DBS Checks & Criminal Record Checks

Care Check is a leading umbrella body for the Disclosure and Barring Service and has been named one of the top 8 providers for criminal record checks in the UK.

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Do I Need A DBS Check To Get A Personal Licence?

Are you thinking of getting a Personal Licence? Or perhaps you’re already in the process of getting one? No matter the situation, you may be surprised to find out that this application procedure requires you to submit a DBS Check. 

So, to help ensure you get your application processed as quickly as possible, we’ve put together this guide to help answer any questions you may have about DBS Checks and Personal Licences. 

Do You Need A DBS Check Before Getting A Personal Licence? 

Whether you own or want to supervise a bar, pub or club where alcohol is sold, you’ll need a personal licence. These licences are designed to ensure that the person in charge of such establishments is supplying alcohol to patrons professionally. You may also need to obtain a Personal Licence if you’re hosting a one-off event where alcohol will be sold. 

However, before you’re awarded you Personal Licence, you will need to complete an application process. During this procedure, you will be required to obtain a Basic DBS Check; a criminal record check that is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). 

What Is A Basic DBS Check?

As mentioned above, a DBS Check is a criminal background check that is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service. This background check will highlight whether you have any ‘unspent’ convictions against your name. 

Convictions become spent after a certain period of time, as stipulated by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Once a conviction becomes spent, it will be removed from your criminal record. However, more serious crimes, such as those involving children or other vulnerable people, will remain. 

DBS Checks & Criminal Record Checks

How Do I Apply For A Basic DBS Check? 

Applying for a Basic DBS Check is easy and can be done individually, unlike with a Standard or Enahnced DBS Check. For this application, you’ll need to provide the following information and documents:

  • Your name, birth date and nationality,
  • One form of identification such as your passport or driver’s licence, 
  • Proof of all your addresses over the past 5 years as well as the dates you resides at each address (e.g. utility bill or bank statement). 

You can apply for your Basic DBS Check through our dedicated service at CareCheck. Our online application process is simple to navigate and complete. The majority of our applications are complete within 24-48 hours, however, they can take up to 14 days to process should there be any internal queries. 

Can I Get A Personal Licence If I Have A Criminal Record? 

If the DBS Check highlights a conviction against your name, it does not necessarily mean that you will not be able to get a Personal Licence. The licencing authority will only look at offences that they deem relevant, and use these to decide whether you should be awarded a licence. You can find out more about relevant offences in the Licencing Act 2003; generally, these relevant convictions are related to or involving:

  • A serious crime

  • Serious dishonesty
  • Controlled drugs
  • Certain sexual offences

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