Frequently Asked Questions:

What Information will I need to enter onto my online Basic DBS / Basic Scotland application?

Firstly, to ascertain whether you need a Basic DBS check or a Basic Scotland check, you will be asked some 'routing' questions.

If your answers to the routing questions indicate you live/work or previously lived/worked in England and Wales you will be directed to an online Basic DBS application form. 

If your answers to the routing questions indicate you live/work or previously lived/worked in Scotland you will be directed to an online Basic Scotland application form. 

You will need to provide the following information on your online Basic DBS / Basic Scotland application form:

(note: Information that must be supplied is indicated with an asterisk*).

  • * Name/s (First name, and Middle names and Surname, including all previous name/s and dates you used them)
  • * Birth details; i.e.: date of birth, town/country of birth; note: at least one copy of ID documents that you provide for your ID verification must show your date of birth
  • * Current address and Full 5 year address history (incl. dates); note: at least one copy of ID document that you provide for your ID verification must show your full address of where you currently live
  • * COPIES of the required ID documents - see list of Acceptable ID documents
  • Passport details - if you have a Passport
  • Driving Licence details - if you have a Driving Licence
  • National Insurance Number - if you have one
  • * Email address (for correspondence)

Incorrectly filled-in applications, queries, or incorrect ID will cause delays and may result in the rejection of your application.
In such cases of rejection, or late cancellation, administration charges may be applicable.  

Please note: if you are obtaining a Basic Disclosure Check for someone else you must obtain their express permission (in writing) to do so.  

How do you verify my ID?

It is a stipulation of the DBS / Disclosure Scotland (the government agencies that process the checks), that that applicants' ID is verified.  

We require applicants to have their ID verified in accordance with the Basic ID Checking Guidelines, by a nominated ID Checker.   

All applicants must be able to provide copies of at least 3 x ID documents. Please see the list of acceptable ID documents.

NB:  If you do NOT have one of these ID documents we CANNOT process an online Basic DBS / Basic Scotland Application for you. 

Your ID copies can be sent to us by by email or in the post.

We will email you the contact email and postal address you need to use once you have completed your online Basic Scotland / Basic DBS application form.

What is the Deadline for Sending Mayflower My Copies of ID?

Basic DBS / Disclosure Scotland applications are valid for 3 months from the creation date. 

You must send us copies of your ID within this timeframe.

This is to ensure that the information you provide on your DBS / Disclosure Scotland application form is up to date and ensures that the online application form you have completed is the official current and valid application form at the time.  

In the event that VAT or the Disclosure costs increase during this time-frame, we reserve the right to pass this cost on to you, at our discretion. 

Please note the fee (which is paid at the point of creating an online Basic DBS / Disclosure Application) is non-refundable.

It is your responsibility to complete the steps required for your ID Verification.

If you do not complete all steps required for your ID Verification (which are emailed to you when you create your online Basic DBS / Disclosure Scotland application form) within this time-frame, your online Basic DBS / Disclosure Scotland application will be cancelled and any fee paid will be forfeited.  

How Long do the checks take?

On average it takes 13 - 16 working days (Monday - Friday not including bank or public holidays) to process a Basic DBS / Basic Scotland application from the receipt of a correctly filled-in online application form (note any errors on the online application form or queries could cause delays in the processing).   

As a guide, 95% of applications are completed in 12 calendar days.  

This is measured from the day we receive your online application and your copies of ID as detailed in the Acceptable ID list ; to the day of dispatch.

Please note:  seasonal fluctuations/delays will occur during certain times of the year for example during Christmas and Easter.

Our sole business is the processing of criminal records checks.  We will do everything we can to ensure your Basic Disclosure is processed as quickly as possible (see our customer testimonials).

Incorrectly filled-in applications, queries, or incorrect ID will cause delays and may result in the rejection of your application.

In such cases of rejection, or late cancellation, administration charges may be applicable.

What will I receive?

Basic DBS applications: 

One hard-copy Basic DBS certificate is produced and posted to your current home address that you entered on your online Basic DBS application form. 

Please note, this address cannot be changed once your Basic Disclosure Application has been submitted. 

If you move, it will be your responsibility to arrange for your mail to be re-directed to your new address.  You will also have access to an online Basic DBS certificate via the DBS website.

Basic Scotland applications:  

One hard-copy Basic Disclosure Scotland certificate is produced and posted to your current home address that you entered on your online Basic Scotland.   

Please note, this address cannot be changed once your Basic Disclosure Application has been submitted.  If you move, it will be your responsibility to arrange for your mail to be re-directed to your new address.

Please note:  hard-copy certificates are sent to you by Royal Mail UK Standard delivery (for UK applications) and by Royal Mail International Standard Airmail delivery (for non-UK applications). 

Non-UK applicants can choose a Courier delivery option which is charged separately.

If you live in a country that has an unreliable postal service,we can dispatch the Basic Disclosure Certificate to you by International Courier.

International Courier service is offered at an additional cost.  For more information and to arrange International Courier Delivery of your certificate, please click here.  

Is my address printed on the Basic Disclosure Certificate?

It depends which type of check you obtain:

  • For Basic DBS checks:

Your address is printed on Basic DBS certificates. 

Note: for Basic International applications (Expats), our Company address (care of)  is printed on the certificates

  • For Basic Scotland checks:

The address is printed on the Basic Disclosure Scotland certificate is our Company address:  MAYFLOWER DISCLOSURE SERVICES LTD, 3RD FLOOR, 86-90 PAUL STREET, LONDON, EC2A 4NE. 

This is Disclosure Scotland policy (the government agency who process the checks) and it is out of our control.

Your address is NOT printed on the Basic Disclosure Scotland certificate.  Please ensure this meets your needs, before ordering a Basic Disclosure Scotland check through us.

Your Name and Date of Birth is printed on your Basic Disclosure Scotland certificate.

How/When do I pay for my online application?

You will be automatically prompted to arrange payment when you reach the end of your online Basic DBS / Basic Scotland application form. 

If you do not complete your payment at this time your application will be cancelled and your form details will be lost.  This is to protect your data. 

Payment methods accepted are online payment by debit/credit card or PayPal.

How much does it cost?

See the Prices page for current prices.

The system is asking me to enter an Organisation Reference and Organisation Code - what are these?

To access the secure online Basic Disclosure Application form you need to enter an Organisation Reference and Password.  

These are provided in your instructions before you Start an Online Application.

Apostille Service

An 'Apostille' is the legal term for the legalisation of a certificate, official proof that it is what it claims to be.

We do NOT provide an Apostille Service.  

Please arrange this yourself once you have received your Basic DBS / Basic Scotland certificate.  

For further information about getting your certificate Apostilled, contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

Need Basic DBS checks for 2 or more people?

No problem....we also provide Basic DBS checks and Standard/Enhanced DBS checks for Employers/Organisations.  For more information, please go to our sister website www.dbsdirect.co.uk, or to get started, complete our Online Registration form.