DBS ID checking guidelines
Guidance to help you validate the identity of a DBS check applicant and a new lead/countersignatory.
Updates to this page
- From:
- Disclosure and Barring Service
- Published:
- 19 November 2012
- Last updated:
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6 October 2026
Show all updates
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DBS digital identity verification guidance has been updated: RBs and ROs are no longer required to manually verify current address when their DVS has been unable to verify it digitally
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ID checking guidelines for standard/enhanced DBS check applications from 1 July 2021 has been removed, as it has been replaced with ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025
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Note added to advise that the old ID guidance can no longer be used, except for quality assurance/audit purposes.
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The 30th September 2025 changes to the Standard/Enhanced ID checking guidelines have been replicated in ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025 (Welsh)
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ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025 has been updated. The key updates are as follows: •Emphasis that RBs should consider the feasibility of digital ID checks • Strengthening of Option Three – emphasis that the in-person checking of documents should be prior to the first day of work in all but exceptional circumstances • A new example of non-compliance with Option Three has been added • Clarification of how to enter common name variations on the application form where those variations appear on identity documents • Benefit Statement validity extended from 3 months to 12 months
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Reference to HM Forces ID card has been updated to HM Forces ID card or HM Armed Forces Veteran card in the Standard and Enhanced ID checking guidelines (English and Welsh).
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DBS digital identity verification guidance has been updated
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Welsh translation of ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025 has been uploaded.
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Refreshed ID guidance to be used from April 22st 2025 uploaded
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Information about paper driving licences has been updated to reflect that these were valid until 2000, not 1998.
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Updates to DBS digital identity verification guidance
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Changes made to the DBS digital identity verification guidance.
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DBS digital identity factsheet added.
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Digital identification guidance attachment added.
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Previous ID checking guidelines removed.
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Welsh version of ID guidelines added.
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List of primary documents updated for applicants who aren’t a national of the UK. A current passport showing that the holder is a national of the Republic of Ireland, changed to: A current passport or passport card showing that the holder is a national of the Republic of Ireland.
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Addition to the list of primary identity documents for non-UK nationals needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK - a current passport showing that the holder is a national of the Republic of Ireland.
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Updated ID guidelines from 1 July 2021 added.
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Outdated version of ID checking guidelines for standard/enhanced DBS checks removed.
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Content amended to clarify that the external validation service can only be used as part of Route 2.
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Welsh version of updated ID checking guidelines added. These can be used from 3 September 2018.
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New ID Checking Guidelines added. These will run in parallel with the existing guidelines from 3 September 2018 to 3 December 2018, when the existing guidelines will cease to apply.
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Welsh attachments added regarding ID checking guidelines for DBS check applications and countersignatory applications.
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Removed old ID checking guidelines
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New guidelines regarding DBS identity (ID) checking to be used from 24 October 2017. These guidelines are to replace the guidelines published on 02 October 2017.
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Added a Welsh version of the 'ID checking guidelines for DBS check applications'.
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Added ID checking scenarios for DBS check applicants.
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From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA.
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Added the Welsh version of the new identity checking guidelines.
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Adoption certificates UK and Channel Islands can be accepted.
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The adoption certificate has moved from group 2a to group 1 and the driving licence requirements have been updated in group 1 and 2a.
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Added a Welsh version of the list of identity documents an applicant must provide.
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Added further information about the routes to take.
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First published.
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Documents
ID checking guidelines for countersignatory applications (Welsh) (Word)
ODT, 20.8 KB
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ID checking guidelines for countersignatory applications (Welsh) (PDF)
PDF, 148 KB, 10 pages
Details
Organisations registered with us need to check the identity of a DBS check applicant as part of the application process. A slightly different process is also part of a countersignatory or lead countersignatory application.
We have 2 guidance documents to help with each identity check:
- ID checking guidelines for DBS check applicants
- ID checking guidelines for countersignatory and lead countersignatory applicants
From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA. Paper driving licences issued before 31st March 2000 will remain valid and should not be destroyed.
For the DBS ID checking process this means that just the driving licence photocard needs to be checked, unless an old style paper driving licence is produced (pre-2000).