If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How long does a DBS last?”, you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the most common questions people have after receiving their certificate. Many assume a DBS check comes with a clear expiry date, like a passport or driving licence, but that’s not how it works.
A DBS check doesn’t technically expire, yet that doesn’t mean it stays valid forever. The certificate simply shows the information held about you on the day it was issued. From that point on, its accuracy depends on what happens in your life and career.
Let’s walk through what really happens once you’ve got that certificate.
What Is a DBS Check?
A DBS check, short for Disclosure and Barring Service check, is used to look into someone’s criminal record. It helps employers make safer recruitment decisions, especially for roles that involve working with children, vulnerable adults, or sensitive information.
There are three main types of DBS checks:
- Basic DBS shows unspent convictions or conditional cautions only.
- Standard DBS includes both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
- Enhanced DBS is the most detailed, showing all of the above, plus information held by local police that might be relevant to the role.
Each type serves a specific purpose, depending on the level of responsibility and the kind of work you’re doing.
Does a DBS Certificate Expire?
The straightforward answer is that there is no official expiry date on a DBS certificate. Once you receive it, it remains valid indefinitely. However, it’s essential to understand what that really means.
A DBS certificate only reflects the information available at the time the check was carried out. If something changes after that date, such as a new conviction or caution, it won’t appear on the certificate. So, technically, while the paper doesn’t expire, its accuracy can fade over time.
That’s why employers and regulatory bodies often set their own policies for when a DBS needs to be renewed. It’s all about keeping the information relevant and current.
How Often Should You Renew a DBS Check?
Because the certificate doesn’t officially expire, there’s no single rule for renewal. Most organisations set their own internal timeframes. The most common practice is to renew a DBS every one to three years.
Here’s a simple way to look at it:
| Renewal Frequency | Common Use | Reason |
| Every year | Healthcare, childcare, or safeguarding roles | Regular updates for high-risk work |
| Every 2 years | Medium-risk roles such as education or social work | Balances the cost and compliance |
| Every 3 years | General rule for most employers | Ensures the record stays reasonably current |
| No fixed time | Freelancers, volunteers, or occasional workers | The organisation decides based on need |
Employers have the final say in what’s considered “up to date”. For example, some schools might ask for a DBS issued within the last 12 months, while others are fine with one that’s two or three years old.
Using the DBS Update Service
To save time and avoid repeated applications, the DBS Update Service is a handy option. It allows you to keep your DBS certificate active and up to date for a small annual fee.
Here’s how it works:
- You must register within 30 days of your certificate being issued.
- The service lets employers check the status of your certificate online.
- As long as your record hasn’t changed, you don’t need a new DBS check.
- It applies to standard and enhanced DBS checks only, not basic ones.
This system helps reduce paperwork and ensures your certificate remains valid as long as your details and role stay consistent.
When Will You Need a New DBS Check?
Even with the Update Service, there are situations where a new DBS check might still be required. These include:
- Changing employers or starting a new role
- Moving to a job that requires a higher level of DBS check
- Taking a long career break before returning to work
- Working in a sector with stricter policies, like healthcare or education
- When your employer’s policy demands a fresh check regardless of the Update Service status
In certain cases, you might also come across additional vetting processes like the BS7858 check. This check is typically required for people working in security or roles involving access to sensitive data. It ensures a more detailed background screening compared to the standard DBS process.
What “DBS Expiry Date” Really Means?
You’ll often hear the phrase DBS expiry date, but it’s more of a convenient term than an official one. There’s no actual expiry printed on the certificate. Instead, the “expiry” depends on how much time has passed since it was issued and how comfortable the employer feels accepting it.
If an organisation asks for a DBS that’s less than 12 months old, that’s their own rule, not a legal requirement. The same applies to how frequently you need to renew it. So, when someone asks how long DBS is valid for, the best answer is “until the employer decides it needs to be updated.”
This flexibility helps different industries maintain the level of safety and compliance they require.
Keeping Your DBS Up to Date
Here are a few practical tips for staying on top of your DBS status:
- Check the issue date on your certificate regularly.
- Subscribe to the Update Service if possible
- Ask your employer about their DBS renewal policy.
- Keep records safe and organised for when they’re needed.
- Apply for a new DBS if you’re changing roles or employers.
Staying proactive avoids last-minute stress and shows professionalism when you need to provide proof of clearance.
Comparing DBS to Other Background Checks
While the DBS is widely used across many industries, there are other forms of vetting, too. For example, the BS7858 check is designed for people in security roles and typically remains valid for about five years before needing renewal.
In government or defence-related positions, BPSS clearance (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) might also apply. It’s the first level of vetting for anyone accessing sensitive information or secure environments. Each of these checks has its own standards and renewal periods, depending on the nature of the role.
Conclusion
So, How Long Does a DBS Last? The simple answer is that there’s no fixed expiry date. Your DBS certificate remains valid as long as the information it contains is accurate and accepted by your employer. However, since it’s only a snapshot of your record at the time of issue, its usefulness naturally decreases as time passes.
Most employers prefer to renew every one to three years to stay compliant and confident in their staff’s records. Using the DBS Update Service can make the process smoother and save both time and money.
Remember, your DBS doesn’t really expire; it just needs to be refreshed when your circumstances change or when your employer asks for a newer check.
If you want help understanding DBS validity, BS7858 check requirements, or need assistance with BPSS clearance, get in touch with us. We provide professional support for background screening, helping businesses and individuals stay compliant with UK standards!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a DBS valid for 3 years?
There is no official rule that a DBS check expires after three years. Many organisations choose to renew it every three years as a common practice, but it is not a legal requirement. The certificate technically has no expiry date. It simply shows your record on the day it was issued.
Q: How do I know if my DBS is still valid?
Your DBS certificate remains valid as long as your personal circumstances and criminal record have not changed. You can also use the DBS Update Service to check the current status of your certificate. If you are unsure, your employer or HR department can advise when a renewal might be due.
Q: How often should DBS be renewed?
Most employers renew DBS checks every one to three years, depending on the role and level of risk involved. Jobs involving children or vulnerable adults usually require more frequent renewals. Using the Update Service helps keep your DBS current without needing a full recheck each time.
Q: How long is a DBS good for?
A DBS certificate does not have an expiry date. It remains accurate up to the day it was printed. However, because things can change over time, organisations often renew checks regularly to make sure information stays up to date.
Q: Do DBS accounts expire?
If you are registered with the DBS Update Service, your subscription must be renewed each year to keep your account active. Missing a payment or failing to renew on time will cause the account to expire, which means you may need to apply for a new DBS check from scratch.
