DBS Update Service
The DBS Update Service is an official government subscription service that keeps a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate up to date.
Once subscribed, the certificate can be checked online to confirm whether it remains current or if new information has been added since it was issued. It costs £16 per year, or is free if the applicant is a volunteer.
At Faster DBS, we offer a service that automatically checks your applicant’s Update Service.
Sign Up For Automatic Update Service Checks
Why Use the Update Service?
Instead of applying for a brand-new DBS check each time, the Update Service allows employers to:
- Check whether a certificate is still valid
- See if there has been a change to an individual’s criminal record status
- Avoid unnecessary repeat DBS applications
The Update Service is run by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and costs £16 per year, unless the applicant is a volunteer (in which case the government fee is waived).
DBS Update Service vs Applying for a New DBS Every Year
See how the DBS Update Service compares to requesting a brand-new DBS check annually.
| Feature | DBS Update Service | New DBS Check Every Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing monitoring | ✔ Continuous status checking | ✖ Only checked at renewal |
| Detects record changes instantly | ✔ Yes (via status update) | ✖ No — only when reapplying |
| Reduces repeat applications | ✔ Avoids unnecessary re-checks | ✖ Full application required each time |
| Time required from employer | ✔ Minimal (especially with automatic checking) | ✖ Admin required for every renewal |
| Safeguarding visibility | ✔ Ongoing oversight | ✖ Snapshot once per year |
| Cost structure | ✔ £16 per year (free for volunteers) | ✖ Full DBS fee each time |
| Compliance audit trail | ✔ Continuous evidence of monitoring | ✖ Evidence only at time of renewal |
The Problem With the Update Service: Manual Checking
Without automation, checking the DBS Update Service means:
- Logging in manually
- Entering employee details individually
- Repeating the process for every subscribed employee
- Remembering to check regularly
This may be manageable with one or two employees, but for larger organisations, it quickly becomes time consuming, easy to forget, and open to human error.
Manual processes often get delayed, especially during busy periods – which can expose organisations to safeguarding risk.
The Solution: Automatic DBS Update Service Checking
Faster DBS offers an Automatic Update Service Checking System for employers.
Instead of manually checking each certificate, our system:
- Checks the DBS Update Service daily
- Monitors all subscribed employees
- Instantly notifies you if a status changes
- Clearly displays if any action is required
- If requested, it will automatically renew Update Service subscriptions too.
Once set up, the system runs automatically in the background – so you can focus on running your organisation.
All of this for only £1 a month, per applicant!*
*Renewing the Update Service subscription costs an additional £16 a year, or is free if the individual is a volunteer.
Manual vs automatic Update Service checking time
A quick visual comparison of how long Update Service checks can take when done manually vs automatically.
Logging in, entering details, and repeating the process across multiple employees adds up quickly.
Set up once, then we check in the background and notify you if anything changes.
Sign Up For Automatic Update Service Checks
How the DBS Update Service Works
To subscribe to the Update Service:
- The applicant must have a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate issued within the last 30 days.
- They/their employer must register online and pay the annual subscription fee (unless exempt as a volunteer).
- Employers must obtain permission from the individual to check their status.
To perform a status check, you need:
- The applicant’s full name
- Date of birth
- The 12-digit DBS certificate number
With Faster DBS, this process can be integrated into your existing workflow.
What Happens If the Update Service Shows a Change?
If the DBS Update Service indicates a change in status, it means there is new information recorded since the certificate was issued.
At that point, the employer should request a new DBS check to see the updated details.
Our automatic system ensures you know immediately if this happens to reduce risk and protect vulnerable individuals.
Sign Up For Automatic Update Service Checks
DBS Update Service FAQ
What is the DBS Update Service?
The DBS Update Service is a government subscription that keeps a DBS certificate up to date. Employers can check online whether a Standard, Enhanced, or Basic DBS certificate has changed since it was issued, without applying for a new check.
How much does the DBS Update Service cost?
The government fee is £16 per year per certificate. If the applicant qualifies as a volunteer, the fee is waived.
How much does the Automatic Checker cost?
The Faster DBS automatic Update Service checker costs just £1 per month, per applicant.
What happens if the DBS Update Service shows a change?
If a status change is detected, it means new information has been recorded since the certificate was issued. The employer or organisation should apply for a new DBS check to view the updated details as soon as possible.
Can the DBS Update Service replace new DBS checks?
Yes – as long as the certificate status remains unchanged, the same level of DBS check is required, and the role has not significantly changed.
Why use automatic DBS Update Service checking?
Manual checking can be time-consuming and easy to forget. Faster DBS’ automatic Update Service checker monitors certificates daily and sends instant notifications if a change occurs, helping organisations stay compliant and protect vulnerable people.