An Enhanced DBS check costs £49.50 for the government fee. This fee is the same whether a barred list check is included. When an Enhanced DBS check is processed through an umbrella body, an administration fee is added, meaning the total cost is usually between £60 and £80, depending on the provider.
Administration fees typically cover application processing, system access, and checks carried out by the umbrella body before the application is submitted to the DBS. There are also optional additional costs, such as a Digital ID check, which is often used to speed up the application process and reduce errors.
Employers often use online umbrella body services, such as Faster DBS, to process Enhanced DBS checks efficiently, with clearly separated government and administration fees so organisations understand exactly what they are paying for.
What affects the Enhanced DBS check cost?
The total Enhanced DBS check cost depends on:
- The fixed government DBS fee
- The administration fee charged by the processing service
- Whether digital ID verification is used
- Whether the applicant is a volunteer
- Any volume pricing offered for frequent applications
If the applicant is a volunteer, there is no DBS fee to pay. Only the administration fee is charged.
The DBS fee itself is set by the Government, while administration fees vary depending on the provider.
Enhanced DBS check cost with Faster DBS
With Faster DBS, the Enhanced DBS check cost includes:
- DBS fee: £49.50
- Administration fee: £16.95
At Faster DBS, if your DBS application does not have a result within 14 days, we will refund the Admin Fee for that application. We also offer free credit to reduce the Enhanced DBS check cost.
There are no sign-up fees, minimum usage requirements, or hidden costs. Any optional services, such as digital ID verification, are shown separately so employers can decide what they need.
Frequently asked questions about Enhanced DBS check costs
Can I get an Enhanced DBS check for free?
Enhanced DBS checks are free only for volunteers in eligible roles. The government DBS fee is waived, but an administration fee is usually still payable to cover processing and verification.
How long does an Enhanced DBS check take in 2026?
Most Enhanced DBS checks take less than 14 days. Some can be completed much sooner, while others may take longer if local police forces need additional time to complete their checks.
What is the difference between a DBS check and an Enhanced DBS check?
A Basic DBS check shows unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. A Standard DBS check shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. An Enhanced DBS check includes the same information and may also include relevant information held by local police, and barred list checks where legally required.
Who pays for an Enhanced DBS check?
The employer or organisation usually pays for an Enhanced DBS check, although some organisations ask applicants to cover the cost. For volunteer roles, the DBS fee is free, but administration fees may still apply.