Self-Employed DBS Checks: How to Get Basic, Standard or Enhanced in 2026
*In this article, for ease, we use the term ‘self-employed’. However, any individual who meets the eligibility requirements for a required level of DBS application can now apply. You don’t need to specifically be ‘self-employed ’; you could be a sole trader, an individual with a private contract for work, or any other form of individual employment.
The rules changed in 2026, and for once it's good news if you work for yourself. Until recently, being your own boss meant your DBS options were limited; now there's a proper route to the higher-level checks that so much independent work depends on. This is the practical guide: who can get what, how to apply, and what to expect along the way.
The big change in 2026
For years the system only worked one way. DBS checks were built for employers making hiring decisions, so the higher levels (Standard and Enhanced) had to be applied for by an organisation on someone's behalf. If you worked for yourself, there was nobody to make that call, which left most self-employed people limited to a Basic check.
On 21 January 2026, the DBS updated its guidance. Self-employed individuals carrying out regulated activity can now apply for Standard and Enhanced checks directly through a registered body. Put simply: the level of check your work calls for is finally one you can get yourself.
Quick check: could you qualify for a higher-level check?
You're more likely to be eligible for a Standard or Enhanced check if a few of these ring true:
Your work involves regulated activity (more on that shortly)
You're in regular contact with children or vulnerable adults
A client or organisation has specifically asked for a Standard or Enhanced certificate
You work in a sector like education, healthcare, social care or childcare
If none of those apply, a Basic check is almost certainly what you need, and you can apply for one at any time.
Basic, Standard or Enhanced: which one is right for you?
Basic. Shows any unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Anyone can apply, and it's enough for plenty of general independent work.
Standard. Goes further, revealing spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings. Tends to apply to specific professions and licensed roles. It is very rare for a self-employed person to require a Standard DBS check, but it does happen.
Enhanced. The most thorough level. It covers everything on a Standard DBS check plus any information local police consider relevant, and where appropriate a check against the Children's and/or Adults' Barred Lists. Private tutors, sports coaches, carers and contractors working on school sites often fall here.
What does "regulated activity" actually mean?
Generally, regulated activity is a legal term used to define any kind of work that is governed by statutory legislation.
In the context of DBS checks, regulated activity is usually referring to any form of work involving close or ongoing contact with children or vulnerable adults, such as teaching, caring, healthcare, or supervising and looking after people in those groups. Working in regulated activity is what unlocks eligibility for an Enhanced DBS check.
There are other kinds of regulated activity but these are rare and usually relate to certain licences or very specific working locations. Conversely, there are some roles where regulated activity isn’t involved but a DBS is still required. Eligibility can be a very complicated thing as it usually involves multiple areas of legislation. This is why we built in an eligibility check into our process, so you can be sure exactly what level of DBS is right for you.
How to apply when you're self-employed
The whole process is built to be done from your sofa, start to finish:
Check your eligibility. Run our quick assessment so you know which level you can apply for.
Pick your check. Basic for general suitability, or Standard/Enhanced where your work and eligibility allow.
Fill in the online form. It takes a few minutes; have your address history and ID to hand.
Verify your identity (see below).
Wait for your certificate. Basic results often arrive quickly; Standard and Enhanced can take a little longer depending on the police forces involved.
Proving your identity
Every DBS application needs your identity verified. With MyCheck that happens online, so there's no posting original documents or booking an appointment in person. You'll share a few documents (typically photo ID and proof of address) and we'll tell you exactly what's accepted before you start.
If you can’t complete the ID verification process online for whatever reason, we have a backup ID verification solution via the Post Office.
Keeping your check current: the DBS Update Service
Hold a Standard or Enhanced certificate and you can join the DBS Update Service. For an annual fee (currently £16) it keeps your certificate information up to date online and lets you give organisations permission to view it on request, which effectively makes one check portable.
As long as you're doing the same type of work for each client, you can keep reusing the same certificate; move into a different sector and you may need a fresh one. You register yourself directly with the DBS, either using your application e-reference number while the check is in progress or your certificate number within 30 days of issue. A registered body can't sign you up for this, so it's one to handle yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Do I legally need a DBS check to be self-employed?
No. There's no blanket requirement; whether you need one comes down to the work you do and what your clients ask for.
Can one check cover several clients?
Yes, if you join the Update Service and the work is the same type. Take on a different kind of role and you may need a separate check.
How long does it take?
Basic DBS checks are the quickest to come back and generally take around 24-48 hours to be completed.
Standard DBS checks are similar taking usually between 48-72 hours to complete.
Enhanced DBS checks take the longest as they are the most in depth check. Around 80% of all Enhanced checks completed by the DBS are within a 14 day period, however, there is no maximum length of time that they can take.
Additionally to these processing times, DBS certificates are posted out by the Disclosure and Barring Service using 2nd Class postage. They advise it can take up to ten working days for a certificate to arrive in the post.
Will a check show old convictions?
A Basic check only shows unspent convictions. Once a conviction is 'spent' (after a set, offence-free period) it won't appear on a Basic certificate, though Standard and Enhanced checks can still reveal more.
Start your application
MyCheck is built specifically for self-employed people: clear pricing, a fully online journey and real support if you get stuck. Check your eligibility and get started at www.mycheck.co.uk.