What Documents Do I Need For A Standard DBS Check?
A common question we are asked is, “What documents do I need for a Standard DBS Check?”
For a Standard DBS Check, ideally, you need to be able to provide the following documents:
- One documents of identification, such as a passport, driving licence, or Birth Certificate (issued within 12 months of birth)
- Two documents that verify your address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or council tax letter.
Identity documents are known as Primary Identity Documents (Group 1 documents), and address documents are known as Trusted Government Documents (Group 2a documents) and Financial and Social History Documents (Group 2b documents). Providing one Group 1 document, and 2 further documents from Group 1, Group 2a, or Group 2b is the easiest, and fastest way.
The full list of documents that fall under each group can be seen below:
Group 1: Primary Identity Documents
Document
Notes
Passport
Any current and valid passport
Biometric residence permit
UK
Current photocard 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
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
Adoption certificate
UK and Channel Islands
Group 2a: Trusted Government Documents
Document
Notes
Current photocard driving licence, full or provisional.
All countries outside the UK (excluding the 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
UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands
Marriage or 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, Channel Islands and Isle of Man
Group 2b: Financial and Social History Documents
Document
Notes
Issue date and 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, for example 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, for example Child Benefit, Pension
UK
Issued in last 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
Issued in last 3 months
EEA National ID 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 provided
Must still be valid
What If I Can’t Provide a Group 1 Document for a Standard DBS?
If you cannot provide a document from Group 1, you will need to provide:
- One document from Group 2a
- Two further documents from Group 2a or 2b.
At least one of the documents must show the current address. Then you will have to undergo an external ID validation check.
What I Fail The External ID Check?
If all of the above fails, you 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.
- 3 further documents from Group 2a or 2b.
At least one of the documents must show the current address. If any of these can’t be provided, then fingerprinting is the only option left. You can read more about this via our What is the DBS Fingerprinting Process guide.
Summary – What Documents Do I Need For A Standard DBS Check?
To process a Standard DBS check, it is best if you can provide the following documents:
- One documents of identification, such as a passport, driving licence, or Birth Certificate (issued within 12 months of birth)
- Two documents that verify your address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or council tax letter.
Further Reading
If you found our article, What Documents Do I Need For A Standard DBS Check useful, you may also want to read:
Can I Amend My DBS Once It Has Been Submitted?
What Is A Standard DBS Check For?
Top 5 DBS Check Misconceptions
About The Author
John Schofield-Antoncich
John has processed more applications than days he has been alive, and has become the DBS expert. Got a question? He knows the answer!