The Disclosure and Barring Service announced on 9 September 2026 that it would reduce fees for its checks and Update Service from Monday 5 October 2026. Under the plan, Basic and Standard DBS checks would cost £20.00, down from £21.50, while Enhanced checks would cost £41.00, down from £49.50. An Update Service subscription would be £15.00 per year, reduced from £16.00. Volunteer checks remain free of charge.

DBS said it reviews fees annually and sets each one according to its cost of delivery under Managing Public Money, and that it was able to reduce fees across all products on this occasion, with Enhanced applicants seeing the greatest reduction. It said the new fees were scrutinised and approved by the DBS board, the Home Office, HM Treasury and the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, and would be given legal effect through a statutory instrument laid before Parliament on 9 September 2026.

According to the announcement, the reduction does not affect service standards or the rigour of DBS checks. Registered Bodies and Responsible Organisations were asked to update their systems and customer-facing information before 5 October 2026. DBS noted that such organisations may charge applicants an additional administration fee, which it does not set or regulate.