Why Is My DBS Check Late Or Has Not Turned Up?
When you apply for a DBS check, the average waiting time to receive a paper copy of the certificate is 14 working days after the application was originally submitted.
Don’t forget – the 14 working day timeframe is only an average. Generally, a majority of our certificates are received in 5-7 working days.
This means that you may receive it sooner, but there’s also a good chance you won’t receive it until a later date.
There are many factors that can influence how long a DBS check certificate takes to arrive, which we’ll examine in this article, along with what to do if you are concerned.
Online or Postal DBS Checks
One of the factors that affects how long your DBS check certificate will take to arrive is whether you applied online or by post. Obviously, applying by post will take longer as it will take time to deliver it to the DBS, sort the mail, process the application, then post the certificate to you.
Online applications cut down on the initial postage and mail sorting time, so it will be a quicker turnaround time. Also, applying online has other benefits that can speed things up.
Reasons For Delayed DBS Check Certificates
Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons for late receipt of DBS certificates.
- Incorrect details on the form – for instance, an incorrect mailing address or other missing information that the DBS need to follow up on. Applying online significantly reduces the chance of errors being made on the application form, as there are automatic checks carried out before submission.
- Application or certificate lost in the post – the postal system is not perfect and thousands of letters and parcels are lost each year.
- Shared mailbox – this also opens an opportunity to lose your DBS Check if somebody else has picked up your mail.
Regarding the first scenario of incorrect details on the form, this can cause a long delay as the DBS will need to get in touch with you to amend details or resubmit the application form.
What To Do If Your DBS Certificate Is Late?
If you have been waiting for way longer than 14 working days for your certificate, then you should get in touch with the DBS or the registered body you used for the application.
We have a tracking system as part of our application service, which will tell you what stage your DBS check is at and whether it has been processed. Once processed, we share the result with you electronically and your certificate should be sent out at this stage.
If the certificate has been dispatched and appears to have been lost in the post, the DBS may recommend that you apply for a DBS certificate reprint.
To find out more about applying for your DBS Check online contact us today.
