checking validity rules
• sending a copy without solicitor certification
• translating the certificate before checking the correct order
• leaving no time for apostille, embassy legalisation or courier delivery

These mistakes can delay employment, volunteering, visa or professional registration processes.

How to plan around enhanced DBS delays

The safest approach is to start the DBS process as soon as the employer or organisation confirms that it is required.

You should:

• confirm the exact DBS level needed
• provide complete personal details
• list previous names correctly
• check address history carefully
• respond quickly to ID verification requests
• track the application online
• check whether apostille will be needed
• confirm whether translation or embassy legalisation is required
• allow time for postal delivery and legalisation

If the certificate will be used abroad, remember that the DBS check itself is only one stage. Apostille, certification, translation and courier delivery may add extra time.

How we can help

We can help prepare enhanced DBS certificates for overseas use after the certificate has been issued.

Our service can include checking whether your DBS certificate is suitable for apostille, advising whether solicitor certification is needed, submitting the document for FCDO apostille, advising on embassy legalisation and helping with certified translation where required.

If you are unsure whether the overseas authority needs enhanced DBS, basic DBS or ACRO, send us their instructions and the destination country. We can help identify the likely document route before you legalise the wrong certificate.