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DBS checks

Documents the applicant must provide

The person going through a DBS check (the applicant) must give original documents (not copies) to prove their identity.

The documents needed will depend on the route the application takes. The applicant must try to provide documents from Route 1 first.

Route 1

The applicant must be able to show:

  • one document from Group 1, below
  • 2 further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a or 2b, below

At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address.

Route 2

If the applicant doesn’t have any of the documents in Group 1, then they must be able to show:

  • • one document from Group 2a
  • • 2 further documents from either Group 2a or 2b

At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address. The organisation conducting their ID check must then also use an appropriate external ID validation service to check the application.

Route 3

Route 3 can only be used if it’s impossible to process the application through Routes 1 or 2.

For Route 3, the applicant must be able to show:

  • a birth certificate issued after the time of birth (UK and Channel Islands)
  • one document from Group 2a
  • 3 further documents from Group 2a or 2b

At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address. If the applicant can’t provide these documents they may need to be fingerprinted.

Document

Notes

Passport

Any current and valid passport

Biometric residence permit

UK

Current driving licence photocard - (full or provisional)

UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and EU

Birth certificate - issued within 12 months of birth

UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands - including those issued by UK authorities overseas, for example, embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces

Adoption certificate

UK and Channel Islands

Document

Notes

Current driving licence photocard - (full or provisional)

All countries outside the EU (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands)

Current driving licence (full or provisional) - paper version (if issued before 1998)

UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and EU

Birth certificate - issued after time of birth

UK, Isle of Man 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

All driving licences must be valid.

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, for example, 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, for example, Child Benefit, Pension

UK

Issued in last 3 months

Central or local government, government agency, or local council document giving entitlement, for example, 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, Isle of Man 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

Must still be valid

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