A Standard DBS Check provides employers and organisations with criminal record information for positions that are legally eligible for this level of check.
Quicker DBS helps organisations process Standard DBS applications online, with same-day administrative processing, built-in application tracking and support from our UK-based team.
Why Use Quicker DBS For Standard DBS Checks?
Same-Day Processing
Completed applications submitted within our cut-off are processed by our team the same day.
Built-In Tracking
Keep track of your DBS applications online and receive updates as they progress.
Eligibility Support
Unsure which DBS Check you need? Our team can help you understand the relevant eligibility guidance.
Online Applications
Manage applications online from your phone, tablet or computer, wherever you are.
Dedicated Customer Support
Our friendly UK-based team is available to help by phone or email.
No Contracts or Minimum Spend
Use the service when you need it without an ongoing contract or minimum monthly spend.
What Is a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS Check is a criminal record check available for certain eligible roles and professions.
It can show:
- unspent convictions and conditional cautions
- spent convictions that are not protected by the filtering rules
- adult cautions that are not protected by the filtering rules
Protected convictions and cautions are not shown.
A Standard DBS Check does not include the additional local police information that can be considered for an Enhanced DBS Check.
Who Can Get a Standard DBS Check?
You can only request a Standard DBS Check if the role is eligible.
Eligibility depends on the role and the activities being carried out, not simply the type of organisation someone works for.
Examples of roles that may be eligible include certain:
- legal and judicial roles
- financial services positions
- healthcare and care roles
- court and tribunal roles
- prison and detention roles
- fire and rescue authority roles
- football stewarding roles
Some professions are only eligible for a Standard check when a person is first entering the profession.
Some roles may instead qualify for an Enhanced DBS Check depending on the work being carried out.
If you are unsure which level of DBS Check is appropriate, we can help you understand the relevant eligibility guidance before you submit an application.
Which DBS Check Do You Need?
The right level of DBS Check depends on the role and the work being carried out. Here is a simple comparison of Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks to help you understand the key differences.
Basic DBS Check
Available for any role or purpose.
- Shows unspent convictions
- Shows unspent conditional cautions
- Can be requested for any role
- Individuals can apply for themselves
Standard DBS Check
For roles that meet the legal eligibility requirements.
- Shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions
- Can show certain spent convictions and adult cautions
- Subject to DBS filtering rules
- Must be requested for an eligible role
Enhanced DBS Check
For eligible roles requiring a higher level of criminal record check.
- Includes Standard-level criminal record information
- Can include relevant local police information
- May include a Children’s or Adults’ Barred List check
- Must be requested for an eligible role
What Does a Standard DBS Check Show?
A Standard DBS Check can show convictions and cautions recorded on the Police National Computer that are not protected by the DBS filtering rules.
It will include all unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Certain spent convictions and adult cautions can also be disclosed depending on the offence, the outcome and how long ago it occurred.
How Far Back Does a Standard DBS Check Go?
There is no fixed number of years that a Standard DBS Check covers.
Some older convictions and cautions become protected and are filtered from the certificate. Others must continue to be disclosed.
For example, convictions that resulted in a custodial sentence and convictions for specified offences are not filtered.
How Much Does a Standard DBS Check Cost?
The current DBS fee for a Standard DBS Check is £20.00, which was reduced on 5 October 2026.
Quicker DBS charges a small administration fee in addition to the DBS fee. This can be seen by creating an account with us, which is completely free to do.
Are Standard DBS Checks Free for Volunteers?
The DBS does not charge its application fee for eligible Standard DBS Checks for volunteers.
However, two separate conditions must be met:
- the role must be eligible for a Standard DBS Check; and
- the applicant must meet the DBS definition of a volunteer.
Someone is not classed as a volunteer for DBS fee purposes if, for example, they are being paid for the role, are on a work placement or are undertaking training that will lead to a qualification or full-time role.
An administration fee can still be charged for processing a volunteer application.
How the Standard DBS Application Process Works
Applying through Quicker DBS is straightforward. Either the organisation or the applicant can complete the application, and Digital ID can be used for any application to speed up the identity checking stage.
Add the Applicant
The organisation adds the applicant to the Quicker DBS system and starts the application.
Complete the Application
Either the organisation or the applicant can enter the required personal details, including names and address history.
Complete the ID Check
Digital ID can be used for any application. Where suitable documents are available, it can speed up the identity checking process and reduce the need for manual document checks.
Review and Submit
Once the application and ID check are complete, the details can be reviewed and submitted for processing.
DBS Processes the Check
The application is sent to the Disclosure and Barring Service, which carries out the check and issues the certificate to the applicant.
Why Use Quicker DBS for Standard DBS Checks?
Quicker DBS gives organisations a simple way to manage Standard DBS applications online.
You get:
- same-day processing of completed applications
- online application tracking
- eligibility support
- digital identity checking
- real customer support – no annoying AI robots!
- no contracts or minimum monthly spend
- free registration
You can create an account for free and only use the service when you need it.
Standard DBS Check FAQs
Find quick answers to some of the most common questions about Standard DBS Checks.
What does a Standard DBS Check show?
A Standard DBS Check can show unspent convictions and conditional cautions, as well as certain spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected by the DBS filtering rules.
Who is eligible for a Standard DBS Check?
Standard DBS Checks are only available for roles that meet the legal eligibility requirements. Eligibility depends on the position and the activities being carried out, not simply the employer or industry.
Can I apply for a Standard DBS Check myself?
No. A Standard DBS Check must be requested for an eligible role through a Registered Body. If you need a criminal record check for yourself and are not eligible for a Standard or Enhanced check, you can apply for a Basic DBS Check.
What is the difference between a Basic and Standard DBS Check?
A Basic DBS Check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions and can be requested for any role. A Standard DBS Check can also show certain spent convictions and adult cautions, but it is only available for eligible roles.
What is the difference between a Standard and Enhanced DBS Check?
An Enhanced DBS Check includes the same type of Police National Computer information as a Standard check, but can also include relevant information held by local police. Eligible Enhanced checks may also include a Children’s Barred List or Adults’ Barred List check.
How far back does a Standard DBS Check go?
There is no fixed number of years. Some older convictions and cautions can become protected and be filtered from the certificate, while others continue to be disclosed under the DBS filtering rules.
How long does a Standard DBS Check take?
There is no guaranteed DBS turnaround time. Processing times vary depending on the application and whether further enquiries are needed. Quicker DBS processes completed applications on the same day when they are received before our processing cut-off.
How much does a Standard DBS Check cost?
The DBS fee is currently £21.50. From 5 October 2026, it will reduce to £20.00. Quicker DBS also charges an administration fee for processing the application.
Are Standard DBS Checks free for volunteers?
The DBS does not charge its application fee for an eligible Standard DBS Check where the applicant meets the DBS definition of a volunteer. An administration fee can still apply.
Does a Standard DBS Check expire?
No. DBS Certificates do not have an official expiry date. They only show the information available when the check was completed, so an organisation may decide that a new check is required later.