An Enhanced DBS check cost is £49.50 for the government fee. This fee is the same whether or not a barred list check is included. When an Enhanced DBS check is processed through an umbrella body, an administration fee is added, meaning the total cost is usually between £60 and £80, depending on the provider.
Administration fees typically cover application processing, system access, and the application being checked by the Umbrella Body. Some services may also charge an additional fee for digital ID verification, which is often used to speed up the application and reduce errors.
Employers use Umbrella Bodies like Employment Tools by Aaron’s Department to process Enhanced DBS checks online with low administration costs, and clearly separated fees, so organisations understand exactly what they are paying for.
What affects the Enhanced DBS check cost?
The total Enhanced DBS check cost depends on:
- The fixed government DBS fee
- The administration fee charged by the processing service
- Whether digital ID verification is used
- Whether the applicant is a volunteer
- Any volume pricing offered for frequent applications
If the applicant is a volunteer, there is no DBS fee to pay – only the admin fee.
The DBS fee itself is set by the Government, while administration fees vary by provider.
Enhanced DBS Check Cost with Employment Tools
At Employment Tool, the Enhanced DBS check cost for employers is:
- DBS Fee: £49.50
- Admin Fee: £10.95
Employment Tools also offer free admin credit to reduce the cost of applications. We do not charge any sign up fees, have minimum spends, or any other hidden costs.
Frequently asked questions about enhanced DBS check costs
Can I get an enhanced DBS for free?
Enhanced DBS checks are free only for volunteers in eligible roles. The government DBS fee is waived, but an administration fee is usually still payable to cover processing and verification.
How long does an enhanced DBS check take in 2026?
Most Enhanced DBS checks take between 7 and 14 days, but some can be completed a lot sooner with Employment Tools. Others may take longer if local police forces need more time to complete their checks.
What is the difference between a DBS check and an enhanced DBS check?
A Basic DBS only shows unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. A standard DBS check shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. An Enhanced DBS check includes the same information but may also include relevant information held by local police and, where required, barred list checks.
Who pays for enhanced DBS?
The employer or organisation usually pays for an Enhanced DBS check, although some organisations ask applicants to cover the cost. For volunteer roles, the DBS fee is free, but administration fees may still apply.
About The Author
John Schofield-Antoncich
John is an employment compliance specialist with years of hands-on experience in DBS checks and other employment check processes. Having overseen thousands of applications, he’s your trusted source for accurate, up-to-date guidance.