DBS Lowers Fees for Checks and Update Service Starting 5th October 2026

Starting from Monday, 5 October 2026, the fees associated with DBS checks and the Update Service will be significantly reduced.

Overview of New Fees

The revised fees will be structured as follows:

• Basic DBS check: £20.00 (down from £21.50)
• Standard DBS check: £20.00 (down from £21.50)
• Enhanced DBS check: £41.00 (down from £49.50)
• Update Service subscription: £15.00 per year (down from £16.00)

It is worth noting that checks for volunteers will continue to be provided free of charge.

Funding and Fee Review Process

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) operates entirely on the funding derived from the fees it charges for its services. Each year, the DBS conducts a thorough review of its fees, which are determined based on the cost of delivering each product or service, in accordance with the guidelines set out in Managing Public Money (MPM).

This year, the DBS has successfully managed to lower fees across all its offerings, with applicants seeking an Enhanced check benefiting the most from these reductions.

Approval and Implementation

The new fee structure has undergone rigorous examination and received approval from the DBS board, the Home Office, HM Treasury, and the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls. To formalise these changes, a statutory instrument will be presented to Parliament on 9 September 2026, giving the new fees legal status.

Maintaining Quality Standards

Quality remains a fundamental principle within the DBS, underpinning its products, services, and decision-making processes. It is important to highlight that this reduction in fees will not compromise the standard of service or the thoroughness of DBS checks.

Updating Systems and Information

Registered Bodies and Responsible Organisations are advised to update their systems and any customer-facing materials to reflect the new fee structure prior to 5 October 2026. Additionally, these entities may impose an administration fee on top of the DBS charges; however, the DBS does not play a role in establishing or regulating these additional fees.