how long does a dbs check last

A DBS check does not have an official expiration date, meaning it does not technically "expire." The information in the DBS check is accurate only up to the date it was conducted, so there is no set time when it becomes invalid on a national level. However, most employers and sectors have their own policies and typically require renewal every 1 to 3 years, with three years being a common standard, especially in education and healthcare. The decision to request a new DBS check lies with the employer or governing body to ensure up- to-date safeguarding information. Additionally, the DBS Update Service allows individuals to keep their DBS certificates current and transferable between employers, which can reduce the need for repeated full checks.