What documents are required for a Basic criminal record check?

The documents required for a basic level criminal record check are listed below, with at least one confirming your date of birth and one confirming the current address. As part of the process, we will ask for three documents to ensure the minimum requirements are met. Please read this page for further information about which documents are accepted. If you have any questions about document requirements please contact one of the team on 0845 644 3298 or 0116 260 3055.

Please note that if you are applying as a non-UK national you will be required to provide additional documents from Group 1a to activate your primary identity documents. If you are unable to provide the correct combination or number of documents meeting the DBS requirements, you will be unable to apply for a basic level criminal record check.

Routes of application – combination requirements

Route 1

• You must provide three documents as a minimum

• One document must be from Group 1
• Two more documents from any group
• Documents must confirm your name, date of birth and current address

Route 1a

• This route is for Non-UK applicants only
• You must provide three documents in total
• One document must be from Group 1a, with the corresponding document requirements
• Two more documents from any group
• Documents must confirm your name, date of birth and current address

Route 2

• you must provide three documents as a minimum
• At least one document must be from Group 2a
• Two more documents must be from Group 2a or 2b
• Documents must confirm your name, date of birth and current address

What documents are accepted?

Below is a list of the documents that the DBS accept in support of a Basic Criminal Record Check application. The notes provide further guidance on the requirements for each document. Please read these carefully as some documents can change group or require supporting documents to validate them. For example, a Birth Certificate issued within 12 months of the date of birth is a Group 1 document, if it is issued after this it becomes a Group 2a document.