If you need to contact the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) directly, there are different ways you can get in touch with them. Below are all the DBS contact details you may need.
DBS Contact Details
- Telephone Number: 03000 200 190
We’ve found that the fastest way to speak to a human at the DBS is by pressing 2 for the first question, then 2 for the one after if the check you’re calling about is a Standard or Enhanced. If you need to talk about a Basic DBS check, press 2, then 1.
- Address: DBS Customer Services, PO Box 3961, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 4HF, United Kingdom
- Live Chat: DBS Live Chat – this link will take you to the DBS’s live chat service.
- Email: customerservices@dbs.gov.uk
- To Make A Barred List Referral: www.submit-a-barring-referral.service.gov.uk/start
DBS Contact Details – Recommendations
If you need to speak to the DBS urgently, we would recommend calling them first. They can often take two weeks or more to respond to emails. As for the live chat, that is more for general queries, and they may not be able to help with specific application requests.
DBS Contact Details – Related Content
For further information on DBS Checks, we have put together some articles that you may find helpful.
DBS Applications: Your Complete Guide
How Long Will My DBS Certificate Take To Arrive?
Why Is My DBS Check Stuck At Stage 4?
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.
Please can you tell me how long dbs are taking please. My employer has only just sent it off and they are now stopping me from working. I’m desperate for this to be done as soon as possible, as this jobbis my only income.
My reference number is
E0877101814
Hi Stacy,
I’ve checked our system, and it looks like your employer did not use us (Aaron’s Department) to process the check.
Depending on the level of check can depend how long it will take:
Basic – 24 Hours (usually quicker)
Standard: 24 – 48
Enhanced: 7 – 10 working days (please note we have seen the majority returned a lot faster, but some applications can take a little longer, depending on the Police Force).
I hope this helps!