What does a DBS certificate show?
Whether you’re being asked to apply for a DBS check or you need checks for your staff, this guide explains exactly what information appears on a DBS certificate and how this differs depending on the level of check.
What information appears on a DBS certificate?
A DBS certificate is split into several sections, each confirming different types of information about the applicant and the check itself.
Personal details
- Full name
- Other names or aliases
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Gender
- Position applied for
- Name of the organisation requesting the DBS check (the employer)
DBS application details
- DBS certificate number – a unique 12-digit reference number
- The organisation that facilitated the DBS application (for example, Faster DBS)
- The countersignatory who reviewed and signed off the application
Disclosure details
This is the most important section of the DBS certificate.
It confirms whether the applicant has any convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands. What appears depends on:
- The level of DBS check requested
- Whether the offence is spent, unspent, or filtered
Basic DBS checks only show unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. Standard and Enhanced DBS checks can show both spent and unspent information.
Filtered offences will not appear on any level of DBS certificate.
You can use the official GOV.UK tool to check whether an offence is spent. We have also published a separate guide explaining the difference between spent and unspent convictions if you are unsure.
Barred list information (Enhanced checks only)
If an Enhanced DBS check includes a barred list check, the certificate will show whether the applicant is barred from working with children, adults, or both.
Additional police information
For Enhanced DBS checks, local police forces may disclose additional information if they believe it is relevant to the role being applied for. This happens infrequently and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Only police forces covering the applicant’s five-year address history are consulted.
If you want to understand how this information is assessed and disclosed, see our detailed guidance on local police information.
The differences between DBS check levels
There are three levels of DBS check: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced. Each level reveals different information.
What does a Basic DBS check show?
A Basic DBS check shows:
- Unspent convictions
- Unspent cautions, warnings, and reprimands
If an offence is spent, it will not appear on a Basic DBS certificate.
What does a Standard DBS check show?
A Standard DBS check shows:
- Spent and unspent convictions
- Spent and unspent cautions, warnings, and reprimands
What does an Enhanced DBS check show?
An Enhanced DBS check includes:
- All information shown on a Standard DBS check
- Any relevant additional police information
- Barred list results, where requested
Enhanced checks are typically required for roles involving close contact with children or vulnerable adults.
| What is shown on the DBS certificate | Basic DBS | Standard DBS | Enhanced DBS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unspent convictions, cautions, warnings & reprimands | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Spent convictions, cautions, warnings & reprimands | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Local police force information | — | — | ✔ |
| Adults’ & Children’s Barred Lists (if requested) | — | — | ✔ |
Filtered offences explained
Some very minor offences, or offences committed while under the age of 18, may be filtered. Filtered offences are never disclosed on any DBS certificate, regardless of the level of check.
Are fixed penalty notices shown on DBS certificates?
No. Fixed penalty notices are civil offences and are not disclosed on DBS certificates. These usually involve fines and do not result in a criminal record once the fine has been paid.
Do DBS certificates show information about other people?
DBS certificates do not normally include information about other individuals.
However, in rare cases, details about other people may appear within the local police information section of an Enhanced DBS check if the police believe it is relevant to the role.
For example, if someone applies for an Enhanced DBS check for a teaching role and lives with a person who is on the Children’s Barred List, this information may be disclosed if considered relevant.
Summary: what does a DBS certificate show?
What appears on a DBS certificate depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the level of DBS check requested.
- A spent conviction will not appear on a Basic DBS certificate
- A spent conviction may appear on a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate, but employers must follow fair recruitment guidance
- Additional police information may be included on Enhanced checks where relevant
Frequently asked questions
Does a DBS certificate show all criminal convictions?
No. What is shown depends on the level of check and whether offences are spent or filtered.
Will a spent conviction appear on a Basic DBS check?
No. Basic DBS checks only show unspent convictions.
How long does information stay on a DBS certificate?
A DBS certificate shows information held at the time it is issued. It does not update automatically. THe only way for Employers to be aware of new convictions is by putting the Standard/Enhanced certificate on the Update Service
Do all Enhanced DBS checks include barred list checks?
No. Barred list checks are only included when they are legally required for the role.