DBS list of acceptable identification
Routes for verifying your identity
There are several routes to provide acceptable identification for a DBS check.
Route 1
Three documents to be seen: one document from Group 1, and two further documents from Group 1, 2a, or 2b.
Route 2
Three documents to be seen plus an External ID Check. One document from Group 2a, and two further documents from Group 2a or 2b.
Route 3
Five documents to be seen. A certified copy of a UK Birth Certificate, and four further documents, 1 from Group 2a, and three from Group 2a or 2b.
Fingerprints
Paper application form required (unable to process online). Attendance at a local police station for fingerprints to be taken.
Documents
Please note if a document in the list of valid identity documents is:
- Denoted with * - issued in the last 3 months
- Denoted with ** - issued in the last 12 months
UK: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
EEA: Countries within the European Economic Area
Group 1: Primary Identity Documents
- Current valid Passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (UK)
- Current Driving Licence – photo card (UK / Isle of Man / Channel Islands and EU) (Full or Provisional)
- Birth Certificate (UK / Channel Islands) (Issued at the time of birth) Full or short form acceptable including those issued by UK authorities overseas, such as Embassies, High Commissions & HM Forces. (Photocopies are not acceptable)
- Adoption Certificate (UK)
Group 2a: Trusted Government Documents
- Current Driving Licence – photo card only (All Countries except Group 1) (Full or Provisional)
- Current Driving Licence – paper version (UK / Isle of Man / Channel Islands / EU) (Full or Provisional)
- Birth Certificate (UK / Channel Islands) (Issued after the time of birth)
- Marriage / Civil Partnership Certificate (UK / Channel Islands)
- HM Forces ID Card (UK)
- Fire Arms Licence (UK / Channel Islands)
Group 2b: Financial and Social History Documents
- Mortgage Statement (UK or EEA) (Non-EEA Statements not accepted) **
- Bank/Building Society Statement (UK or EEA) (Non-EEA Statements not accepted) *
- Bank/Building Society Account Opening Confirmation Letter (UK)
- Credit Card Statement (UK or EEA) (Non-EEA Statements not accepted) *
- Financial Statement e.g. pension, endowment, ISA (UK) **
- P45/P60 Statement (UK / Channel Islands) **
- Council Tax Statement (UK / Channel Islands) **
- Work Permit/Visa (UK Residence Permit, valid up to expiry date)
- Utility Bill (UK) - Not Mobile Phone *
- Benefit Statement (UK) e.g. Child Allowance, Pension *
- Document from Central/ Local Government/ Government Agency/ Local Authority (UK / Channel Islands) *
- e.g. DWP, Employment Service, HMRC, Job Centre, Social Security
- EU National ID Card – must be valid
- Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo (UK / Channel Islands) – must be valid
- Letter from Head Teacher or College Principal (16-19 year olds in full time education in the UK)