Enhanced DBS Checks for Self-Employed Carers and Personal Assistants

For self-employed carers and personal assistants

Enhanced DBS Checks for Self-Employed Carers and Personal Assistants

If you provide care or support to adults on a self-employed basis, or you’re employed directly by the person you support, you can now get your own Enhanced DBS check with the Adults’ Barred List. Apply online with us, then show your certificate to every client.

Apply now
Which check do I need?

Carer Enhanced check

With Adults' Barred List

The barred list is included when you give personal care or help an adult needs.

  • No agency or employer needed
  • We check your eligibility before we submit
  • Digital ID check with your phone and passport
  • One certificate to show every client, with the Update Service

Who this page is for

Since 21 January 2026, people who are self-employed, or employed directly by the person they work for, can apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through a registered umbrella body. These roles usually qualify:

Self-employed and home carers

Helping adults with washing, dressing, eating, drinking or toileting.

Personal assistants (PAs)

Including PAs paid through direct payments or a Personal Health Budget.

Live-in carers

Living with and providing personal care to an older or disabled adult.

Home help and care drivers

Helping with shopping, cash or bills, or driving someone to care or medical appointments. Licensed taxi drivers aren’t included.

Which check do I need?

For adults, there’s no “how often” test. What matters is the kind of help you give. We check this with you before anything is sent to the DBS.

Most carers and PAs

Enhanced with Adults' Barred List

If you do any of these for an adult who needs help because of their age, illness or disability:

  • Personal care, such as washing, dressing or eating
  • Help with shopping, cash or bills
  • Driving them to care or medical appointments

Help that isn't care

Usually a Basic check

Cleaning, gardening or companionship on its own doesn’t make a role eligible for an Enhanced check:

  • You can apply for a Basic check instead
  • We'll tell you before anything is submitted
  • Ask us if you're not sure
Apply now

Examples

A personal assistant

Paid through direct payments to help a disabled man get washed and dressed each morning.

Enhanced + Adults' Barred List

A live-in carer

Lives with an older woman and helps her with meals and bathing.

Enhanced + Adults' Barred List

A home help

Does the weekly shopping and pays bills for a client who can’t due to illness.

Enhanced + Adults' Barred List

Working through a care agency?

If an agency places you with clients, the agency usually arranges your DBS check. If you work for yourself, or are employed directly by the person you support or their family, you can apply with us.

How to apply

STEP 1

Complete the online form

Enter SELF-EMPLOYED, or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE if the person you support employs you directly, as the organisation name.

STEP 2

Verify your identity digitally

You’ll need a biometric passport and a phone that can make contactless payments.

STEP 3

We check and submit

We review your application and confirm the right level of check before sending it to the DBS.

STEP 4

Receive your certificate

The DBS posts your certificate to you. Join the Update Service to keep it current.

Families: hiring a carer or PA?

You can’t apply for a DBS check on their behalf. They must apply for their own. You can ask to see their original certificate, and if they’ve joined the DBS Update Service you can check online, for free, that it’s still up to date.

Send them this page
See all self-employed roles

Common questions

Yes. Enter PERSONAL EMPLOYEE as the organisation name on the form.

No. There’s no “how often” test for care work with adults. Giving personal care to even one adult can make you eligible.

Tell us when you apply. You may be eligible for both the Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists, and we’ll check this before submitting.

Not necessarily. If you join the DBS Update Service, each client can check online, with your permission, that your certificate is still up to date.

No. It’s the same price as an Enhanced check arranged by an employer.

We’ll tell you before anything is submitted. You can apply for a Basic DBS check instead.

Ready to get your carer DBS check?

Apply online in minutes. We’ll check your eligibility before submitting, so you only pay for the right check.

Apply now