UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 15, 2012

Basic Energy Services, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (817) 334-4100

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

On October 4, 2012, Basic Energy Services, Inc. (the “Company”) received a subpoena issued by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requesting certain documents and information. While the Company has not yet reviewed a copy of the SEC’s formal order of investigation, the Company believes that the SEC is investigating whether the Company, and potentially others, violated federal securities laws, including Regulation FD, in connection with its July 7, 2011 press release concerning its June 2011 operating data. The Company intends to cooperate fully with the SEC regarding this non-public, fact-finding inquiry. The SEC has informed the Company that this inquiry should not be construed as an indication that any violations of law have occurred or that the SEC has any negative opinion of any person, entity or security. The Company is unable to predict what action, if any, might be taken in the future by the SEC as a result of the matters that are the subject of the subpoena or what impact, if any, the cost of responding to the subpoena might have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company does not intend to comment further on this matter unless and until this matter is closed or further action is taken by the SEC which, in the Company’s judgment, merits further comment or public disclosure.

2

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.