DBS Check Dispute Letter Template & Generator

If you need to dispute incorrect or outdated information appearing on a DBS certificate, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong dbs check dispute letter should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• State the certificate number and issue date
• Identify the specific information that is incorrect or should have been filtered
• Reference the filtering rules under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 as amended
• Request a corrected certificate be issued

Your right to dispute inaccurate DBS information

DBS certificates can occasionally contain information that's outdated, incorrectly matched to you, or that should no longer appear at all — for example, a conviction that's since become spent, or information relating to someone else entirely. You have a formal right to dispute this rather than simply accepting an inaccurate certificate.

What to include before you send it

• The specific information you're disputing, quoted directly from the certificate
• Why you believe it's incorrect, outdated, or shouldn't be included
• Any supporting evidence — court records, or documentation showing a conviction has become spent
• A clear request for the certificate to be corrected and reissued

Where disputes are actually handled

Disputes about the accuracy of conviction information are generally handled by the police force that supplied it, not the DBS itself directly — the DBS acts as a central clearing point but relies on police and court records for the underlying data. Your letter may need to go to both the DBS and the relevant police force depending on the nature of the dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a DBS dispute take to resolve?
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the dispute and which records need to be checked, so it's worth asking for an estimated timeframe when you submit your dispute.

Can I get a job offer withdrawn while a dispute is ongoing?
This depends on the employer's own policies, but it's worth explaining clearly to any prospective employer that you're formally disputing the accuracy of the certificate.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.