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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, commonly known as a criminal record check, is generally not performed for individuals under 16 years old in the UK. For those aged 16 and 17, a DBS check can be conducted, but it is subject to specific conditions and is typically limited to certain types of roles, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals.

Key Facts

Individuals under 16 cannot typically undergo a standard DBS check.
DBS checks can be conducted for individuals aged 16 and 17 under specific circumstances.
The nature of the role and the need to protect vulnerable individuals are key determinants for DBS checks on minors.
The process for 16 and 17-year-olds may differ slightly from adult checks.
Consent from a parent or guardian is usually required for minors undergoing a DBS check.

Overview

The question of whether a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check can be performed on individuals under 18 years old is a nuanced one, primarily governed by age and the specific context of the employment or role in question. The DBS is responsible for processing requests for criminal record checks in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and its procedures are designed to balance the need for safeguarding with the rights of individuals. For the vast majority of standard DBS checks, the minimum age requirement is 16. However, the ability to conduct a check on a 16 or 17-year-old is not as straightforward as for an adult and depends heavily on the nature of the position being applied for and the potential risk involved.

The core purpose of a DBS check is to help employers make safer recruitment decisions by identifying individuals who may pose a risk to vulnerable groups, such as children and adults at risk. Therefore, when considering applications for individuals under 18, the emphasis is placed on roles that would typically fall under enhanced DBS checks, as these are the ones most likely to involve working with or having unsupervised access to such vulnerable people. For younger individuals, the process acknowledges their developing rights and the fact that their criminal records, if any, may be less extensive than those of adults.

How It Works

Age Restrictions: While individuals aged 16 and over are generally eligible for a DBS check, there are specific considerations for those under 18. For standard DBS checks, the applicant must be at least 16 years old. However, if the role involves working with vulnerable adults or children, an enhanced DBS check might be applicable even for a 16 or 17-year-old.
Type of Check: The type of DBS check required is crucial. Standard and enhanced checks have different eligibility criteria. Enhanced checks are generally reserved for roles where there is regular and unsupervised contact with vulnerable individuals. For a 16 or 17-year-old, an enhanced check would only be requested if the specific job role warrants it for safeguarding purposes.
Parental/Guardian Consent: For applicants who are under 18, explicit consent from a parent or legal guardian is typically required before a DBS check can be processed. This is a legal safeguard to ensure that the minor’s rights are protected and that they are aware of and agree to the disclosure process.
Information Revealed: The information disclosed on a DBS certificate for a minor might be different from that for an adult. For individuals aged 16 and 17, a DBS certificate will only reveal information that is considered relevant and necessary for the role applied for. This often means that certain older or less serious cautions or convictions might not be disclosed, aligning with the principle of rehabilitation and the reduced culpability often associated with younger offenders.

Key Comparisons

Feature	DBS Check for Adult (18+)	DBS Check for Minor (16-17)
Minimum Age	16 (for standard checks)	16
Parental Consent Required	No	Yes
Information Disclosure	Comprehensive (depending on check level)	May be more restricted, focusing on relevance and current safeguarding needs. Certain older/minor convictions might be filtered.
Eligibility for Enhanced Checks	Available for specific roles	Available for specific roles involving vulnerable individuals

Why It Matters

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults: The ability to conduct DBS checks on 16 and 17-year-olds in specific roles is paramount for protecting vulnerable populations. It ensures that individuals, regardless of age, who are in positions of trust and have access to those who may be at risk, have undergone appropriate vetting.
Fair Recruitment Practices: For employers, understanding the rules around DBS checks for minors is crucial for implementing fair and legally compliant recruitment processes. It allows them to assess suitability for roles without inadvertently discriminating or breaching privacy laws.
Rehabilitation and Opportunity: The DBS system, particularly its filtering rules, aims to balance safeguarding with the principle of rehabilitation. For young people, this means that minor past indiscretions should not necessarily prevent them from accessing legitimate employment or opportunities, especially as they mature and demonstrate positive behaviour.

In conclusion, while a DBS check can indeed be conducted for individuals aged 16 and 17, it is not a blanket process. The decision to proceed with a check, and the level of that check, is determined by the specific job role and the potential safeguarding implications. Consent from a parent or guardian is a non-negotiable requirement for these younger applicants, ensuring their rights are respected throughout the process.