Bureau Criminal Records Search: Cases & Public Records
Criminal Records Bureau • UK criminal checks and public records
What Is the Criminal Records Bureau? CRB Checks, DBS Records and Public Case Searches
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) was the government body responsible for criminal record disclosure checks in England and Wales. It no longer operates under that name.
On 1 December 2012, the CRB merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Today, anyone searching for a CRB check, criminal records bureau certificate, or employment background check in England and Wales should normally use the official DBS service.
If you are trying to find a criminal court case instead, that is a different process. UK court judgments, hearing lists and police records are not combined into a publicly searchable DBS database.
The term usually refers to the former UK Criminal Records Bureau, commonly abbreviated CRB. Since December 2012, criminal record checks for employment and safeguarding in England and Wales have been administered by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). An ordinary person can apply for a Basic DBS check concerning their own record. Standard and Enhanced checks are legally restricted to eligible roles and approved application routes.
Understanding the name
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB): Meaning, Purpose and History
The former Criminal Records Bureau was established to help employers and other eligible organisations check relevant criminal record information when considering someone’s suitability for work or volunteering. Checks were particularly important in positions involving children, vulnerable adults or other sensitive responsibilities.
Many people still use expressions such as CRB check, CRB certificate, criminal records bureau search, and CRB clearance. In England and Wales, the modern term is DBS check.
Criminal Records Bureau
The CRB carried out criminal record disclosure checks for eligible purposes, particularly recruitment. Employers used the results as part of their safeguarding and suitability decisions.
Disclosure and Barring Service
DBS assumed the CRB’s functions and those of the Independent Safeguarding Authority. It handles criminal record disclosure certificates and specified barred-list functions.
Does a Criminal Records Bureau search show every crime?
No. DBS checks are designed to disclose information according to a defined legal purpose and check level. Some certificates show unspent convictions only, while others may disclose certain spent convictions, cautions or relevant police information.
A DBS certificate is not a searchable list of every criminal incident in the country. It does not replace court case records, arrest reports, individual police records or a complete explanation of a particular prosecution.
If a recruitment advertisement still asks for a “CRB check,” ask whether the employer means a Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS check. The proper level depends on the role, not simply the employer’s preference.
What each certificate discloses
Basic, Standard, Enhanced and Barred-List DBS Checks Explained
Four common check descriptions are used by DBS. Each gives access to a different scope of information. Employers must establish eligibility before requesting a higher-level check.
| Type of check | Information generally disclosed | Who can request it? | Official fee, October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic DBS | Unspent convictions and unspent conditional cautions | An individual aged 16+ or an organisation using the permitted consent-based route | £20 |
| Standard DBS | Spent and unspent convictions and cautions, subject to legal filtering | An eligible organisation through a Registered Body | £20 |
| Enhanced DBS | Standard-level information plus relevant police-held information where disclosure is legally justified | Eligible organisations; certain paid self-employed and personal employees may now use an eligible application route | £41 |
| Enhanced with Barred List(s) | Enhanced certificate information plus the legally authorised relevant children’s and/or adults’ barred-list check | Only for roles satisfying the applicable barred-list eligibility rules | £41 |
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and related rules, certain convictions become spent after a specified period. A Basic DBS check ordinarily excludes spent convictions. More detailed certificates may disclose certain spent information, but statutory filtering rules restrict disclosure of qualifying older or less serious records.
Can any employer request an Enhanced DBS check?
No. Eligibility is linked to legislation, the activities performed and the particular position. An organisation that knowingly requests an ineligible Standard or Enhanced check may breach the law.
For example, jobs involving regulated activity with children or adults may qualify for Enhanced checks with a barred-list search. A routine office role without an eligible statutory basis would usually not qualify simply because the employer wants more information.
For individuals applying themselves
How to Apply for a Criminal Records Bureau (Basic DBS) Check Online
If an employer, volunteering organisation or another requester needs a Basic DBS certificate for work in England or Wales, you can normally apply directly through GOV.UK.
