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What is the DBS update service?
What is the DBS update service?

I'm a Tutor article! Save yourself some money and time by signing up to the DBS Update Service.

Updated over 9 months ago

What is the DBS Update Service?

When you apply for an Enhanced DBS Certificate the background check pulls relevant information up to the date you apply. This means that the information on the certificate is only accurate at the point that the DBS is issued.

The DBS Update service allows businesses like ours to check at any time that nothing has changed since your DBS certificate was issued.

You won’t have to pay for a brand new certificate again and again if you sign up to the DBS Update service, as it keeps your check valid for longer. Winner!

Why should I sign up?

Following the latest guidance from the Department for Education, all tutors need to have their DBS checked every 36 months to continue working with school pupils.

The Update Service only costs £13 a year and will keep your DBS up to date automatically, so you don't have to.

How do I sign up for the DBS Update Service?

You can find all the information you need on the government website here.

Once your certificate arrives, simply register and add the certificate number in here, pay the annual subscription fee, and you’re all set!

The only catch is that you can only sign up for the service within 19 days of your certificate being issued. Unfortunately, you can’t wait and decide next year - you’d have to apply for a whole new check.


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