Do DBS checks expire?
13/03/2026
Answering a most common asked question about DBS checks. A helpful guide.
One of the most popular asked questions are: “Do DBS Checks expire?” The reason for that is that there is very little information available on this subject. Therefore, we have created a simple guide for you which outlines the key facts and highlights best industry practice.
What are the facts on DBS expiration?
To be technically correct, DBS checks do not have an expiry date.
DBS certificates only reflect an individuals record up to the exact date of issue. For example, if someone receives a conviction the day after their certificate is issued, that new information will not appear on the certificate.
To ensure you have the most up to date information, it is highly recommended to use the BDS update service. This allows you to check for any new records instantly.
As a result, there is no specific date when a certificate becomes incorrect. Essentially you should determine your policy for renewal based upon a risk assessment for your business or specific activity.
Other factors to consider in conjunction with your risk assessment could be an employer’s internal policies. In addition, it could include client’s requirements, industry regulations or industry professional standards, etc.
Why would a DBS check be renewed?
As mentioned above, there are many factors which may affect this. Regulated organisations (such as schools and care homes) must renew DBS checks according to Ofsted and Care Quality Commission requirements.
Staff working at airports may need to renew their DBS check every year or every 5 years depending on their position. DBS check frequency depends on whether staff are employed by the airport or an outside contractor. In the banking sector, for example, certain employees must renew their every three years or even annually.
If your accreditation does not specify any requirements for DBS check renewals but your client’s does, then it is possible that your client may request DBS checks and their subsequent renewals to allow you to carry out work on the client’s premises. You must renew your DBS check every 1, 3 or 5 years.
However, a DBS check renewal may provide with much more than just satisfying industry regulators or client requirements. Firstly, it may act as an important risk assessment tool for an organisation to ensure that existing staff could remain with access to company assets. A DBS check renewal may also serve as a unique selling point to help an organisation stand out from its competitors. This approach is common in the data destruction & shredding industry where staff have a lot of access to confidential information due to the nature of their work.
Based on best industry practise, Security & Vetting Solutions recommends DBS renewal every 3 years. Contact us anytime to update your renewal frequency.
Summary
It is important to consider the following factors when deciding on how often to renew DBS checks:
- Are there industry regulations requiring renewals?
- Do any clients require renewals for an organisation to continue working with them?
- Does the industry require the renewals?
- Have you a fair and consistent approach across your organisation?
- Would renewing DBS checks give a competitive advantage or minimize risks?
- What is the average time an employee would stay with one organisation before leaving?
While your final decision rests with your organisation, Security & Vetting Solutions is happy to recommend the most efficient renewal process.
Need Help?
Our online DBS platform simplifies the renewal process and the average turnaround for a Basic DBS check is just 48 hours with our record being less than 5 minutes!
Do you wish to find out how our DBS platform may assist you with the DBS renewal process? Contact us to find out!
