Documents Required for a DBS Check Application [2024] (2024)

When you apply for aDBS check, you’ll need to provide some supporting documents that verify your identity. Without these documents, your DBS check application can’t be processed.

This blog is designed to help anyone applying for aBasic,Standard, orEnhanced DBS checkto understand what documents are required for each one.

What Documents Do I Need for a DBS Check?

No matter which level ofDBS checkyou’re applying for, you need to have some documents that confirm your identity. The types of documents that you require are split between two sets, one of which has two different subsets. The types of DBS identity documents are split between the following groups:

• Group 1 - primary identity documents

• Group 2a - trusted government documents

• Group 2b - financial and social history documents

When submitting yourDBS check application, you must include the required documents. Failing to do so will mean the DBS cannot process your application, and it’ll subsequently be held up until the correct documentation has been submitted.

Basic DBS Check

The documents you need when you apply for aBasic DBS checkare:

• One document of identification, such as a passport or driving licence.
• One document that verifies your proof of address, which can be a utility bill, bank or credit card statement or driving licence (provided it shows your current address and has not been used as the ID document).

If you are unable to provide this information, you must do the following (this method is available for all applicants apart from non-UK nationals):

• 1 document from Group 2a
• 2 additional documents from either Group 2a or 2b

All documentation must include your name, current address and D.O.B. if you use this method.

For non-UK nationals, you will need the following:

• 1 document from Group 1a
• 1 additional document from Group 1, 2a or 2b

Group 1a acceptable documents can be found here. All 3 documents combined must include your name, address and date of birth.

Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks

TheDisclosure and Barring Serviceitself sets out the identity document criteria for bothStandard DBS checksandEnhanced DBS checks. Standard disclosure is the same as Enhanced disclosure, except all Enhanced checks will involve verifying with local police forces of any other relevant applicant information, and some checks will involve a Barred List check. Therefore, the identity criteria is still the same for both.

The Standard and Enhanced disclosure ID criteria is as follows:

• One document from Group 1 (see below).
• Two other documents from either of the lists below, one of which must contain a proof of address for the applicant.

If the applicant cannot produce a document from Group 1, they must provide the following:

• One document from Group 2a at a minimum.
• Two other documents from Group 2a or 2b.

Group 1 and Group 2 Documents