Bureau Crb Criminal Records Search: Cases & Public Records
Bureau CRB Criminal Records Search: How to Apply, Check Records and Get a DBS Certificate
Looking for a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check? The CRB no longer issues new checks. Since 1 December 2012, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has performed its former functions in England and Wales.
You can apply for your own Basic DBS check, use the appropriate employer-led process for higher-level checks, or request your own police records separately. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different disclosure systems.
Can You Still Get a CRB Criminal Records Check?
No new CRB checks are issued. The Criminal Records Bureau merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority to form the Disclosure and Barring Service in December 2012.
If an employer asks for a “CRB check”, they normally mean a DBS check. The correct check depends on the job, the jurisdiction and whether the position is legally eligible for more detailed disclosure.
I need my own criminal record certificate
For England or Wales, start with a Basic DBS check. It reports unspent convictions and conditional cautions subject to the applicable rules.
Go to official Basic DBS application →I need my full personal police-record information
A subject access request is different from an employment DBS certificate. For relevant Police National Computer information, use the free ACRO subject access route.
Read police record request steps →Which Criminal Records Bureau Check Do You Actually Need?
| Check | What it generally reveals | Who arranges it? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic DBS | Unspent convictions and conditional cautions | You can apply for yourself |
| Standard DBS | Relevant spent and unspent criminal-record information, subject to filtering rules | Through an eligible organisation or registered body |
| Enhanced DBS | Standard-level information plus relevant local police information | For legally eligible roles using the appropriate application route |
| Enhanced with barred list | Enhanced information plus the relevant children’s or adults’ barred-list check | Only when the position qualifies for barred-list access |
An enhanced check is not automatically permitted because an employer prefers more information. Eligibility and legal conditions determine whether standard, enhanced or barred-list checks can be requested.
CRB / DBS Check Fees in October 2026
These are the official DBS fees effective from 5 October 2026, following the announced fee reduction.
Basic DBS
£20
Individual basic criminal-record certificate.
Standard DBS
£20
Eligible standard-level disclosure.
Enhanced DBS
£41
Including enhanced with barred-list checks where eligible.
The DBS Update Service subscription is £15 per year. Eligible volunteer standard and enhanced checks remain free of the DBS fee; an intermediary may have its own administration charges. Basic DBS volunteer applications still cost £20.
How to Apply for a Basic DBS Check Online
For an applicant needing a basic check for a role in England or Wales, the direct government application is generally the simplest route.
- Open the official application
Visit GOV.UK Request a Basic DBS Check. Read the eligibility and identity requirements before starting.
- Choose Start Now
Follow the government service link. The process may ask you to sign in or establish a GOV.UK One Login to prove your identity.
- Prepare your identity details
Use your current and previous names, birth details and address history as requested by the application. Follow the exact on-screen requirements rather than guessing what documentation is acceptable.
- Complete identity verification
Use the available verification route. If online verification fails, follow the service’s alternatives or support guidance.
- Check details and pay
Review spelling and personal information before paying the £20 official fee. Verify the government service and payment amount before submitting.
- Track the application
Keep your reference information. Follow the instructions supplied by DBS for application status and delivery.
- Check the certificate when received
Make sure your personal details are correct. If there is an error, use the official DBS dispute process promptly.
CRB and Criminal Records Check Rules Across the UK
The original CRB was associated with England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have distinct criminal-record disclosure arrangements, so a UK-wide article must distinguish them.
England and Wales — DBS
Individual route: Basic DBS check. Higher-level checks depend on the role and eligibility.
Basic fee: £20.
Apply through GOV.UK →Scotland — Disclosure Scotland
Individual route: Level 1 disclosure, replacing the former basic disclosure. Level 2 and PVG checks serve eligible roles.
Level 1 fee: £25.
Apply for Level 1 →Northern Ireland — AccessNI
Individual route: Basic AccessNI. Standard and enhanced checks follow registered-body rules.
Basic fee: £16.
Apply for Basic AccessNI →Overseas, visa or immigration use
Some immigration authorities require an ACRO Police Certificate rather than a basic DBS. Check the exact document requested by the destination authority.
Visit official ACRO service →Applying through Disclosure Scotland
- Open mygov.scot
Go to the Level 1 disclosure page linked above.
- Sign in using ScotAccount
Create an account if you do not have one. Follow identity verification instructions.
- Complete the disclosure request
Enter the required personal details, review the application and pay £25.
- Track and share
Track the application in your account. When processed, view and share the digital disclosure using the service’s secure sharing process.
Applying through AccessNI
- Open the official nidirect application
Select “Apply for an individual AccessNI basic check”.
- Create or sign in to a nidirect account
Use your own account and provide the identity evidence required by AccessNI.
- Submit your application and payment
Check details, pay the £16 basic fee and retain your application number.
- View your certificate
When issued, the digital certificate is accessible through your account. You can share it with the intended recipient following AccessNI’s sharing rules.
Can You Search Criminal Records for Free Through CRB?
A Basic DBS certificate is not free. However, if you are requesting personal criminal-record information held about you, a subject access request to ACRO is generally free.
Free ACRO subject access
Request relevant information about yourself held on the Police National Computer. Provide identity evidence and follow the official application process.
Get a copy of your police records →Paid DBS certificate
Request a certificate designed for the appropriate employment or disclosure purpose. This is a different legal process with different information disclosed.
