Should I Update My DBS Check Due To A Name Change?
If you’ve recently changed your name, or you’re about to, you may have some questions about what happens with your DBS check, such as will the DBS be able to find you, or do you need to update existing checks carried out in your old name?
A DBS check is an official report that searches your criminal record and history and provides the results to potential or existing employers. It is mainly used for jobs that involve working with children or vulnerable adults.
This article will help to answer your questions and let you know what to do when you change your name.
Why Might You Change Your Name?
There are numerous reasons that somebody might decide or want to change their name. The most obvious reasons are for more marriage or divorce.
Other reasons may include religious conversion, ancestral family reasons, professional identity, moving to another country where your name may be difficult to pronounce or spell.
Do You Need To Update Your DBS Check?
Although there are no specific laws regarding informing the DBS when you change your name, it’s good practice to contact them anyway. If your job role depends on an up-to-date DBS check, you should make sure that you update it as soon as possible.
However, be aware that simply informing them isn’t enough to update your DBS check. You need to apply again for a new DBS check or use the Update Service.
Do You Need To Pay To Update Your DBS Check?
To update your DBS check record due to a name change, you’ll be required to pay the relevant DBS fee again. The amount payable depends on the level of check you need. You can apply online here if you require a new Basic DBS Check.
If you approach your employer, they may be willing to pay the fee for you, although as it is for a name change, this won’t always be the case and you may have to foot the bill yourself. But it’s worth asking.
How To Update Your DBS Check After A Name Change
There are two ways to update your DBS check after a name change. You can either:
- Apply for a brand new check from the DBS, either online or by post,
- Enrol for the DBS Update Service.
The DBS Update Service is a good solution for people with details that regularly change, such as frequently changing address or name changes. For £13 per year (at the time of writing), you can update any of the information that the DBS holds on you, at any time. To sign up to the DBS Update Service you must apply within 14 days of receiving your DBS certificate.
If you decide to go for the first option and apply for a brand new DBS check, you need to provide details of all your previous names, as well as your current name, to allow the DBS to search through all your records.
Summary
Although there is no legal obligation to update your DBS check or inform the DBS after changing your name, it may be in your best interests to do so. It may avoid problems with your employer updating your DBS check in the future.
If you have signed up to the DBS Update Service, you can update your information, including any name changes, included in the annual cost of the service.
If you want to update your DBS check by applying for a new one, you can do it online here here
Just remember to include details of all previous names, as it may slow down your application if you neglect to.
