Breaking down the cost of a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check can feel like deciphering a secret code. You see one price online, hear another from a recruiter, and then find a volunteer application that seems to be free. For employers budgeting for recruitment or individuals required to get checked, clarity is essential.

In the UK, the cost isn’t a single figure. It’s a structure defined by the type of check, who applies, and potential administration fees. Getting it wrong can mean overpaying or, worse, applying for the wrong level of check illegally.

This guide cuts through the confusion with up-to-date, clear pricing for 2026, explaining exactly what you’re paying for and how to ensure you only pay what you should.

The Official 2026 DBS Fee Structure

The core fees set by the government for processing the check are as follows. These are the amounts paid directly to the DBS.

Key Definitions:

• Volunteer: The DBS defines a volunteer as someone who receives no payment (except for travel and approved out-of-pocket expenses) and is working for a non-profit organisation. An unpaid intern at a for-profit company does not qualify. 
• Adult First: A service that allows eligible organisations in the adult social care sector to check a candidate against the DBS Adults’ Barred List before the full certificate arrives, enabling them to start work under supervision. The £26 is an initial fee.

Important Note on Basic DBS Checks: Unlike Standard and Enhanced checks, Basic DBS checks can be applied for directly by an individual. The current fee for a Basic DBS check is £21.5, payable by the individual to the DBS via the GOV.UK website.

The Hidden Layer: Administration Fees

The prices above are rarely the full story. Very few organisations are registered to submit applications directly to the DBS. Most use an Umbrella Body—an organisation registered with the DBS to handle applications on their behalf.

Umbrella Bodies charge an administration fee on top of the official DBS fee. This covers their cost for managing the application portal, verifying identity documents, and providing support.

• Typical Administration Fee Range: This can vary from £5 to £16+ per application.
• What it Means: Therefore, the total cost to an employer for an Enhanced DBS check could be £40 (DBS fee) + £15 (admin fee) = £55.

Crucial Point: An employer can choose to absorb the entire cost, split it, or pass it on to the prospective employee. It is illegal to charge a volunteer for any part of their DBS check.

Cost Scenarios: Who Pays What?

Let’s break it down with real-world examples:

1. The State School Teaching Assistant:
2. Check Required: Enhanced with Child Barred List.
3. Who Applies: The school (a registered umbrella body).
4. Cost: The school pays the £40 DBS fee and likely absorbs any admin fee. Cost to candidate: £0.
5. The Independent Care Worker:
6. Check Required: Enhanced with Adult Barred List.
7. Who Applies: The care agency (via an umbrella body).
8. Cost: The agency may pay the fees and recoup them via a deduction from the first month’s salary (if contractually agreed). Total cost could be £55-£65.
9. The Self-Employed Tutor:
10. Check Required: Enhanced with Child Barred List.
11. Who Applies: The tutor must ask an organisation they work for (e.g., a tutoring agency) to apply, or join a professional body that offers DBS services. They will likely bear the full cost (£40 + admin fee).
12. The Office Worker (Financial Services):
13. Check Required: Standard DBS.
14. Who Applies: The employer.
15. Cost: The employer almost always pays the total cost (£23 + admin fee) as a business expense.

How to Minimise or Avoid Costs

1. For Individuals: If you need a Basic check for personal reasons (e.g., a visa application), apply directly via GOV.UK for £18 to avoid any third-party markup.
2. For Volunteers: Ensure the organisation you’re volunteering for applies correctly under the volunteer route. Never pay for a volunteer check.
3. For Employers: Shop around for Umbrella Bodies. Don’t just look at the admin fee; consider the service level, speed, and online system efficiency. A higher fee might save you time and errors. Consider annual billing plans if you have high volume.
4. Use the Update Service: For £13 per year, individuals can subscribe to the DBS Update Service. This allows employers to check an existing certificate online for free, saving the cost and time of a new application for each job move within the same workforce sector.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a DBS check is ultimately an investment in safeguarding, compliance, and trust. For employers, it’s a necessary operational cost of recruiting into roles of responsibility. For individuals, it’s a passport to certain professions.

By understanding the official fee structure, factoring in administration costs, and knowing the rules for volunteers, you can budget accurately and ensure complete compliance. Always confirm who is paying for what upfront, and remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the most efficient or reliable when it comes to secure staff vetting.

Managing DBS checks and their associated costs for multiple candidates can be complex. Smart Workforce offers streamlined vetting that helps you choose the best candidate.

Book your free demo today.

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