Update Service and other DBS online services
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-25)

DBS offers a number of online services, including the Update Service, DBS online accounts and online tracking.

Update Service

Access the Update Service here (https://secure.crbonline.gov.uk/crsc/subscriber).

The Update Service is an online subscription that allows individuals to keep their standard or enhanced DBS checks up-to-date, and allows organisations to check online whether a paper certificate presented to them by an individual is still up-to-date.

DBS check applicants can join the Update Service as soon as they have their application form reference number.

The Update Service is specifically designed for subscription by individual applicants who have already received or have applied for a DBS certificate. The Terms and Conditions make it clear that the subscriber should use their own personal information, including their email address. Update Service accounts must not be controlled by a third party.

The Update Service Privacy Policy can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/update-service-privacy-policy).

Subscribe to the Update Service (https://secure.crbonline.gov.uk/crsc/apply?execution=e1s1)

Log in to the Update Service (https://secure.crbonline.gov.uk/crsc/subscriber)

Perform a status check as an employer (https://secure.crbonline.gov.uk/crsc/check)

Update Service guidance for applicants (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbs-update-service-promotional-material#guidance-for-applicants-)

Update Service guidance for employers (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbs-update-service-promotional-material#guidance-for-employers-)

DBS online account

You can access the DBS online account portal here (https://disclosure.homeoffice.gov.uk/HomeOfficeExternalPortal/faces/oracle/webcenter/portalapp/pages/login.jspx?resource_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdisclosure.homeoffice.gov.uk%2FHomeOfficeExternalPortal%2Ffaces%2Foracle%2Fwebcenter%2Fportalapp%2Fpages%2Fhome.jspx) and the below PDFs detail how to create, activate and edit your DBS online account, alongside some other actions.

Please note the online account is for Barring referrals, basic check products, and granting third party access. It cannot be used to apply for a standard check, enhanced check or to join the Update Service.

Create/activate your individual DBS online account (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c751a77ed915d355218b8ce/Create-activate_individual_DBS_online_account_v0_2.pdf) (PDF, 427 KB, 4 pages)

Edit your online account (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c751ab9e5274a0ec2ff6b64/Edit_your_online_account_v0_2.pdf) (PDF, 367 KB, 3 pages)

Link your online account to a DBS profile (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/679b758de4fd11226828f5bd/Link_your_online_account_to_a_DBS_profile_v0.2_2025.pdf) (PDF, 417 KB, 4 pages)

Request a one time passcode (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c751b2ced915d354edffd85/Request_a_one_time_passcode_v0_2.pdf) (PDF, 394 KB, 3 pages)

Manage consent (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c751b0ce5274a0eccf6bfff/Manage_consent_v0_2.pdf) (PDF, 728 KB, 6 pages)

Trouble signing in (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c751e2b40f0b603d87fe98e/Trouble_signing_in_v0_2.pdf) (PDF, 492 KB, 4 pages)

Account Reset

If you are unable to access your online account, and wish your account to be reset, please see information below:

If you have forgotten your username or password, please see the trouble signing in guidance (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/932583/Trouble_Logging_In_Latest.pdf).

If you have forgotten your memorable word, please telephone the DBS Call centre on xx-xxxx-xxxx, selecting option 2 and then option 1.

A Call Centre agent will use an account management tool, to ask for the answers to 2 of the 3 security questions, you originally set when creating your account.

Providing you confirm that information, the system will reveal the memorable word to the agent.

The agent can then share this information with you, allowing you to access your online account.

Once logged in, you will be prompted to change your security questions and memorable word.

If you cannot remember your security questions or need additional support in resetting your account, please complete the Request for reset/deletion of basic online account (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d8408879f0d993dfb11f8b/Request_for_reset_or_deletions_for_online_account_form_2025.docx) (MS Word Document, 21 KB) form and email it into xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). A customer service agent will arrange this with our 3rd party IT providers on your behalf.

Account deletion

If you want to have your online account deleted, please complete the Request for reset/deletion of basic online account (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d8408879f0d993dfb11f8b/Request_for_reset_or_deletions_for_online_account_form_2025.docx) (MS Word Document, 21 KB) form and email it into xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). A customer service agent will arrange this with our 3rd party IT providers on your behalf.

If you wish to have your data erased (right to erasure) then please see the Deletion of Data GOV.UK page (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/deletion-of-data).

Apply for a basic DBS check

Individuals can now apply for a basic check through our online application route.

Apply for a basic DBS check online (https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record)

DBS basic check information (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/basic-checks)

Track your basic DBS application

Information about how to track your basic application can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/track-a-dbs-application) or within the PDF below.

Track a basic DBS application (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c751dfb40f0b603db40a87c/Track_a_basic_DBS_application_v0_2.pdf) (PDF, 348 KB, 3 pages)

View a basic DBS certificate

Your DBS online account can also be used to view your own basic DBS certificate or an applicant’s basic DBS certificate if you are an employer.

View your own basic DBS certificate (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c751e15e5274a0ec2ff6b65/View_your_DBS_basic_certificate_v0_2.pdf) (PDF, 432 KB, 3 pages)

View an applicant's basic DBS certificate (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c751e4eed915d355558eaa9/View_an_applicant_s_DBS_basic_certificate_v0_3.pdf) (PDF, 650 KB, 5 pages)

Track your standard or enhanced DBS application

Track your standard or enhanced DBS application (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/track-a-dbs-application#standard-and-enhanced-checks)

Multiple tracking

Multiple tracking of standard or enhanced applications (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/track-a-dbs-application#standard-and-enhanced-checks)

Make an online barring referral

More information about barring referrals can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-barring-referrals-to-the-dbs).

Online referral form (https://barring.homeoffice.gov.uk/HomeOfficeExternalPortal/)