Getting a criminal record check is quite simple. Apply online at GOV.UK for a Basic DBS check, pay £20, and verify your identity. Employers must request Standard or Enhanced checks for you.

Did you know? According to Gov.UK, the DBS cut its Basic check fee to £20 on 5 October 2026. 

Learning how to get a criminal record check saves you time and money. Legalisation4You walks you through it. We cover levels, costs, timelines, and overseas use. So read until the end!

 Key Takeaways

• Anyone aged 16 or over can request a Basic DBS check on GOV.UK for £20.
• Employers must start Standard and Enhanced checks for you, now costing £20 and £41 respectively.
• Criminal record checks need to be legalised with an apostille before many countries accept them.
• The DBS can’t see overseas records, so request certificates from other countries you lived in.
• Accurate details and early applications prevent costly delays, so always double-check every form before submitting

Why People Ask for a Criminal Record Check

Employers, landlords, and visa officers often want proof. A criminal background check shows whether your record raises any concerns. You might need one for:

• A new job
• A visa or work permit abroad
• Volunteering with children or vulnerable adults
• Joining a professional body or renting a home

Rules change by role. Care jobs often ask for an Enhanced check. Office jobs usually need just a Basic one.

In England and Wales, the DBS police check leads the way. DBS means Disclosure and Barring Service. It sits at the heart of any British background check.

Types of DBS Check Levels Explained

Three main levels exist. Each one shows a different amount of detail.

Level	What it shows	Who applies	Fee
Basic	Unspent convictions and conditional cautions	You or an employer	£20
Standard	Spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands	Employer only	£20
Enhanced	Standard details plus relevant police information	Employer only	£41

Remember: You can’t request Standard or Enhanced checks yourself. Your employer starts the process. Some self-employed people in eligible roles can apply for Enhanced checks.

Steps to Get Your Criminal Record Check Done Right

The route depends on the level. Let’s start with the easy one.

How to Apply for a Basic DBS Check Online

Anyone aged 16 or over can apply. Here’s how it works:

1. Visit the GOV.UK page to request a copy of your criminal record.
2. Confirm you’re 16 or older.
3. Verify your identity with GOV.UK One Login.
4. Enter your personal details and address history.
5. Pay the £20 fee online.
6. Wait for your certificate to arrive.

Keep your ID documents handy. A passport or driving licence works well. Check every spelling before you hit submit. Tiny typos cause big delays.

How to Get a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check

Employers lead this route. They use a registered body to send your form. Then you:

• Get an application link from your employer
• Fill in your details and ID checks
• Submit the form to the registered body
• Receive your certificate by post

DBS Check Cost and Processing Time

Fees dropped recently. A Basic or Standard check now costs £20. An Enhanced check costs £41. Some registered bodies add a small admin fee.

Volunteers usually pay nothing for Standard or Enhanced checks. Basic checks stay chargeable. Most checks wrap up within days or a few weeks. Police checks cause most delays, so apply early.

Don’t risk costly delays! One small slip can derail your job offer or visa plan. Double-check every detail before you submit.

Why Criminal Record Checks Need to Be Legalised Abroad

Moving overseas? Foreign authorities want proof that your certificate is genuine. That’s why criminal record checks need to be legalised for use abroad.

The UK confirms authenticity with an apostille stamp. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) offers this service. Hague Convention countries accept the apostille. Other countries may ask for extra embassy legalisation.

The DBS can’t see criminal records held overseas. Lived abroad? Ask that country for its own certificate.

How to Get an Apostille on Your DBS Certificate

It looks simple on paper. Yet small mistakes waste weeks. Follow this order:

• • Get your original certificate first
  • Check your destination country’s rules

• Send the document for an apostille

• Add embassy legalisation if required

Postal errors and rule changes slow people down. Many applicants pick an expert service for peace of mind.

Our Document Legalisation Services

Need hands-on help with your paperwork? Try these:

• Apostille Service for Criminal Record Certificates: Fast, secure legalisation for your DBS or ACRO certificate.
• Embassy Legalisation Service: Expert support for countries outside the Hague Convention.
• Official Government Document Applications: Stress-free help with other official UK documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Request a Criminal Record Check

Dodge these errors, and you’ll save time and stress.

• Using a nickname instead of your legal name
• Skipping previous addresses
• Picking the wrong check level
• Ignoring legalisation rules for your destination
• Leaving everything until the last minute

Get Your Criminal Record Check!

Stop stressing over paperwork! You now know how to get a criminal record check with confidence. Pick the right level, apply online, and check every detail. Need your certificate legalised for overseas use? Let the experts at Legalisation4You handle it fast, safely, and without hassle. Get started today and move forward with total peace of mind.

FAQs

1. How long does a criminal record check take in the UK?

Times vary. Basic checks often arrive within days. Standard and Enhanced checks can take longer when police need extra time.

2. How much does a DBS check cost?

Basic and Standard checks cost £20. Enhanced checks cost £41. Registered bodies may add admin fees.

3. Can I request a criminal record check on myself?

Yes, for a Basic check. Apply on GOV.UK if you’re 16 or over. Standard and Enhanced checks need an employer.

4. What shows on a Basic DBS check?

It shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Spent convictions don’t appear at this level.

5. Do I need to legalise my DBS certificate for use abroad?

Often, yes. Many countries want an apostille or embassy legalisation. Always check your destination country’s rules first.