When you apply for a DBS check, you’ll need to provide some supporting documents that verify your identity. Without these documents, your DBS check application can’t be processed.
This blog is designed to help anyone applying for a Basic, Standard, or Enhanced DBS check to understand what documents are required for each one.
What Documents Do I Need for a DBS Check?
No matter which level of DBS check you’re applying for, you need to have some documents that confirm your identity. The types of documents that you require are split between two sets, one of which has two different subsets. The types of DBS identity documents are split between the following groups:
- Group 1 - primary identity documents
- Group 2a - trusted government documents
- Group 2b - financial and social history documents
When submitting your DBS check application, you must include the required DBS check documents. Failing to do so will mean the DBS cannot process your application, and it’ll subsequently be held up until the correct documentation has been submitted.
Basic DBS Check
The documents you need when you apply for a Basic DBS check are:
- One document of identification, such as a passport or driving license. All documents are listed in the DBS ID verification guidelines.
- One document that verifies your proof of address, which can be a utility bill, bank or credit card statement or driving license (provided it shows your current address and has not been used as the ID document). The full list of documents are in the DBS ID verification guidelines.
If you are unable to provide this information, you must do the following (this method is available for all applicants apart from non-UK nationals):
- 1 document from Group 2a
- 2 additional documents from either Group 2a or 2b
All documentation must include your name, current address and D.O.B. if you use this method.
For non-UK nationals, you will need the following:
- 1 document from Group 1a
- 1 additional document from Group 1, 2a or 2b
Group 1a acceptable documents can be found here. All 3 documents combined must include your name, address and date of birth.
Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks
The Disclosure and Barring Service itself sets out the identity document criteria for both Standard DBS checks and Enhanced DBS checks. Standard disclosure is the same as Enhanced disclosure, except all Enhanced checks will involve verifying with local police forces of any other relevant applicant information, and some checks will involve a Barred List check. Therefore, the identity criteria is still the same for both.
From January 2026, where a role is legally eligible, individuals may apply for Standard or Enhanced DBS checks themselves, including eligible self-employed professionals and personal employees, provided the application is processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body. Identity verification must still meet DBS requirements, regardless of employment status.
What documents do I need for a Standard/Enhanced DBS check?
- One document from Group 1 (see below).
- Two other documents from either of the lists below, one of which must contain a proof of address for the applicant.
If the applicant cannot produce a document from Group 1, they must provide the following:
- One document from Group 2a at a minimum.
- Two other documents from Group 2a or 2b.
Group 1 and Group 2 Documents
Group 1 – Primary Identity Documents
- Passport
- Biometric Residence Permit
- Driving licence (full or provisional)
- Birth or adoption certificate
Group 2a – Trusted Government Documents
- Driving licence (full or provisional)
- Paper driving licence
- Birth certificate
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- HM Forces ID card
- Firearms licence
- Immigration document, work permit or visa (only suitable when working/living outside UK)
Group 2b – Financial and Social History Documents
- Bank/building society statement
- Bank/building opening confirmation letter
- Mortgage statement
- Credit card statement
- Statement showing pension, endowment or benefit
- P45/P60
- Council tax statement
- EU National ID card
- Government entitlement document
- Work permit or visa
- Letter of sponsorship from a future employer
- Letter from your headteacher or school principal
- Utility bill (cannot be a mobile telephone bill)
- Irish passport card
- PASS accredited cards
Conclusion
The Disclosure and Barring Service ID verification guidelines for Enhanced and Standard DBS checks can be found on this link.
Summary of the DBS documents needed for a Standard/Enhanced DBS check?
- One document from Group 1.
- Two other documents from either of the lists 2a or 2b, one of which must contain a proof of address for the applicant.
Summary of the DBS documents needed for a Basic DBS check?
- One document from Group 1.
- One document from either of the lists 2a or 2b, one of which must contain a proof of address for the applicant.
