Skip to main content

How to track a DBS Check

Explain how applicants and employers can obtain the DBS E‑reference, use the official tracking service, understand stages, and note uCheck’s limited access to extra detail.

Written by Ben Nicholas

To track a DBS check, the applicant needs:

  • Their DBS reference number (E‐code starting with “E0”)

  • Their date of birth

  • The E0 reference number is also required for phone inquiries to DBS.

The employer can find the E‑code:

  • On the uCheck dashboard (click Track)

  • Inside the application (click Track Progress)

The applicant then:

  1. Goes to the DBS tracking website

  2. Enters the DBS reference and date of birth

  3. Sees the current vetting stage and the date it entered that stage

  4. Allows up to 14 days for the certificate to be delivered after the application is marked as complete.

The employer can also:

  • Click the blue “Track DBS” button on the uCheck tracking page to view the same DBS tracking data

uCheck cannot access any more information than what appears on the official DBS tracking screen. Alternatively, applicants can contact DBS directly by phone for updates. Ensure you have your E0 reference number ready for security checks. If the certificate has not been received despite the status showing it has been issued:

  • Verify the address provided on the application.

  • Contact the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to discuss delivery or non-receipt of the certificate.

Did this answer your question?