If something’s happened to your DBS certificate and you need a new one, it can be done, but your options are very limited, and the DBS will only send one reprint.
We’ll quickly go over what you can do if you need a replacement DBS certificate.
Replacement DBS Certificate: Less Than 93 Days
If you’ve ordered a DBS certificate that hasn’t arrived, and it’s been between 14 and 93 days since it was posted, then the DBS will reprint the certificate and post it to the address on your application. This is the same address the first certificate was sent to, the DBS won’t change this.
All you’ve got to do is call them on 0300 020 0190, select Option 2, then either Option 1 or 2, and request a reprint. There is also a form you can fill out on the DBS’s website.
If you have lost or damaged our certificate, then the DBS will not issue a reprint even if the 93-day window hasn’t elapsed. However, the only way they DBS can tell is if you inform them – bear this in mind.
Replacement DBS Certificate: Over 93 Days
If it’s been longer than 93 days since our DBS certificate was posted, then the DBS will not issue a replacement DBS certificate under any circumstances.
The only way to get one is by paying for, and completing, a new application.
Replacement DBS Certificate: Change Of Address
The DBS will only send the reprinted certificate to the given Current Address on the DBS application form. If you’ve changed addresses since then, you’ll have to set up a postal redirect with the Royal Mail.
Summary: Getting A Replacement DBS Certificate
In summary, it’s possible to get a replacement DBS certificate posted to the current address given on your application form, as long as it has been requested within 93 days of the check being completed.
This can be done by calling the DBS and telling them the certificate has not arrived. If the DBS learns that you have lost or damaged your certificate, they will not issue a replacement DBS certificate.
Further Reading
If you’ve found our post about replacement DBS certificates helpful, you might also be interested in these posts:
- DBS Certificate – a summary
- “DBS Certificate printed in progress” – what does this tracking stage mean?
- How long do DBS certificates take to arrive?
About The Author
John Schofield-Antoncich
John has processed more applications than days he has been alive, and has become the DBS expert. Got a question? He knows the answer!