How long does an enhanced DBS check take?

Enhanced DBS checks are often required for education, healthcare and social care roles. Discover typical processing times, factors that affect delays and how to apostille a DBS certificate for use abroad.

3 min read

If you are applying for a job in education, healthcare, social care or another role involving vulnerable individuals, you may be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

One of the most common questions applicants ask is how long the process takes and whether anything can be done to avoid delays.

While many enhanced DBS checks are completed within a few weeks, processing times can vary depending on several factors.

What is an enhanced DBS check?

An enhanced DBS check is the highest level of criminal record check available through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

It is commonly required for positions involving:

  • Teaching and education
  • Healthcare services
  • Social care roles
  • Childcare providers
  • Volunteers working with vulnerable groups
  • Certain government positions

The check may include information from national police records, local police forces and, where relevant, barred lists.

How long does an enhanced DBS check usually take?

There is no guaranteed processing time.

Many applications are completed within 2 to 4 weeks, although some enhanced DBS checks can take considerably longer.

Complex applications involving multiple police forces may take up to 8 weeks or more.

Processing times often depend on:

  • Accuracy of the application
  • Number of previous addresses
  • Local police workloads
  • Additional identity checks
  • Manual review requirements

For this reason, applicants should start the process as early as possible.

Why can enhanced DBS checks be delayed?

Several factors can increase processing times.

Address history

If you have lived in multiple locations, particularly across different police force areas, additional checks may be required.

Local police reviews

Enhanced DBS applications may be referred to local police forces to determine whether any relevant information should be disclosed.

The response times of individual police forces can vary.

Application errors

Incorrect personal information, missing addresses or discrepancies in identification documents can result in delays or requests for clarification.

High demand periods

Large recruitment campaigns in sectors such as education and healthcare can increase overall processing times.

Can you speed up an enhanced DBS check?

There is generally no priority or fast-track service available for enhanced DBS applications.

However, you can help avoid delays by:

  • Providing accurate information
  • Listing all previous addresses correctly
  • Supplying clear identification documents
  • Responding quickly to any requests for additional information

Carefully checking the application before submission can significantly reduce the risk of delays.

Do DBS certificates expire?

DBS certificates do not technically expire.

However, many employers require a recent DBS certificate and may request a new check after a certain period.

Some organisations only accept DBS certificates issued within the last three to six months.

Using an enhanced DBS certificate abroad

Many overseas employers, immigration authorities and licensing bodies require a UK DBS certificate as part of their application process.

In most cases, the DBS certificate must be legalised before it can be accepted internationally.

Apostille for DBS certificates

An apostille certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirms that a UK DBS certificate is genuine and can be recognised internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention.

Apostilled DBS certificates are commonly required for:

  • Overseas employment
  • Visa applications
  • Immigration procedures
  • Residency permits
  • Teaching positions abroad
  • Professional licensing applications

Some countries may also require embassy attestation after the apostille has been issued.

Fast DBS apostille services

At Orcap, we assist clients throughout the UK with:

  • DBS certificate apostille services
  • Enhanced DBS apostille
  • ACRO police certificate apostille
  • Same day apostille services
  • FCDO apostille UK processing
  • Embassy attestation
  • Fast apostille and legalisation services
  • Hague apostille services

Our team can advise on the correct legalisation process based on your destination country.

Need a DBS certificate apostilled?

If you require your DBS certificate for work, immigration or residency abroad, Orcap can help.

Contact our team today for fast and reliable apostille, legalisation and embassy attestation services throughout the UK.

Our services

  • Premium 1-day Apostille service

    Our premium apostille service is ideal for urgent requirements, offering fast-track processing through the FCDO apostille UK service. Documents are prioritised to ensure you receive your apostille as quickly as the next working day, depending on document type and eligibility.

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    Solicitor certification + Apostille

    We provide solicitor certification for documents that require it before apostille, ensuring they meet all FCDO apostille UK standards. Once certified, your documents are submitted for fast apostille processing, helping to avoid delays and ensuring full international compliance.

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    Sets of documents

    We offer combined apostille and legalisation services for multiple documents, allowing you to process document sets efficiently. This approach saves time, ensures consistency across all paperwork and helps streamline FCDO apostille UK processing.

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    Embassy attestation

    For non-Hague Convention countries, we offer complete embassy attestation and consular legalisation services. We manage the entire process, including FCDO apostille UK processing followed by embassy submission, ensuring your documents are fully compliant for international use.

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    Notary certification + Apostille

    Documents for international use may require notary certification before apostille. We arrange certification by a UK Notary Public, followed by FCDO apostille UK processing, ensuring your documents meet all legalisation requirements and are accepted worldwide.

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    We provide professional certified translation services for documents requiring apostille and legalisation. All translations are prepared to meet official UK and international requirements, ensuring acceptance for overseas use alongside FCDO apostille UK processing.