DBS unveils updated manual ID guidance for checks – all you need to know.
April 25th, 2025 by Daisy Birch
On April 22nd 2025, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) released revised manual ID guidance for Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS checks. These updates aim to simplify the identity verification process, making it more accessible for both applicants and organisations.
Key Changes in the Updated Guidance:
- Elimination of separate routes for non-UK nationals; all applicants now follow a unified 3-route process.
- Removal of the requirement for one document to display the applicant’s current address.
- Enhanced guidance on document verification procedures.
- Inclusion of e-Visa, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), and Application Registration Card (ARC) in the list of primary Group 1 documents.
- Addition of HMRC self-assessment/tax demand letters and European/Global Health Insurance Cards (EHIC/GHIC) to the list of acceptable supporting group 2b documents.
To accommodate necessary technical adjustments, the previous guidance will be accepted until November 1st 2025.
DDC’s Commitment to a Seamless Transition
At DDC, we are fully aware of these changes and will be implementing them over the next few months to ensure a seamless transition for our clients. Our team is dedicated to maintaining compliance and providing support throughout this update. In the meantime, the previous DBS identity requirements will continue to be in place as we make the necessary changes. Digital identity remains the most efficient and convenient option for an applicant to prove their identity.
Need support
If you have any questions or would like to understand how these changes may affect your DBS checks, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our expert team is here to support you every step of the way. For more details on the updated guidance, please visit the official DBS announcement.