The official service is available to applicants aged 16 or older. It checks whether you have relevant unspent convictions or conditional cautions and issues a certificate to you.
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Open the official GOV.UK application page
Choose Request a basic DBS check. Check that a Basic certificate is the level requested for your purpose.
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Sign in or create a GOV.UK One Login
The service uses GOV.UK One Login to verify identity. Follow the identity-checking instructions rather than sending personal documents to an unrelated website.
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Prepare identity and address details
You will need details of addresses where you have lived during the previous five years, including the relevant dates. Your passport, driving licence or National Insurance number may also be useful.
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Complete the application accurately
Enter your identity details and any required previous names. Incorrect spelling, incomplete address history or mismatched identity information can delay processing.
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Review the official fee
The DBS government charge is £20 from 5 October 2026. Apply through the direct GOV.UK route if you want to avoid unnecessary commercial intermediary charges.
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Submit and retain your reference
Keep the confirmation and application reference number. You can use the official tracking service to check progress.
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Receive and check your certificate
Inspect your name, personal details and disclosed information. Where eligible, share the result with the organisation requesting it.
The official Basic DBS guidance indicates that many applications are processed within a few days, but delays can occur because of identity verification or additional checks. Allow for postal delivery where a paper certificate is required. Do not treat a general processing estimate as a guaranteed deadline.
Can you apply from outside the UK?
Some applicants living overseas can request a Basic DBS check, depending on the employment and jurisdictional circumstances. However, a DBS certificate generally does not verify criminal history for time lived outside the United Kingdom. Employers may separately require an overseas police certificate.
For work based in Scotland or Northern Ireland, use the jurisdiction-specific services explained below rather than automatically ordering an England-and-Wales DBS check.
Employer and safeguarding checks
How Employers Request Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks
Standard and Enhanced checks cannot ordinarily be obtained by simply entering another person’s name into an online criminal records bureau search.
The requesting organisation must have a lawful basis for the check level and must use an authorised application route. Some paid self-employed workers and personal employees performing eligible work can now apply for Enhanced checks through the permitted self-employed process.
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Confirm eligibility for the job
Review the current DBS eligibility guidance, including rules updated in September 2026. Consider the actual duties rather than relying only on the job title.
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Use an appropriate DBS Registered Body
An employer or voluntary organisation can submit eligible checks through its Registered Body or approved umbrella-body arrangement.
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Complete identity verification
The applicant provides the required identity and address history information under the applicable verification process.
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Submit the correct level of application
Choose Standard, Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) based on the role’s statutory eligibility.
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Track the request and review the certificate lawfully
DBS generally issues the certificate to the applicant. The employer follows the appropriate disclosure and consent arrangements before making its decision.
The official GOV.UK guidance states that employers and landlords cannot require a person to make a police Subject Access Request simply to obtain information for them. A subject access response and an authorised DBS disclosure are different processes.
What about volunteer DBS checks?
Qualifying volunteer applications at Standard or Enhanced level are generally free of the DBS government charge. Not every unpaid role qualifies, and the ordinary Basic DBS check is not automatically free just because the applicant volunteers.
Current charges effective 5 October 2026
Criminal Records Bureau / DBS Check Fees in 2026
The Disclosure and Barring Service reduced its official fees on 5 October 2026. Older articles and even some older government service descriptions may still display previous prices.
| Service | Old charge | Current charge | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic DBS check | £21.50 | £20 | Direct applicant route available |
| Standard DBS check | £21.50 | £20 | Eligible roles only |
| Enhanced DBS check | £49.50 | £41 | Eligible roles only |
| Enhanced DBS with barred-list check | £49.50 | £41 | Additional statutory eligibility required |
| DBS Update Service | £16 annually | £15 annually | Standard and Enhanced certificates only |
| Eligible volunteer Standard/Enhanced checks | Free | Free | Qualifying volunteer rules apply |
These are the DBS government fees effective 5 October 2026. Registered Bodies, Responsible Organisations and commercial providers may charge additional administrative fees, which are not set or regulated as part of the DBS government fee.
Does the DBS Update Service work for Basic checks?
No. The Update Service is for eligible Standard, Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) certificates. It is not currently available for Basic DBS checks.
The Update Service can help a subscriber keep an eligible certificate up to date and, with the necessary consent and eligibility, allow a new organisation to check its status for an appropriate role and workforce.
Personal police-record access
Can You Check Your Own Criminal Record for Free?
Yes, there is a separate, free way to request certain police records about yourself. It is called a Subject Access Request (SAR).
GOV.UK explains that a person can ask the ACRO Criminal Records Office for information held about them on the Police National Computer (PNC), subject to applicable exemptions.
ACRO Subject Access Request
Cost: Free for a PNC subject access request.
Purpose: To see qualifying police information held about you and check its accuracy.
Access: Requires proof of identity and the required application details.
Official Personal Police Records Guide →Basic DBS Check
Cost: £20 government charge.
Purpose: An official certificate showing relevant unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Access: Can be requested by the individual through GOV.UK.
Official Basic DBS Application →How to request your PNC information from ACRO
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Open GOV.UK’s police-records guidance
Choose the ACRO Subject Access Request route linked from the official page.
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Read ACRO’s terms and access limitations
The request is intended for information about the data subject. Some information may be withheld where a legal exemption applies.
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Provide accurate identity details
Complete the requested personal information and submit satisfactory identity evidence.
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Submit the request without a government fee
ACRO states there is no charge for a PNC Subject Access Request.
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Review the response
ACRO’s published terms explain a one-month response obligation once the required documentation has been received, subject to lawful extensions or exemptions.
Subject Access is designed for a person’s access to their own data. An employer cannot lawfully circumvent the appropriate disclosure regime by requiring the applicant to supply a full Subject Access printout.
Court cases and public records
How to Search UK Criminal Court Cases and Public Records
Someone searching for “Bureau Criminal Records Search: Cases & Public Records” may be trying to find an arrest, conviction, hearing date or judgment instead of requesting an employment certificate.
In England and Wales, the public can access certain court hearing lists and published judgments, but there is no unrestricted national website that searches every person’s complete criminal-case history by name.
Find a Court or Tribunal
Use the HMCTS directory to locate a Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court or another court in England and Wales.
Best for: Finding a courthouse, court telephone number, opening times and guidance on contacting the court.
Find an Official Court →HMCTS Hearing Lists
HMCTS publishes links to hearing information for Crown Courts, Magistrates’ Courts and other courts.
Best for: Checking publicly listed hearings and locating the correct listing service. Some systems require free registration.
Find Official Hearing Lists →The National Archives — Find Case Law
This free public service publishes selected UK judgments, including appellate decisions and certain criminal judgments.
Best for: Searching by case name, citation, court or keyword where a written judgment has been published.
Search Published Judgments →Contact the Court That Heard the Case
Not every criminal decision is published online. Routine Magistrates’ Court cases often lack an available written judgment.
Best for: Asking about a specific hearing, the availability of public information or the appropriate procedure to request an official record.
Find the Court’s Contact Details →Step-by-step: Find a criminal case in England or Wales
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Identify the court type
Most criminal cases begin in a Magistrates’ Court. Serious criminal cases and certain appeals are heard in the Crown Court, while further appeals may reach higher courts.
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Search the official court directory
Enter the city, town, postcode or court name in the HMCTS Find a Court or Tribunal service.
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Check published hearing lists
Use the HMCTS hearing-lists page and follow the appropriate court-specific listing route.
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Look for a published written judgment
Search Find Case Law by the case name, relevant keyword, judgment date or neutral citation where available.
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Contact the relevant court for case-specific help
Explain the case name, court, approximate hearing date and information required. The court will determine what information can lawfully be provided.
A court listing may show that a hearing is scheduled. It does not establish guilt or provide the final case outcome. Similarly, a missing judgment on Find Case Law does not mean a person has never been convicted.
Different UK jurisdictions
Criminal Records Bureau Checks in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
The former Criminal Records Bureau was associated primarily with England and Wales. Modern criminal disclosure services differ across the four UK nations.
| Location and work purpose | Official service | Typical basic-level check | Published cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | Disclosure and Barring Service | Basic DBS check | £20 |
| Wales | Disclosure and Barring Service | Basic DBS check | £20 |
| Scotland | Disclosure Scotland | Level 1 disclosure | £25 |
| Northern Ireland | AccessNI | Basic AccessNI disclosure | £16 |
Scotland: Disclosure Scotland
Scotland now uses Level 1 and Level 2 disclosures, the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme and other legally defined checks. The former Basic Disclosure has been replaced by Level 1 disclosure.
Level 1 shows unspent convictions and costs £25. Applications are made through the official mygov.scot service using ScotAccount. The applicant can view the result online and share it with an organisation as permitted.
Northern Ireland: AccessNI
Northern Ireland’s criminal record disclosure system is AccessNI. Individuals can apply for Basic checks, while Standard and Enhanced checks generally require an eligible application through a registered body.
The published government fees are £16 for Basic, £16 for Standard and £32 for Enhanced AccessNI checks. Qualified volunteer checks at higher levels may be free.
In many cases, the correct disclosure authority depends on where the work is based and where the suitability decision is being made, rather than only where the applicant lives. For cross-border work, check the official DBS jurisdiction guidance or ask the hiring organisation.
Immigration and international background checks
Criminal Records Bureau Checks for Visas, Immigration and Overseas Jobs
A person applying for a visa, residency or immigration clearance may be asked for a Police Certificate, rather than a DBS certificate.
The ACRO Criminal Records Office issues Police Certificates for various overseas immigration and visa purposes. The requirements depend on the destination country and the organisation requesting the document.
Basic DBS Certificate
Shows relevant unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Commonly used for certain jobs or other ordinary disclosure purposes.
It may be insufficient if the destination’s immigration authority specifically requests an ACRO Police Certificate.
ACRO Police Certificate
Designed for purposes including overseas visas, immigration and emigration where a police certificate is required.
Check the destination country’s instructions before applying, including certificate age and legalisation requirements.
A free ACRO Subject Access Request is not automatically a substitute for a Police Certificate. If an embassy, consulate or visa authority asks for a specific document, use that document’s official application route.
Application problems and record corrections
How to Track a DBS Check or Correct an Incorrect Criminal Record
Track a submitted DBS application
DBS provides official online tracking for Basic, Standard and Enhanced applications. The information required depends on the check type.
- Open the official Track or View Your DBS Certificate service.
- For a Basic application, have the application reference, applicant’s surname and date of birth available.
- For a Standard or Enhanced check, follow the appropriate tracking link and provide the requested reference and birth date.
- Check whether DBS is processing the application, obtaining additional police information or has dispatched the certificate.
- Contact the service if the application has an unresolved error or is taking considerably longer than expected.
Dispute incorrect information on a DBS certificate
DBS has a formal dispute process. The process differs for Basic certificates and Standard/Enhanced certificates.
For Standard and Enhanced certificates, DBS asks applicants to raise a dispute within three months of the certificate date where the issue concerns inaccurate information or a mistake in personal details.
Where a PNC entry itself is wrong, the police force responsible for the record may need to correct it. ACRO cannot simply change another police force’s criminal record without the proper correction process.
DBS customer support
Telephone: 03000 200 190
International: +44 (0)151 676 9390
Email: customerservices@dbs.gov.uk
Helpline hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., excluding applicable public holidays.
Contact details come from GOV.UK. Have your application reference ready, but do not publish private reference numbers or identity documents on public websites.
Meaning outside the United Kingdom
Does the United States Have a Criminal Records Bureau?
In the United States, the phrase criminal records bureau may informally refer to a state bureau of criminal identification, criminal history repository, police records division or another government agency. The UK Criminal Records Bureau and the US criminal justice records systems are not the same organisation.
