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 June 2015). You can see the valid combination of documents here or the different types of criminal record check form here.
Group 1: Primary identity documents |
|
| Document | Notes |
| Passport | Any current and valid passport |
| Biometric residence permit | UK |
| Current photocard driving licence |
UK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands and EU (full or provisional). All licences must be valid in line with current DVLA requirements |
| Birth certificate – issued at time of birth |
UK and Channel Islands – including those issued by UK authorities overseas, eg embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces |
| Adoption certificate |
UK |
Group 2a: Trusted government documents |
|
| Document | Notes |
| Current driving licence – photo card (non-EU) | All countries (full or provisional) (Excluding UK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands and EU). All licences must be valid in line with current DVLA requirements |
| Current driving licence – paper version | UK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands and EU (full or provisional). All licences must be valid in line with current DVLA requirements |
| Birth certificate – issued after time of birth | UK and Channel Islands |
| Marriage/civil partnership certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
| HM Forces ID card | UK |
| Firearms licence | UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man |
Group 2b: Financial and social history documents |
||
| Document | Notes | Issue date and validity |
| Mortgage statement | UK or EEA | Issued in last 12 months |
| Bank or building society statement | UK and Channel Islands or EEA | Issued in last 3 months |
| Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Credit card statement | UK or EEA | Issued in last 3 months |
| Financial statement, e.g. pension or endowment | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| P45 or P60 statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Council Tax statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Work permit or visa | UK | Valid up to expiry date |
| Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider | Non-UK or non-EEA only. Valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application | Must still be valid |
| Utility bill | UK – not mobile telephone bill | Issued in last 3 months |
| Benefit statement, e.g. Child Benefit, Pension | UK | Issued 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, HMRC | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| EU National ID card | Must still be valid | |
| Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo | UK and Channel Islands | Must still be valid |
| Letter from head teacher or college principal | UK – for 16 to 19 year olds in full time education. Only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided | |
