Can I Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check for Myself?

Can I Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check for Myself?

When it comes to Enhanced DBS checks, we get lots of people asking: “Can I apply for an Enhanced DBS Check for myself?” The answer is yes – you can apply for an Enhanced DBS check for yourself.

The DBS’s recent rule changes in January 2026 mean that Enhanced DBS checks can now be requested by both individuals and organisations, only if the applicant’s role is eligible for the check.

To request an Enhanced DBS for yourself, you will need to visit dbs-check.co.uk.

Enhanced DBS Checks For The Self-Employed

If you are self-employed and intend to work in roles that involve regulated activity with children or Vulnerable Adults, you may be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check.

Some Enhanced DBS eligible roles include:

• Self-employed carers
• Personal assistants employed directly by a family
• Tutors working in regulated activity
• Contractors working closely with children or vulnerable adults
• Individuals providing care arranged privately

To see if your role meets the requirements for a DBS check, you can look at the Legislative Wording on our DBS Eligibility Guide.

How To Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check for Myself

Individuals can request an Enhanced DBS check for themselves via dbs-check.co.uk. They are specially set up to process DBS checks for individuals.

They cannot be requested through Employment Tools – we are only available to process DBS checks for organisations and their staff.

dbs-check.co.uk exclusively offer Enhanced DBS checks for individuals with a money back guarantee! If you application is not sent for printing within 14 working days of it being sent to the DBS, they will refund your Admin Fee!

On top of this, they offer:

• Application support
• Online Enhanced DBS applications for eligible individuals
• Digital ID verification
• Clear eligibility guidance

Quick Enhanced DBS Eligibility Guide

• Will you be working with Children? If YES, you likely need an Enhanced DBS check (children workforce).
  • If this work will take place for 4 or more days in any given 30-day period, you are also eligible for a Children’s Barred List check.
• Will you be working with Vulnerable Adults? If YES, you will likely require an Enhanced DBS check (adult workforce).
  • Will you be providing treatment, care, or managing the finances of Vulnerable Adults, you will also need to request an Adults’ Barred List check.
• If none of these apply, there’s a good chance you don’t need an Enhanced DBS check in the first place.

Terminology

• Children – Anyone under 18.
• Vulnerable Adults – Put simply, any over-18 who is in receipt of care or healthcare. For a more in-depth definition, visit our guide: What is a Vulnerable Adult?
• Workforce – When applying for an Enhanced DBS check, you must tell the DBS whether it’s needed in order to work with children, Vulnerable Adults, or both (it is only “neither” in exceptional circumstances). This question is separate from the Barred List.
• Barred List Check – The Barred Lists are a database containing the profiles of people who are forbidden from working with children and/or Vulnerable Adults. If the role is eligible, it must be requested (at no extra cost). It is a crime to apply to work with a group you are barred from.

Basic DBS Check for Individuals

If you decide you don’t need an Enhanced DBS check, consider getting a Basic DBS instead. This level of check will disclose any & all unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. There are no eligibility criteria to apply for Basic DBS checks don’t have any eligibility criteria, making it accessible to anyone, and you can also apply for one through dbs-check.co.uk.

Summary: Can I Apply For An Enhanced DBS Check For Myself?

In summary, you can apply for Enhanced DBS checks for yourself, as long as the role is legally eligible for it.

You can request an Enhanced DBS check for yourself through dbs-check.co.uk.

About Us

Employment Tools offers fast, affordable, easy-to-use DBS checks for employers. If you have any staff or volunteers who need DBS checks, or know someone who does, why not give us a go? Sign-up is free, all our applications are fast-tracked, and our prices are incredibly competitive.

Any questions? Feel free to give us a call on 0113 877 0171, or email contact@aaronsdepartment.com. Alternatively, use the buttons below to get started!

Further Reading

If you have found our article, Can I Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check for Myself” useful, we’ve linked a few related articles below:

• Can I get a Standard DBS for myself?
• Guide: Self-employed DBS checks
• What is a CRB check?