Documents

After the completion of your DBS application, you will need to go through an ID verification process. You will need to provide at least one document from Group A and another one from Group B.

The applicant must be able to show:

  • one document from Group 1, below
  • one further document 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.

Group 1 – Primary Identity Documents

  • Valid passport (any nationality)
  • Biometric Residence Permit – UK issued
  • Current Driving Licence Photocard (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
  • Original UK birth certificate (issued within 12 months of date 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)

Group 2a – Trusted Government Documents

Statements and bills need to be dated within 3 months of your application

  • Current driving licence photocard – all countries outside the UK (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands)
  • Current driving licence (full or provisional) – paper version (if issued before 1998)
    UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands
  • Birth certificate issued after time of birth
  • Marriage certificate/Civil Partnership Certificate – UK, Isle of Man 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)
  • UK Firearms license
Group 2b – Financial and Social History Documents
 
  • Mortgage statement – issued in the last 12 months
  • UK Bank or Building Society statement – issued in the last 3 months
  • Non-UK Bank or Building Society statement – issued in the last 3 months
  • UK Bank or Building Society opening confirmation letter – issued in the last 3 months
  • UK Credit card statement – issued in the last 3 months
  • Financial statement, for example pension or endowment – issued in the last 3 months
  • P45/P60 statement – issued in the last 12 months
  • Council tax statement – issued in the last 12 months
  • Non-UK letter of sponsorship from future employment provider – must still be valid
  • UK Utility bill – not mobile telephone bill – issued in the last 3 months
  • UK Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, pension – issued in the last 3 months
  • UK 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 – issued in the last 3 months
  • EEA National ID Card – must still be valid
  • Irish Passport 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 provide – must still be valid