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.

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 the current address
• At least one document must show date of birth
• All documents must be in the current name (although statements and letters can be in joint names, provided the applicant’s name is clearly identifiable)

If the applicant does not possess sufficient documents to submit a Route 1 application, they must sign a declaration form to confirm this and proceed with a Route 2 application.

NOTE – Non-EEA Nationals:

Non-EEA Nationals should only be validated via Route 1 if they are undertaking voluntary work. If they are undertaking paid work then Route 1a applies. Route 1a requires the applicant to provide a ‘right to work’ document in the combinations listed at the bottom of this page, plus two documents from any group. Each document can only be used once.

DBS Route 2

If a Route 1 application is not possible, then the applicant must submit their application following 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 the applicant’s current name.
• At least one document must show the applicant’s current address.
• At least one document must show the applicant’s date of birth.
• 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 the applicant 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 form?

Fingerprint Process

Once all other application Routes available have failed, the DBS will undertake a process of Fingerprinting, to confirm the ID of the applicant. 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 the applicant will then initiate contact and arrange a time for the applicant to attend a Fingerprinting session. It is recommended that applicants 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-EEA applicants seeking paid work (Group 1a).

These categories are listed below and are based on the official DBS Guidance (updated September 2018).