DBS Guidance for Basic Checks

DBS Guidance for Basic Checks

Two routes of ID checking

Route 1 (For all applicants except non-UK national applicants needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK)

The applicant must be able to show the following:

• 1 document from Group 1, below; and
• 1 further document from either Group 1, or Group 2a or 2b, below

The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name, address and date of birth. If this can’t be achieved within 2 documents a third can be selected.

The applicant should have their identity validated using Route 1. If an applicant can’t provide Route 1 documents, Route 2 may be used once the ID checker is satisfied there’s a valid reason following a discussion with the applicant.

Route 1a (For non-UK national applicants needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK)

The applicant must be able to show the following:

• 1 document from Group 1a, below; and
• 1 further document from either Group 1, Group 2a or 2b, below

The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name, address and date of birth. If this can’t be achieved within 2 documents a third can be selected.

If an applicant is unable to provide this documentation they can’t submit an application for DBS basic check. This is because the right to work in the UK can’t be established.

Route 2 (For all applicants except non-UK national applicants needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK)

If the applicant doesn’t have any of the documents in Group 1, they must be able to show:

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

The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name, address and date of birth.

If an applicant is unable to provide this documentation they can’t submit an application for a DBS basic check.

Identity Documents

Group 1: Primary identity documents

Group 1a: Primary identity documents for non-UK nationals needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK

The list of primary identity documents for non-UK nationals, needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK, contains the range of documents you may accept for a person who has a permanent or temporary right to work in the UK.

More detailed information about which document you may accept for right to work purposes, together with examples of what they look like can be found how to check an individuals right to work can be found here. 

Primary identity documents for non-UK nationals needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK

A current document issued by the Home Office to a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, and which indicates that the holder is permitted to stay in the United Kingdom indefinitely.

A current Biometric Immigration Document (Biometric Residence Permit) issued by the Home Office to the holder indicating that the person named is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK, or has no time limit on their stay in the UK.

Online evidence of immigration status. Either via the View and Prove service or using the BRP or BRC online service. Issued by the Home Office to the employer or prospective employer, which indicates that the named person may stay in the UK and is permitted to do the work in question. Must be valid. Note: this includes the EUSS digital status confirmation

A current passport endorsed to show that the holder is exempt from immigration control, is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK, has the right of abode in the UK, or has no time limit on their stay in the UK.

A current Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office to the holder with an endorsement indicating that the named person is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK or has no time limit on their stay in the UK, together with an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a Government agency or a previous employer.

A current passport endorsed to show that the holder is allowed to stay in the UK and is currently allowed to do the type of work in question.

A current Biometric Immigration Document (Biometric Residence Permit) issued by the Home Office to the holder which indicates that the named person can currently stay in the UK and is allowed to do the work in question.

A current document issued by the Home Office to a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, and which indicates that the holder is permitted to stay in the United Kingdom for a time limited period and to do the type of work in question.

A frontier worker permit issued under regulation 8 of the Citizens’ Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.

A current Immigration Status Document containing a photograph issued by the Home Office to the holder with a valid endorsement indicating that the named person may stay in the UK, and is allowed to do the type of work in question, together with an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a Government agency or a previous employer.

A document issued by the Home Office showing that the holder has made an application for leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU to the immigration rules on or before 30 June 2021 together with a Positive Verification Notice from the Home Office Employer Checking Service.

An Application Registration Card issued by the Home Office stating that the holder is permitted to take the employment in question, together with a Positive Verification Notice from the Home Office Employer Checking Service.

A Positive Verification Notice issued by the Home Office Employer Checking Service to the employer or prospective employer, which indicates that the named person may stay in the UK and is permitted to do the work in question.

Group 2a: Trusted government documents

Group 2b: Financial and social history documents