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. Please note there is a specific list of primary documents for non-UK nationals.

DBS Route 1

  • A minimum of 3 documents must be presented
  • At least one document must be from Group 1, a ‘Primary Trusted Document’ (Driving Licence or Passport taking priority)
  • At least one document must show your current address
  • At least one document must show your date of birth
  • All documents must be in your current name (although statements and letters can be in joint names, provided the applicant’s name is clearly identifiable)
  • All documents must be original and valid

If you do not possess sufficient documents to submit a Route 1 application, you must sign a declaration form to confirm this and proceed with a Route 2 application.

NOTE – Non-UK Nationals:

If you are a non-UK National you should only follow Route 1 if you are undertaking voluntary work. If you are a non-UK national completing a DBS check for paid work you must be able to show:

  • One non-UK primary document
  • Two supporting documents
  • All documents must be original and valid
  • At least one document must show the current address

Non-UK nationals who are eligible for a DBS check and receiving payment for work, even if it is an allowance, for example a foster carer, must use the paid work route.

However, Route 1 can be used by adult household members:

  • in a fostering household
  • in a child-minding household
  • in a host family
  • living where ‘work with children’ takes place, for example, living in a boarding school

DBS Route 2

If a Route 1 application is not possible, then you must submit your application following Route 2. If you are a non-UK national and applying for voluntary work you cannot use Route 2. The Route 2 documents are:

  • A minimum of 3 documents (but more is better)
  • At least one document from Group 2a, plus two additional documents from Group 2a or Group 2b
  • All documents must be in your current name
  • At least one document must show your current address
  • At least one document must show your date of birth
  • All documents must be original and valid
  • A Third Party ID Verification Check, including an ID Check consent form. The check may require additional payment

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. An additional group exists for non-UK applicants seeking paid work.

These categories are listed below and are based on the official DBS Guidance (updated July 2021).

Group 1: Primary identity documents

DocumentNotes
PassportAny current and valid passport
Biometric residence permitUK
Current photocard driving licence
UK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands (full or provisional). All licences must be valid in line with current DVLA requirements
Birth certificate – issued within 12 months of birth

UK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands – including those issued by UK authorities overseas, eg embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces

Adoption certificate

UK and Channel Islands

Group 2a: Trusted government documents

DocumentNotes
Current driving licence – photo card (non-UK)All countries outside the UK (full or provisional). All licences must be valid in line with current DVLA requirements
Current driving licence – paper versionUK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands (full or provisional). All licences must be valid in line with current DVLA requirements
Birth certificate – issued 12+ months after birthUK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands
Marriage/civil partnership certificateUK and Channel Islands
HM Forces ID cardUK
Firearms licenceUK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands
Immigration document, visa or work permitIssued 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

Group 2b: Financial and social history documents

Mortgage statementUKIssued in last 12 months
Bank or building society statementUK and Channel IslandsIssued in last 3 months
Bank or building society statementCountries outside the UKIssued in last 3 months – branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works
Bank or building society account opening confirmation letterUKIssued in last 3 months
Credit card statementUKIssued in last 3 months
Financial statement, e.g. pension or endowmentUKIssued in last 12 months
P45 or P60 statementUK and Channel IslandsIssued in last 12 months
Council Tax statementUK and Channel IslandsIssued in last 12 months
Letter of sponsorship from future employment providerNon-UK  only. Valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of applicationMust still be valid
Utility billUK – not mobile telephone bill, or TV licenceIssued in last 3 months
Benefit statement, e.g. Child Benefit, PensionUKIssued in last 3 months
Central or local government, government agency, or local council document giving entitlement, e.g. from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, HMRCUK and Channel IslandsIssued in last 3 months
EEA National ID cardMust still be valid
Irish Passport CardCannot be used with an Irish PassportMust still be valid
Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logoUK/Isle of Man/Channel IslandsMust still be valid
Letter from head teacher or college principalUK – for 16 to 19 year olds in full time education. Only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided

Documents for non-UK nationals doing paid work

A current passport or passport card showing that the holder is a national of the Republic of Ireland.
A current document issued by the Home Office to a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, and which indicates that the holder is permitted to stay in the United Kingdom indefinitely.
A current Biometric Immigration Document (Biometric Residence Permit) issued by the Home Office to the holder indicating that the person named is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK, or has no time limit on their stay in the UK.
Online evidence of immigration status. Either via the View and Prove service or using the BRP or BRC online service. Issued by the Home Office to the employer or prospective employer, which indicates that the named person may stay in the UK and is permitted to do the work in question. Must be valid. Note: this includes the EUSS digital status confirmation.

A current Passport endorsed to show that the holder is exempt from immigration control, is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK, has the right of abode in the UK, or has no time limit on their stay in the UK

A current Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office to the holder with an endorsement indicating that the named person is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK or has no time limit on their stay in the UK, together with an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a Government agency or a previous employer
A current Passport endorsed to show that the holder is allowed to stay in the UK and is currently allowed to do the type of work in question

A current Biometric Immigration Document (Biometric Residence Permit) issued by the Home Office to the holder which indicates that the named person can currently stay in the UK and is allowed to do the work in question.

 A current document issued by the Home Office to a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, and which indicates that the holder is permitted to stay in the United Kingdom for a time limited period and to do the type of work in question.

A frontier worker permit issued under regulation 8 of the Citizens’ Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.

A current Immigration Status Document containing a photograph issued by the Home Office to the holder with a valid endorsement indicating that the named person may stay in the UK, and is allowed to do the type of work in question, together with an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a Government agency or a previous employer

A document issued by the Home Office showing that the holder has made an application for leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU to the immigration rules on or before 30 June 2021 together with a Positive Verification Notice from the Home Office Employer Checking Service.

An Application Registration Card issued by the Home Office stating that the holder is permitted to take the employment in question, together with a Positive Verification Notice from the Home Office Employer Checking Service

A Positive Verification Notice issued by the Home Office Employer Checking Service to the employer or prospective employer, which indicates that the named person may stay in the UK and is permitted to do the work in question.