Understand Basic DBS →Employer CRB Checks: Standard, Enhanced and Barred-List Eligibility
An employer may request a basic check for a general role, but more detailed disclosure is restricted to positions covered by the relevant legislation. Working with children or vulnerable adults does not automatically make every post eligible for every barred-list search.
Applicant responsibilities
Ask the recruiting organisation which level of check is needed, how identity will be verified, whether it uses a registered body and whether the employer will pay.
Organisation responsibilities
Establish role eligibility, obtain the proper consent, verify identity, use an approved application channel and handle certificates in line with applicable privacy rules.
Examples requiring careful eligibility assessment include teachers, healthcare roles, care workers, some financial services positions, regulated activity and certain licensed occupations. The exact role, duties and legal exemptions matter more than the job title alone.
Find the Correct CRB or Criminal Records Service
Choose the type of request. This simple guide does not ask for or transmit personal information.
You can apply directly through the official government service. The current basic fee is £20.
Open Official RouteCommon CRB / DBS Check Problems and What to Do
| Problem | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Employer asks for “CRB” | An outdated name for the former service | Ask whether they mean Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS |
| Cannot request Enhanced DBS yourself | More detailed checks require qualifying eligibility and an authorised route, subject to specific current exceptions | Ask the employer or responsible organisation to confirm the proper application process |
| DBS application delayed | Identity or police-record processing may need additional time | Check the official tracking service and application reference |
| Certificate shows incorrect information | Personal details or disclosed records may be disputed | Use the official DBS dispute guidance promptly; standard/enhanced certificate disputes generally have a 3-month reporting window |
| Old CRB certificate for a new job | Employer may require a current DBS check; older certificates are historical | Ask what level and freshness the employer requires, and whether Update Service checks apply |
| Need check after living abroad | DBS does not automatically cover a person’s entire overseas criminal history | Ask whether an overseas police certificate is required |
| Third-party website charges more | It may include intermediary administration fees | Compare with the direct official government application and confirm the provider’s role |
CRB Checks, Spent Convictions and Public Court Records
A DBS disclosure certificate is not a public criminal court-case search. The information disclosed depends on the disclosure level, rehabilitation rules, filtering provisions and the legal basis of the check.
For basic checks, unspent convictions and qualifying conditional cautions are the main focus. Higher-level certificates may include certain spent records that are not filtered, and enhanced checks may contain relevant local police information.
Not every police record is a conviction. Nor should the absence of an item from a basic certificate be taken to mean that no police or court records ever existed. If you are unsure how a conviction or caution will be disclosed, consult the official guidance or a qualified UK legal adviser.
Bureau CRB Criminal Records Search FAQs
1. Does the Criminal Records Bureau still exist?
No. The Criminal Records Bureau was replaced by the Disclosure and Barring Service in December 2012. CRB remains a term people sometimes use informally.
2. How can I apply for a CRB check online?
For a basic check for work in England or Wales, use the official GOV.UK Basic DBS application. Standard and enhanced checks require an eligible and authorised application route, with limited special arrangements for certain self-employed or personal employee roles.
3. How much does a CRB / DBS check cost in 2026?
From 5 October 2026, basic and standard DBS checks cost £20 and enhanced DBS checks cost £41. The Update Service subscription costs £15 per year. Third-party administration charges can be additional.
4. Can I search another person’s complete CRB criminal records for free?
No. Confidential DBS and police records are not freely searchable by any member of the public. A lawful criminal-record disclosure requires the appropriate application route, eligibility and permissions.
5. What is the difference between Basic and Enhanced DBS?
Basic DBS generally discloses unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Enhanced DBS can disclose more criminal-record information and relevant local police information. Enhanced checks are restricted to legally eligible positions.
6. Can I get a free copy of my own police records?
Yes. An ACRO subject access request for relevant personal Police National Computer records is normally free. It is different from a DBS certificate.
7. What replaces CRB checks in Scotland?
Disclosure Scotland provides Level 1, Level 2 and PVG-related services. Level 1 replaced the former basic disclosure and currently costs £25.
8. How do I get a criminal record check in Northern Ireland?
Use AccessNI through nidirect. An individual can apply for a basic check, currently £16. Standard and enhanced checks use the appropriate registered-body process.
9. Is an ACRO Police Certificate the same as a DBS check?
No. ACRO Police Certificates are commonly used for overseas immigration and related purposes. DBS checks serve different disclosure and employment purposes. Follow the requirements of the organisation or immigration authority requesting the document.
10. What should I do if my DBS certificate contains a mistake?
Use the official DBS dispute process. Standard or enhanced certificate disputes should generally be reported within three months of the certificate date. Basic checks have a different dispute route.
Official UK Government Sources
These resources provide the application services, legal guidance, official fees and disclosure rules referenced in this article.
- GOV.UK — Request a Basic DBS Check
- GOV.UK — Criminal Record Checks When Applying for a Role
- DBS — Fee Reductions from October 2026
- DBS — Detailed Checks Guidance
- GOV.UK — Get a Copy of Your Police Records
- ACRO Criminal Records Office
- Disclosure Scotland — Level 1 Application
- Disclosure Scotland — Disclosure Levels
- AccessNI — Apply for Basic Check
- AccessNI — Costs and Processing Times
- DBS — Dispute a Certificate Mistake
- Home Office — DBS Replaces CRB (2012)