You have sought employment needing an Enhanced DBS check. Days gone by. Weeks then. When you sign into the tracking portal, those hated words appear: “Stage four: police record search”. And there it rests. Day after day. No movement. No reasons. Just sitting tight. 

You are not alone if this sounds familiar. Many delays in the DBS process come from stage 4, and for very valid causes. Knowing what really goes on at this stage can transform anxiety into patience—and perhaps even enable you to accelerate your development. 

This manual clarifies precisely what Stage 4 implies, how long it usually takes, why your check could be delayed, and what you can do about it. 

What is a Stage 4 DBS Check?

Stage 4 is a step only for Enhanced DBS investigations, as it entails the search of records maintained by local police departments. 

While Basic and Standard checks stop after the Police National Computer (PNC) search at Stage 2, Enhanced checks go further. Local police agencies must physically examine their intelligence systems for any information pertinent to the position you are applying for.

This “relevant information” might include:

• Arrests not followed by conviction 
• continuing inquiries 
• Police intelligence that hasn’t led to official accusations 
• Other issues the cops deem need to be revealed 

The police must determine if any of their records are pertinent to the employment you will be entering (child or adult) and whether they should be included on your certificate. 

Stage 4 is here for just this: to offer an extra level of protection over and beyond official criminal records. 

DBS Stage 4 in the UK: The 5-Stage Process

To understand Stage 4 properly, it helps to see the full journey: 

Stages 1-3 typically clear within a couple of days. Stage 4 is where most applications spend most of their time. 

How Long Does Stage 4 DBS Take?

This is the million-pound question. The honest answer: it varies significantly depending on where you live. 

The Disclosure and Barring Service publishes service standards showing that 96% of enhanced DBS applications are completed within 42 days. Many take far less time—some just 24 hours. 

However, specific police forces have different processing times. The Metropolitan Police, for example, reported an average processing time of 18.78 days for Enhanced DBS applications in 2024. That’s just one force’s average; others may be faster or slower. 

DBS Stage 4 Average Time can range from: 

• A few days for straightforward applications in efficient force areas 
• Several weeks for more complex cases 
• 60+ days for applications affected by backlogs or requiring multiple police checks 

If an application reaches 60 days in Stage 4, it is automatically escalated. You can also contact the DBS yourself at this point.

Why Is My DBS Stuck at Stage 4?

Several factors can cause your application to linger at Stage 4. Most are nothing to worry about—they simply reflect the thoroughness of the process.

1. Multiple Addresses Across Different Police Force Areas

This is the most common cause of delays. If you’ve lived in different parts of the country within the last five years, your application must be sent to each relevant police force for checking. Each force conducts its own search independently, and your application only progresses once all responses are received.

2. Name Changes or Multiple Names

If you’ve changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or deed poll), police forces must check records under all previous names. This doubles or triples the search work.

3. Police Force Backlogs

Some forces simply have more applications than they can process quickly. As of late 2025 and early 2026, Hampshire, Kent, Sussex, and Thames Valley police forces were responsible for a significant portion of delays. Staffing shortages and high volumes contribute to these backlogs.

4. Information Found That Requires Assessment

If the police do hold information about you, they must assess whether it’s relevant to your role and whether it should be disclosed. This assessment takes time and follows an agreed-upon framework.

5. Errors on the Original Application

Sometimes the delay isn’t with the police at all. If your application contains errors—like missing postcodes, incorrect dates, or gaps in address history—it may be flagged and returned for clarification. Always double-check every detail before submitting.

6. High Application Volumes

Certain times of year see higher application volumes, which can slow processing across the board. 

Stage 4 DBS Check Cost

The cost of an Enhanced DBS check is £56.84 (as of 2025/2026). This fee covers the entire checking process, including Stage 4. Some umbrella bodies may add their own administration fee on top. 

There is no additional charge specifically for Stage 4. The £56.84 is a one-off payment that covers all stages through to certificate issuance.

For volunteers, enhanced checks are free. 

What You Can Do to Help

Although you cannot control police processing times, you can control your own application: 

• Provide complete address history with full postcodes for the past five years. 
• Add all former names (maiden names, past married names). 
• Before sending, go over every element once more. 
• Quickly respond if any questions surface. 

Should your application go past 60 days, to escalate, you can call DBS at 03000 200 190 or send an email to customerservices@dbs.gov.uk.

Conclusion

Though it exists for a good cause, Stage 4 is the most difficult and time-consuming stage of the Enhanced DBS process. By considering pertinent police intelligence, it offers an extra layer of protection beyond official criminal records that helps to defend underprivileged groups. 

Knowing that Stage 4 delays are usually caused by administrative thoroughness rather than flaws with your record can help you to relax, even if waiting can be aggravating. Most applications are clear within days or weeks; 96% finish in 42 days. 

From the beginning, send correct, thorough facts; this is the best you can do. The police agencies are handling the rest, and they are working to ensure people’s safety. 

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Q1: Do all DBS checks go to Stage 4? 

No. Stage 4 only features Enhanced DBS tests. Following the Police National Computer search, basic and standard checks at Stage 2 do not include local police records. You will likely only require a Basic or Standard check if your job does not entail organized engagement with vulnerable groups. 

Q2: Why is Stage 4 DBS taking so long? 

Stage 4 delays usually arise from local police agencies hand-searching their intelligence systems. Common reasons include the following: you have lived in several police force zones requiring individual checks; you have changed your name; the police force is backlogged with personnel; or material was discovered needing evaluation. Most postponements are administrative, not a reflection on your record. 

Q3: Can I speed up my Stage 4 check? 

Though you cannot literally speed up police processing, you can help to guarantee that your application has no mistakes or omissions. Include all former names and respond immediately to any inquiries in a full address history with postcodes. Should your application surpass 60 days, get in touch with the DBS to escalate. 

Q4: What happens after Stage 4 is complete? 

Once all police forces have returned their data, your application progresses to Stage 5, wherein the DBS certificate is printed and sent to your home address. Generally, this takes ten working days. Your employer must be presented with the original certificate. 

Q5: Does a long Stage 4 mean there’s something on my record? 

Not at all. Most of the delays are completely bureaucratic—multiple addresses, name changes, or police force backlogs. A long Stage 4 does not imply a release of information. Many perfectly clean applications need weeks for processing.