When applying for a DBS check, one of the most important steps is confirming the applicant’s identity.
Getting the ID for DBS check wrong is one of the most common reasons for delays in getting the application processed, as it can be a little complicated.
In this guide, we explain exactly what ID for DBS check applications is required, how the process works for Basic, Standard, and Enhanced checks, and how organisations can simplify identity verification using Digital ID checks.
The 3 Route ID Checking Process
Depending on the documents you have available will affect the ID needed for the DBS check. These three routes are outlined below.
For a Basic DBS check, only Route 1 and 2 and be used. For Standard or Enhanced, any three of the below routes can be taken.
DBS Identity Verification Routes
Route 1
This is the fastest, and easiest way.
The applicant must be able to show:
- ✅ One document from Group 1
- ✅ Two further documents from Group 1, Group 2a, or 2b
The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name and date of birth.
For Basic DBS applications: Only one further document from Group 1, 2a, or 2b is required.
Route 2
Use if Route 1 is not possible.
The applicant must be able to show:
- ✅ One document from Group 2a
- ✅ Two further documents from Group 2a or 2b
The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name and date of birth.
An External ID Check is also required – this can be done through Quicker DBS.
Note: For Basic DBS checks, the External ID Check is not required.
Route 3
Only used if Routes 1 and 2 are not possible.
The applicant must be able to show:
- ✅ A birth certificate issued more than 12 months after birth (UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands)
- ✅ One document from Group 2a
- ✅ Three further documents from Group 2a or 2b
The combination of documents must confirm name and date of birth.
If these documents can’t be provided: Fingerprinting via a paper DBS application may be required.
Note: Route 3 cannot be used for Basic DBS Checks.
Group 1: Primary Identity Documents
| Documents | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Any current and valid passport. A UK passport can be expired up to a maximum of 6 months. |
| e-Visa | Accessed via the ‘View and Prove’ service. The share code requested by the applicant should be an ‘immigration status’ share code. If you do not have a UKVI account to access your eVisa, you can create one online: Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) – GOV.UK |
| Biometric residence permit (BRP) | UK. A BRP showing Indefinite Leave to Remain, Indefinite Leave to Enter or No Time Limit can be used up to 18 months past the expiry date of the BRP. BRP holders should be encouraged to create an account and access their eVisa. |
| Application Registration Card (ARC) | Issued by the Home Office. Must be checked against the Home Office Employer Checking Service. |
| Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional) | Current and valid photocard driving licence issued by 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. |
| 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. Must be original birth certificate. Certified copies are a group 2a document. |
| Adoption certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
Group 2a: Trusted Government Documents
| Documents | Notes |
|---|---|
| Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional) | All countries outside the UK (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands). |
| Current driving licence (full or provisional) | Current and valid. UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. For a paper licence to be valid it must be issued before March 2000 and all information, including name and address, must be up to date. |
| Birth certificate – issued more than 12 months after birth | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. |
| Marriage/civil partnership certificate | UK and Channel Islands. |
| 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. |
| HM Forces ID card | UK. |
| Firearms licence | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. |
Group 2b: Financial & Social History Documents
| Documents | Notes | Issue Date & Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage statement | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| Bank or building society statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| Bank or building society statement | Countries outside the UK | Issued in last 3 months – branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works |
| Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Credit card statement | UK | 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 |
| Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider | Non-UK 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 12 months |
| Government or council document confirming entitlement | UK and Channel Islands – e.g. Personal Independence Payment (PIP), free school meals, Universal Credit, asylum support, etc. | Issued in last 12 months |
| HMRC self-assessment or tax demand letter | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| EHIC or GHIC card | UK | Must still be valid |
| EEA National ID card | – | Must still be valid |
| Irish Passport Card | Cannot be used with an Irish passport | Must still be valid |
| PASS-accredited ID card | 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 in exceptional circumstances | Must still be valid |