US criminal records may be held by state police or public safety agencies, county court clerks, sheriffs, corrections departments, local courts and federal agencies.
For example, an American requesting a fingerprint-based national identity history generally uses the FBI Identity History Summary process. A person researching a specific state court case usually begins with the official state or county court system instead.
US Federal Criminal History
Use the FBI Identity History Summary process to request your own federal fingerprint-based record under the applicable identification and fee rules.
FBI Identity History →US State and County Court Records
Use USA.gov’s court directory as a starting point to locate state, county and municipal court systems. Availability and costs depend on jurisdiction.
Find US Courts →Searching for “Criminal Records Bureau” without a location can return UK DBS information, US state repositories or criminal record offices in other countries. Always verify the agency name and jurisdiction before submitting private information or paying a fee.
Common questions
Criminal Records Bureau Search FAQs
1. What is the Criminal Records Bureau?
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) was the UK body responsible for criminal record disclosure checks in England and Wales. It merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority on 1 December 2012 to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
2. Is the Criminal Records Bureau still operating?
Not under the CRB name. The Disclosure and Barring Service now carries out the relevant criminal records checking and barring functions. Official applications can be accessed through GOV.UK.
3. What is the difference between a CRB check and a DBS check?
A CRB check is the older name associated with the former Criminal Records Bureau. DBS checks are the modern system and include Basic, Standard, Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) levels according to legal eligibility.
4. Can I search Criminal Records Bureau records online for free?
There is no unrestricted public DBS database for searching other people’s criminal histories. You can request your own PNC information through a free ACRO Subject Access Request, or search certain public court hearing lists and published judgments where available.
5. How much does a Criminal Records Bureau or DBS check cost in 2026?
From 5 October 2026, the official DBS charge is £20 for Basic, £20 for Standard and £41 for Enhanced checks. The Update Service costs £15 per year. Qualifying volunteer Standard and Enhanced checks may be free.
6. Can I request a DBS check on someone else?
An eligible employer or organisation can request the appropriate DBS check using the legally authorised process and required consent. A private individual cannot simply request unrestricted access to another person’s confidential criminal history.
7. How do I find Criminal Records Bureau court cases?
DBS does not provide a general criminal court case search. For England and Wales, locate the court through HMCTS Find a Court or Tribunal, use official hearing lists and search published judgments on the National Archives Find Case Law service.
8. Is a Basic DBS check enough for working with children?
Not necessarily. Roles involving regulated activity with children may qualify for an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check. The employer must assess the statutory eligibility of the duties involved.
9. Is a Criminal Records Bureau check the same in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
No. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland, including Level 1, Level 2 and PVG checks. Northern Ireland uses AccessNI. England and Wales use the Disclosure and Barring Service.
10. What should I do if my DBS certificate contains incorrect information?
Use the official DBS certificate dispute process. For Standard or Enhanced certificate errors, the published process generally requires contacting DBS within three months of the certificate date. Incorrect underlying police records may need correction by the responsible police force.
Government resources
Official Criminal Records Bureau and DBS Links
Use these government or agency websites for actual applications, eligibility decisions, certificates, court resources and assistance.
- Home Office — CRB and ISA Merger Creating DBS in December 2012
- GOV.UK — Request a Basic DBS Check
- DBS — Current Basic Check Guidance for Applicants
- DBS — Find Out What Check Level Is Eligible
- DBS — Current Eligibility Guidance
- DBS — Official Fee Reduction Effective 5 October 2026
- DBS — Track or View Your Certificate
- DBS — Dispute an Incorrect Certificate
- GOV.UK — Get a Copy of Your Own Police Records
- ACRO Criminal Records Office — Subject Access and Police Certificates
- HMCTS — Find a Court or Tribunal
- HMCTS — Public Court Hearing Lists
- The National Archives — Find Case Law
- Disclosure Scotland — Apply for Level 1 Disclosure
- AccessNI — Apply for a Basic Check
- DBS — UK and Overseas Criminal Record Check Jurisdiction Guidance