A combination of documents will be required for your enhanced DBS. Below I have listed the DBS routes that can be used (one of the 3 routes must be used) and a list of acceptable documents based on the route you choose.

This information can also be found on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-identity- checking-guidelines/id-checking-guidelines-for-standardenhanced-dbs-check-applications-from-1-july-2021

 

 

 

Route 1



The applicant must be able to show:

  • One document from Group 1
  • Below two 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. If the applicant isn’t a national of the UK and is applying for voluntary work, they may need to be fingerprinted if they can’t show these documents.




 

Route 2

 

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

 

If the applicant isn’t a national of the UK and is applying for voluntary work they can’t use 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

·          two 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, Isle of Man and Channel Islands)

·          one document from Group 2a

·          three 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.


DBS acceptable documents

Group 1: Primary Identity Documents

Document

Description

Issue Date

Passport

Any current and valid passport (can’t be expired)

N/A

Biometric Residence Permit

UK only

N/A

Current Driving Licence (full or Provisional

UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA

N/A

Birth Certificate – issue 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

Within 12 months of birth

Adoption Certificate

UK and Channel Islands

N/A

Group 2a: Trusted Government Documents

Document

Description

Issue Date

Non UK current Driving Licence photocard (full or provisional)

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

N/A

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

UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands

N/A

Birth certificate - issued after time of birth

UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands

N/A

Marriage/civil partnership certificate

UK and Channel Islands

N/A

Immigration document, visa, or work permit

Issued by a country outside the UK. Valid only for roles whereby the applicant is living and working outside of the UK. Visa/permit must relate to the non-UK country in which the role is based

N/A

HM Forces ID card

UK

N/A

Firearms licence

UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands

N/A


Group 2b: Financial and Social history documents

Document

Description

Issue Date

Mortgage statement

UK

Within 12 months

Bank or building society statement

UK and Channel Islands

Within 3 months

Bank or building society statement – Non UK

Branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works

Within 3 months

Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter

UK only

Within 3 months

Credit card statement

UK only

Within 3 months

Financial statement, for example pension or endowment

UK only

Within 12 months

P45 or P60 statement

UK and Channel Islands

Within 12 months

Council Tax statement

UK and Channel Islands

Within 12 months

Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider

Non-UK only - valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application

Must be Valid

Utility bill

UK only – no mobile telephone bill

Within 3 months

Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, pension

UK

Within 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

Within 3 months

EEA National ID card

Must be Valid

N/A

Irish Passport Card

Cannot be used with an Irish passport. Must be Valid

N/A

Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo

UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. Must be Valid

N/A

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

N/A