DBS Guidance for Standard / Enhanced Checks

DBS Guidance for Standard / Enhanced Checks

Three routes of ID checking 
Route 1 
The applicant must be able to show: 

  • one document from Group 1, below 
  • 2 further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a or 2b, below 

At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address. 
If the applicant isn’t a national of the UK and is applying for voluntary work they may need to be fingerprinted if they can’t show these documents. 
Route 2 
Route 2 can only be used if it’s impossible to process the application through Route 1. 
If the applicant isn’t a national of the UK and is applying for voluntary work they can’t use Route 2.  
If the applicant doesn’t have any of the documents in Group 1, then they must be able to show: 

  • one document from Group 2a 
  • 2 further documents from either Group 2a or 2b 

At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address. The organisation conducting their ID check must then also use an appropriate external ID validation service to check the application. 
Route 3 
Route 3 can only be used if it’s impossible to process the application through Routes 1 or 2. 
For Route 3, the applicant must be able to show: 

  • a birth certificate issued after the time of birth (UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands) 
  • one document from Group 2a 
  • 3 further documents from Group 2a or 2b 

At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address. If the applicant can’t provide these documents they may need to be fingerprinted. 
Continuation sheets 
The applicant can download a DBS continuation sheet for additional information they can’t fit on the DBS application form. 
Unusual addresses 
The applicant must make sure they fill in the address part of the form correctly if they have an unusual address, for example if they live abroad, in student accommodation or a hostel. 
Group 1: Primary identity documents 

Document  Notes 
Passport  Any current and valid passport 
Biometric residence permit  UK 
Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional)  UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA 
Birth certificate – issued within 12 months of birth  UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands – including those issued by UK authorities overseas, for example embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces 
Adoption certificate  UK and Channel Islands 

Group 2a: Trusted government documents 

Document  Notes 
Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional)  All countries outside the UK (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) 
Current driving licence (full or provisional) – paper version (if issued before 1998)  UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands 
Birth certificate – issued after time of birth  UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands 
Marriage/civil partnership certificate  UK and Channel Islands 
Immigration document, visa or work permit  Issued by a country outside the UK. Valid only for roles whereby the applicant is living and working outside of the UK. Visa/permit must relate to the non-UK country in which the role is based 
HM Forces ID card  UK 
Firearms licence  UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man 

All driving licences must be valid. 
Group 2b: Financial and social history documents 

Document  Notes  Issue date and validity 
Mortgage statement  UK  Issued in last 12 months 
Bank or building society statement  UK and Channel Islands  Issued in last 3 months 
Bank or building society statement  Countries outside the UK  Issued in last 3 months – branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works 
Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter  UK  Issued in last 3 months 
Credit card statement  UK  Issued in last 3 months 
Financial statement, for example pension or endowment  UK  Issued in last 12 months 
P45 or P60 statement  UK and Channel Islands  Issued in last 12 months 
Council Tax statement  UK and Channel Islands  Issued in last 12 months 
Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider  Non-UK only – valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application  Must still be valid 
Utility bill  UK – not mobile telephone bill  Issued in last 3 months 
Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, Pension  UK  Issued in last 3 months 
Central or local government, government agency, or local council document giving entitlement, for example from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, HMRC  UK and Channel Islands  Issued in last 3 months 
EEA National ID card     Must still be valid 
Irish Passport Card  Cannot be used with an Irish passport  Must still be valid 
Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo  UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands  Must still be valid 
Letter from head teacher or college principal  UK – for 16 to 19 year olds in full time education – only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided  Must still be valid