The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has announced a reduction in DBS check fees from 5th October 2026.
The fee reduction will apply to Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, as well as subscriptions to the Update Service, helping to reduce the cost of DBS applications for employers, organisations and individuals.
DBS Check Fees Change from 5th October 2026
| DBS Check Type | Current Fee | New Fee From October 5th |
| Basic DBS Check | £21.50 | £20.00 |
| Standard DBS Check | £21.50 | £20.00 |
| Enhanced DBS Check | £49.50 | £41.00 |
| Update Service Subscription | £16.00 | £15.00 |
Why Are DBS Fees Being Reduced?
The DBS is a government body and therefore does not profit from the cost of applications. The DBS introduced previous fee increases to support investment in infrastructure, staffing and service improvements. As this work has now been completed, the DBS has reduced its fees, allowing the savings to be passed on and benefit all applicants.
What Will DDC Be Doing About These Changes?
DDC will automatically apply the reduced fee across our system for all clients.
Depending on your invoicing arrangements, we will contact you regarding any applicable refunds for the difference between the current and new DBS application fees. Please check your Client Area portal news feed for further information.
How Will This Affect The Response Times For Applications?
We expect more applications to reach the DBS in early October as employers and organisations look to benefit from the reduced fees. The DBS has assured us that it has planned for this and does not expect it to have a significant impact on turnaround times.
As always, we recommend starting the DBS application process as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. The DBS charges the applicable fee when you submit the application.
Questions About The New DBS Fees
If you have any questions about the DBS fee reduction, new DBS check prices or how the changes will affect your applications with DDC. Please contact our team: Telephone: 0116 260 3055 or Email: contact@ddc.uk.net
