How to View My DBS Certificate in the UK?

Are you looking to view your DBS Certificate in the UK? A DBS or Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is a record of your criminal history or lack thereof. Different jobs require different levels of the certificate, and it is necessary for those who will be working or volunteering with vulnerable groups of people, such as children or the elderly. This post will walk you through the steps to view your DBS certificate online and show you how to read it. We will also cover how much a DBS check costs and how long it is valid. Finally, we will touch on the steps you must take if you lose your DBS Certificate. Keep reading to learn more!

What is a DBS Certificate?

A DBS certificate is an official document that states whether an individual has been cleared to work with children or vulnerable adults. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), a government organization in the United Kingdom, issued the certificate.

Individuals who work with children or vulnerable adults are required by law to have a valid DBS certificate. The certificate shows that the individual has undergone a criminal background check and is considered safe to work with these groups of people.

How to View My DBS Certificate Online?

You can view your DBS certificate online if you have gone through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. To do so, you need to create an account on the DBS website with your certificate number and personal details such as your name, date of birth same as a birth certificate, and address.

Once you have created your account, an authorisation code will be provided to you, which you can use to view your certificate online. For viewing your certificate online, visit www.gov.uk/dbs and enter your authorisation code. It is worth noting that employers are also allowed to carry out DBS checks on eligible documents and do not require seeing original identity documents, which may add extra convenience to the entire process.

How to Read Your DBS Certificate?

Once you receive your DBS certificate in the UK, you can easily read it through a few simple steps. Firstly, create an account at [www.gov.uk/dbs], which will allow you to view your certificate online. You can only access the certificate for a limited time of 28 days after receiving it.

Additionally, you can track the progress of your basic check using the DBS online tracking service. This tracking service requires your application reference number, applicant’s surname, and date of birth.

To further authenticate your identity, an employer may ask you to provide identification documents, such as a bank or credit card statement, mortgage statement, or work visa/permit. However, it is worth mentioning that eligible documents can be used for remote checks by employers who do not need to see original identity documents.

Overall, reading your DBS certificate in the UK is a straightforward process, and creating an online account can be beneficial as it allows you to keep track of your background check results.

How Much Does a DBS Check Cost?

The cost of a DBS check varies depending on the type of check needed. The range of the cost of a DBS check falls between £18-£38. The applicant can sign up for the DBS Update Service, which costs £13 per year. The platform allows applicants to track the status of their applications easily.

The DBS check typically takes 48 hours to complete. Employers may pay for the employee’s DBS Checks, but this is purely at their discretion. Applicants who have obtained a DBS Check previously may be able to use the same certificate when applying for a new job, providing the nature of the new job and employer is similar to the previous certificate.

How Long Is a DBS Check Valid For?

Unlike other certifications, a DBS check has no set expiry date. Nevertheless, employers may decide that a new DBS check is necessary depending on how long ago the last check was conducted. If you’re wondering if your existing check remains valid, you can subscribe to the DBS update service that allows employers to check whether your DBS certificate is up-to-date.

The service only covers basic and standard checks and costs £13 annually. If you have registered for the DBS update service and you’ve changed jobs, you must shift your subscription to your new employer’s details. DBS checks are typically completed within 48 hours of submission.

What If I Lost My DBS Certificate?

A lost DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate can be a frustrating situation for anyone. Several factors can lead to a misplaced or lost certificate, such as an incorrect address on the application form or additional checks needed by the local police force.

If you have lost your DBS certificate, don’t worry – applying for a replacement through the DBS customer service team is possible. However, you may need to provide additional documents to prove your identity and address when applying for a replacement.

It is also possible to track the progress of your DBS application on the DBS website. Additionally, you may need to inform your employer or the organization that asked for the original DBS check about your lost certificate. Taking these steps will help you obtain a replacement certificate and get back on track with your job or volunteering activities.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of how to view your DBS certificate in the UK. With the help of the Disclosure and Barring Service, employers can easily access a person’s criminal record history, making it important for job seekers to know their rights when viewing their certificates. Whether you are looking for work or just want peace of mind that your certificate is up-to-date, being able to view your DBS certificate online will give you the assurance you need.