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. 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).