New legislation introduced in 2026 allows self-employed individuals to apply for an Enhanced level DBS check on themselves.
To be eligible for these checks you must reside in the UK, work for yourself or as a Personal Employee (working directly for a private household) and not an employer or organisation, be eligible for the Enhanced level of DBS check according to DBS legislation, and have sufficient ID documents to carry out a Digital ID check.
You can apply using the form here: DBS Enhanced Checks for Self‑Employed
This form must not be used if:
You work for, or are supplied by, an organisation, company, charity, or agency.
You are employed by, contracted through, or paid via a limited company or umbrella company.
Your DBS check is required as part of employment with an organisation.
If any of the above apply, please contact your employer or DBS provider to arrange your check.
Some self‑employed roles are regulated by law and must apply for DBS checks through a regulatory or governing body.
If you work in one of the roles below, you must not use this form (the following list is illustrative only and is not exhaustive):
Registered childminders (via Ofsted)
Driving instructors (ADI / PDI – via DVSA)
Foster carers or prospective foster carers
Adoptive parents
Regulated childcare providers
Any other role where DBS eligibility and processing is governed by a statutory or regulatory authority
If your role is regulated, you must apply through the appropriate regulatory body.
A link to official DBS guidance on self‑employed eligibility is here: DBS checks for self-employed people and personal employees - GOV.UK.
Self-employed checks can only be applied for by the applicant themselves, an employer, agency or organisation etc cannot apply on their behalf.