What is the DBS Update Service?

The update service is an online subscription service that lets you keep your DBS certificates up to date and allows employers to re-check your certificate online, with your consent.

Registration initially lasts for one year and can then be renewed annually thereafter. The cost to register is £16 and then £16 per year on each renewal date thereafter.  This charge is only for Applicants in a paid role, it is free for volunteers.  All registrations would start from the date your DBS certificate was issued.

You can join the Update Service once your certificate has been issued and we will guide you through the registration process.  Your certificate has to be registered within 30 days of issue.  You can opt out of registration, however your ECB Clearance will only be for 12 months from certificate issue.

Alternatively, if you already have an active registration to the update service then you can choose to add your new ECB DBS certificate to that registration and give us consent to add you into our annual re-checks.  We will guide you how to do this once your certificate has been issued.

For a full guide on the DBS Update Service, visit https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service