DBS fees to reduce from October 2026

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has announced that fees for its checks and Update Service will reduce from Monday 5 October 2026.

The reduction will apply across Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, with those applying for an Enhanced check seeing the largest reduction. DBS checks for eligible volunteers will remain free of charge.

The annual cost of subscribing to the DBS Update Service will reduce from £16 to £15 per year. The service allows people with Standard or Enhanced DBS certificates to keep them up to date and enables eligible employers and organisations, with the individual’s consent, to check their certificate status online.

DBS reviews its fees annually, with charges based on the cost of delivering each service. DBS has confirmed that the reductions will not affect the standard of service or the rigour of DBS checks.

Registered Bodies and Responsible Organisations are being asked to update their systems and customer-facing information ahead of the changes taking effect.

The new fees come into effect on 5 October 2026.

Read the full announcement on GOV.UK