Job applicants in England and Wales can now share eligible basic DBS check results with employers more easily, following a change introduced on 22 October 2026. The new system allows applicants to nominate recipients directly, removing the need to forward emails and instructions.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has introduced a new online sharing process for basic criminal record checks, making it easier for job applicants in England and Wales to provide their results to prospective employers. Announced on Thursday 22 October 2026, the change allows applicants to choose who receives their result, with DBS sending a viewing link directly to the nominated recipient.
How Does the New DBS Sharing System Work?
Previously, applicants using the online service had to forward emails and instructions themselves to employers or other organisations that needed to view their results.
Under the updated process, applicants can select who they wish to share their result with during the application journey. They must provide the recipient’s email address and have that person’s consent to use it.
DBS then contacts the nominated recipient directly, providing a link to access the result online.
Applicants also receive a one-time share code, which they must send to the nominated person. The recipient needs both that code and the email link to view the online result.
The new arrangement is designed to reduce unnecessary administration, simplify the verification process and help employers complete recruitment checks more efficiently.
Applicants remain responsible for deciding who should receive access to their information.
According to the official DBS announcement, the change forms part of wider efforts to improve the accessibility and efficiency of its digital services.
What Is a Basic DBS Check?
A basic DBS check provides information about certain criminal convictions and conditional cautions that are considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
It is commonly requested by employers as part of recruitment or pre-employment screening.
There are different levels of DBS checks, depending on the type of work involved.
A basic check reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Standard and enhanced checks may disclose additional information, subject to legal eligibility requirements.
The new sharing announcement specifically concerns basic DBS checks, not a general change to every type of criminal record check.
Can Everyone Share Their DBS Results Online?
There is an important limitation.
DBS guidance updated on 22 October 2026 confirms that applicants using the direct online application route can view and share their basic DBS result digitally only if it does not contain conviction information.
Although the announcement does not explain this restriction, the updated applicant guidance confirms that it still applies.
This means applicants whose checks contain conviction information should not assume their results will be available through the new digital sharing process.
DBS has previously acknowledged that limitations in its technology prevent some applicants from accessing their results online.
A government assessment of the wider digital DBS service, published in September 2026, also identified the experience of applicants with previous convictions as an area requiring further improvement.
Applicants should therefore follow the instructions provided by DBS when their check is completed.
How Much Does a Basic DBS Check Cost?
The current fee for a basic DBS check is £20.
This follows a reduction from £21.50 that took effect on 5 October 2026.
The £20 fee applies to basic DBS checks, including applications for voluntary positions.
Although eligible standard and enhanced checks for volunteers can be provided without charge, basic checks are not covered by that exemption.
Some third-party organisations may also charge administration fees in addition to the official DBS charge.
Applicants can avoid unnecessary intermediary fees by applying directly through GOV.UK where appropriate.
Who Can Apply for a Basic DBS Check?
Anyone aged 16 or over can apply for a basic DBS check for work in England or Wales.
Applicants generally need to provide identification and details of their addresses over the previous five years.
The official application service uses GOV.UK One Login to verify identity.
According to DBS guidance, basic applications take approximately three days to process on average, although individual cases can take longer.
A paper certificate is still issued and posted to the applicant.
People applying for jobs in Scotland or Northern Ireland may need to use the relevant disclosure service for those jurisdictions.
What Does This Mean for Employers?
For employers, the change offers a more direct way to obtain eligible basic DBS results.
Instead of waiting for applicants to forward instructions, organisations nominated by an applicant can receive access information directly from DBS.
This could reduce delays in recruitment and onboarding, particularly for businesses processing multiple applications.
However, employers must still ensure they request the appropriate level of criminal record check for the position being filled.
A basic DBS check does not replace a standard or enhanced check where those are legally required.
Employers must also continue to handle criminal record information appropriately and protect applicants’ personal data.
How to Apply or Share Your Result
Applicants can use the official government service to request a basic DBS check.
The application costs £20, and applicants should follow the instructions provided during the application process to nominate an organisation or employer where the new sharing option is available.
Those who have already applied should follow the guidance provided with their result.
Official information and applications:
The new system removes a potentially frustrating step for job applicants and employers, although the continuing restrictions on some online results mean it is not yet a fully digital process for everyone.
