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Updated ID checking guidelines in line with new right to work rules

The new guidelines come into effect from 1 July 2021.

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From 1 July 2021, new rules for right to work checks will apply. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will need to provide evidence of a lawful immigration status in the UK.

In response to these changes, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has updated the ID checking guidelines for:

  • Basic DBS checks, submitted through a Responsible Organisation
  • Standard and Enhanced DBS checks

The updated Basic DBS check ID guidelines can be found here.

The updated ID guidelines for Standard and Enhanced DBS checks can be found here.

The changes to the guidelines are as follows:

  • In the ‘UK national’ route, reference to ‘EEA’ has been removed
  • Additional detail for the primary documents has been added for the ‘international’ route
  • An updated link to the right to work guidance has been included

The new guidance comes into effect from 1 July 2021, however we are aware that some Registered Bodies and Responsible Organisations may require a period of time to make technical changes to their online systems.

In light of this, the existing ID checking guidelines will remain on GOV.UK alongside the new guidelines, until 1 October 2021, and either version can be used up until this date.

The temporary changes that were made to the ID checking guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are not affected by the above changes, and you can continue to operate in line with these.

Published 22 June 2021