The main reason for any delay will be if your application needs to be referred to the police service.
Why do checks go to the police?
For Enhanced DBS checks, your application will be sent to a police force if there’s a potential match against your name on police systems.
This means that even if you have always resided in one area of the country, your check can be sent to a police force in another area that holds details of a person with the same or similar name.
The only exception is if you are applying for a role that involves working in your own home, such as a foster carer. In this case, even if there is no potential match, your application will still be sent to relevant police forces and law enforcement agencies, so they can carry out a check on other individuals who reside at, or frequent, your home.
There are other instances where DBS checks may be delayed, such as missing, unclear or incorrect information, in which case the DBS will write to us to clarify the information.
You can track the progress of your application by clicking on this link Tracking Service
Or contact the DBS if you have any concerns via this link Online Service