In short
Most self-employed cleaners need a basic DBS check, which shows unspent convictions and which you can apply for yourself online through gov.uk. Standard and enhanced checks can only be requested by an employer or organisation for eligible roles. A DBS check is not legally required for domestic cleaning, but customers often expect one.
What a DBS check is
DBS stands for the Disclosure and Barring Service, which issues criminal record certificates in England and Wales. In Scotland checks come from Disclosure Scotland, and in Northern Ireland from AccessNI — the gov.uk basic check page points you to the right one.
There are three levels of check:
| Check | What it shows | Who applies |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Unspent convictions and conditional cautions | Anyone — including you, for yourself |
| Standard | Spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings (subject to filtering rules) | An employer or organisation, for eligible roles only |
| Enhanced | As standard, plus relevant police information, and barred lists if the role is eligible | An employer or organisation, for eligible roles only |
Which check a self-employed cleaner can get
As a self-employed domestic cleaner, you can get a basic DBS check by applying for it yourself. You cannot apply for a standard or enhanced check on your own behalf — those have to be requested by an organisation, and only for roles that are legally eligible, such as certain work with children or vulnerable adults.
Cleaning private homes is not usually one of those roles. If you are contracted to clean somewhere like a school or care home, that organisation will tell you if a higher-level check is needed and arrange it. gov.uk has a tool to find out which DBS check is right.
How to apply for a basic DBS check
- 1Go to request a basic DBS check on gov.uk — use the official service, not a third-party site that charges extra
- 2Have your address history for the last five years and ID documents ready, such as a passport or driving licence
- 3Pay the fee online — check gov.uk for the current fee
- 4Your certificate is posted to you, and you can also view the result through your online account
gov.uk gives up-to-date guidance on how long it takes. Basic checks are usually quicker than standard or enhanced ones.
Why customers care
Your customers may be out at work while you clean, give you a key, or have children or elderly relatives at home. A recent DBS certificate tells them you have nothing to hide. Letting agents and landlords may ask for one too.
A DBS certificate has no official expiry date — it shows what was on record on the day it was issued. Because of that, many customers prefer a recent one, and some cleaners renew theirs every year or two.
Get a verified badge on Holler
On Holler, upload your DBS certificate and your insurance in the app to get a verified badge on your profile. Customers see it when they are choosing who to book, alongside your ratings from real completed jobs.
If you have not sorted insurance yet, see our guide to cleaning business insurance.
If you have a conviction
A basic check only shows unspent convictions. Once a conviction is spent, it does not appear on a basic certificate, and in most cases you do not have to mention it. gov.uk explains when convictions become spent.
If something will show on your certificate, being upfront with customers usually goes further than hoping they will not ask.
Questions people ask
Do cleaners need a DBS check in the UK?
It is not a legal requirement for domestic cleaning, but many customers expect it. A basic DBS check is the usual choice for self-employed cleaners.
Can I get a DBS check if I am self-employed?
Yes. You can apply for a basic DBS check yourself online through gov.uk. Standard and enhanced checks must be requested by an organisation for eligible roles.
How much does a basic DBS check cost?
There is a fee set by the government, which can change. Check gov.uk for the current amount, and apply through the official service to avoid paying extra.
How long does a DBS check last?
It has no official expiry date — it is accurate on the day it is issued. Many customers prefer a recent certificate, so cleaners often renew regularly.
Can a cleaner get an enhanced DBS check?
Not by applying for themselves. An enhanced check has to be requested by an organisation, and only for eligible roles such as certain work with children or vulnerable adults.
Keep reading
Insurance for cleaners and cleaning businesses
Cleaning business insurance explained: public liability, employers’ liability (a legal must if you employ staff), keys cover, and what to check in a policy.
How to become a self-employed cleaner in the UK
Become a self-employed cleaner in the UK: check your status, register with HMRC, keep records, get insured and DBS checked, set prices and find customers.
How to start a cleaning business in the UK
Start a cleaning business in the UK: registering as self-employed, insurance, DBS checks, pricing, supplies and finding your first customers — step by step.
How to choose a cleaner you can trust
How to choose a cleaner in the UK: insurance, DBS checks, reviews from real bookings, clear pricing, paying safely and what to agree before the first clean.