Confirming your identity
If you are asked to provide documents to confirm your ID, you must provide originals or certified original documents (opens in new tab).
All applicants (except non-UK national applicants applying for paid work in the UK)
The applicant can have their identity validated through Route 1. 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.
If an applicant is unable to provide this documentation they can’t submit a basic DBS check.
Non-UK nationals needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK
The applicant must have their identity validated through Route 1a only.
If an applicant is unable to provide this documentation they can’t submit a DBS basic check. This is because the right to work in the UK can’t be established.
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
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Any current and valid passport |
| Current biometric residence permit | UK |
| Current driving licence photocard (full or provisional) | UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands |
| 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 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.
See more detailed information about which document you may accept for right to work purposes (opens in new tab), together with examples of what they look like.
Primary identity documents for non-UK nationals needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK
A current passport or passport card showing that the holder is a national of the Republic of Ireland.
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
All non-GB driving licences must be valid. You can check if your non-GB licence is valid on GOV.UK (opens in new tab).
| Document | 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) - 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 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 the last 3 months |
| EEA National ID card | - | Must still be valid |
| Irish Passport Card | Cannot be used with an Irish passport | 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 | Non-UK Bank or building society statement | Branch must be located in the country in which the applicant lives and works | Issued in last 3 months |
Last updated: 25 September 2023
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