What Documents do the DBS Accept?

The DBS have created a 3-tiered document identification process that dictates which documents must be presented in support of your DBS Check application. The valid document types and combinations as listed below refer to applications for Standard and Enhanced criminal record checks. Route 1 must be exhausted before Route 2 can be attempted. Route 3 exists as a last resort.

The following information is based on the official DBS Identity Checking Guidelines. If you are applying for a basic criminal record check, please read our ‘documents for a basic criminal record check’ page. Please note that all documents presented must be valid and originals. This excludes self-printed documents or online statements. Please pay careful attention to the requirements to prevent any delay in application.

DBS Route 1

• A minimum of 3 documents must be presented
• At least one document must be from Group 1 (Driving Licence or Passport taking priority)
• All documents must be within the date limits indicated below
• All address documents presented must show your current address (or one of your current addresses)
• All documents must be in a name declared on the form (joint names can be accepted, provided yours is clearly identifiable)
• Online or self-printed documents cannot be accepted under any circumstances

If you have a Passport and/or UK Photocard Drivers Licence please provide these details on the application form and submit
at least one of these documents for checking (plus two additional documents). If you do not have a valid Passport or UK
Photocard Drivers Licence, but do have one or more of the other Group 1 documents, then you can submit these documents
as an alternative.

DBS Route 2

Route 2 requires that you submit at least 1 document from Group 2a, plus two additional documents from any group. There
should be 3 documents in total. All documents must be in a name declared on the form.

Route 2 also requires that we undertake an identity verification check with an independent third party. If you need to use this
route, you must sign in the box below and return this sheet. If you are paying for the application yourself, please add £6.00
(£5.00 +VAT) to the total, to cover the cost of the identity verification check.

In order to process your application we will attempt to verify your identity using a third party (Experian Limited). The agency
will check the name, address and date of birth you have supplied against any particulars on any database (public or otherwise)
to which they have access. A record of the search will be retained, but will not be visible to other parties or affect your credit
record.

If Experian Ltd. are unable to verify your identity (e.g. due to insufficient data on their systems), we will contact you to discuss
alternative routes for obtaining a Disclosure. This includes an option to complete the application with 5 documents in total.

DBS Route 3

If the ID check fails, then we will contact you to confirm the DBS Route 3 application process, which requires a UK Birth Certificate plus 1 document from group 2a and 3 documents from group 2a or 2b, making 5 documents in total. If this Route fails then we will be required to initiate the DBS Fingerprinting process to establish identity.

What are the different types of DBS forms?

Fingerprint Process

Once all other application routes available have failed, the DBS will undertake a process of fingerprinting, to confirm your ID. The application must be made with a DBS paper application form and will require passport-style photographs to be supplied. The Police Force local to you will then initiate contact and arrange a time for you to attend a Fingerprinting session. It is recommended you avoid this Route, as it can cause significant delays to the process of applying for a Disclosure (from our experience, up to 3 months).

The documents required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application are divided into 3 categories, depending on the type of document, and the information they confirm.

These categories are listed below and are based on the official DBS Guidance (updated October 2025).