A Basic DBS check requires two forms of original identification documents to verify an applicant’s full name, date of birth, and current address. Acceptable documents include a current UK passport, photocard driving licence, recent bank statements, or utility bills, with at least one document confirming both identity and residential details. Photocopies and self-printed materials are not acceptable. Applicants must follow specific verification routes depending on available documentation, with Route 1 requiring one Group 1 document and two supporting documents. Further guidance below explains verification processes and acceptable document combinations.
What Documents Are Required for a Basic DBS Check
When applying for a Basic DBS Check, applicants must provide at least two forms of identification to verify their full name, date of birth, and current address. Commonly accepted ID documents include passports, driving licences, and recent bank statements. All documents must be presented as original and valid items; photocopies or self-printed materials are not accepted during the DBS Check application process. At least one of the two required forms must confirm both the applicant’s identity and current address, verifying all documents reflect the current name. The Basic DBS ID Guide provides a thorough list of acceptable identification types and details the necessary documentation for completing the Basic DBS check. Applicants should consult this guide before submitting their application to ascertain compliance with requirements. Many providers use advanced encryption and strict access controls that comply with ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials to protect your identification data during the online DBS process.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
Applicants submitting documents for a Basic DBS Check must understand the distinction between primary trusted documents and supporting documents, as each category serves a specific verification purpose. Primary documents, such as passports or full driving licences, carry greater weight in confirming identity, whilst supporting documents like bank statements or utility bills validate current address details. All submitted materials must be original physical copies rather than digital or self-printed versions, as the verification process requires inspection of authentic documentation that displays security features and official formatting. Employers should also ensure the documents align with the correct level of DBS check requested for the role.
Primary Trusted Document Requirements
Understanding the correct documentation is essential for completing a successful Basic DBS Check application.
Applicants must provide at least one primary trusted document from Group 1, which serves as the foundation of identity verification for DBS Checks. Group 1 ID documents include a current UK passport, photocard driving licence, or an original birth certificate issued within twelve months of birth. These valid documents must clearly display the applicant’s full name and date of birth.
All submitted identification must be original; photocopies, scanned versions, or self-printed documents are not acceptable. The primary document from Group 1 must be accompanied by one additional form of identification to meet the two-document requirement, ensuring thorough verification of identity and current address details for the DBS process.
Supporting Document Categories
Beyond the primary Group 1 documents, applicants must provide supporting identification from additional categories to complete the verification process for a Basic DBS check.
The DBS application requires 2 documents in total for Basic checks, though Standard and Enhanced applications demand 3 forms of ID. Supporting documents commonly include bank statements and utility bills, which serve as proof of current address. These items fall into categorised groups beyond Group 1, ensuring thorough identity confirmation.
All supporting documents submitted must be original and valid copies; self-printed statements or online versions are not permissible under DBS guidelines. Applicants should verify their chosen supporting documents align with accepted categories, as each document must demonstrate their full name, date of birth, and current address to satisfy Basic DBS check requirements.
Original Versus Digital Copies
When submitting identification for a Basic DBS check, applicants must present original documents rather than photocopies, scanned versions, or self-printed materials downloaded from online accounts. This requirement guarantees the authenticity of the DBS ID presented during verification.
Digital copies, including screenshots or PDF files displayed on electronic devices, are not acceptable under current regulations. Original documents allow verifiers to examine security features, such as watermarks and holograms, which confirm legitimacy.
The ID Verification process for a Basic DBS check depends on physical inspection of these materials to prevent fraud and guarantee accurate identity confirmation. While digital ID verification will become available from 13 May 2025, applicants must currently use in-person methods with original documents that match the specifications outlined in the Basic DBS ID Guides.
How to Verify Your ID Documents
Applicants can verify their ID documents through three distinct options: in-person checks, video link checks with physical documents present, or video link checks without physical presence. The verification process follows a structured route system, with Route 1 requiring at least one Group 1 document (such as a passport or driving licence) alongside supporting documents to confirm full name, date of birth, and current address. The method selected—whether in-person or digital—must align with document availability, and any progression to alternative routes requires documented justification. Employers should ensure the chosen method aligns with the DBS Update Service guidance to support accurate, transferable checks and ongoing compliance.
Three ID Verification Options
Verification of identity documents for DBS basic checks follows a structured three-tier system, with each option offering distinct procedures for validating an individual’s credentials.
The first option involves in-person ID checks, where individuals present original documents directly to the ID checker for validation.
The second option permits video link checks whilst the ID checker maintains physical possession of the document issued.
The third option allows video link verification through an online service without the checker holding the documents, relying instead on recorded details.
All options require original, valid documents (self-printed statements are unacceptable).
Applicants must exhaust each verification method sequentially before progressing to subsequent options. Documentation explaining why earlier options proved unsuitable must be maintained.
These procedures apply to enhanced criminal record checks and basic DBS verifications alike.
Document Groups and Routes
To satisfy DBS identity verification requirements, individuals must follow one of three designated routes, each involving specific document groups that serve distinct evidentiary purposes.
Route 1 requires at least one document from Group 1 (primary identity documents such as passports or driving licences) plus two additional documents confirming current address and date of birth. This represents the standard ID verification pathway.
Route 2 applies when Group 1 documents are unavailable. Applicants must provide one document from Group 2a and two further documents from either Group 2a or Group 2b.
Route 3 serves as the final option when previous routes cannot be completed. This route necessitates five documents, including a reissued birth certificate and additional evidence of current address.
Each route must be attempted sequentially, with documentation required if progression to later routes becomes necessary.
In-Person Vs Digital Checks
Once the appropriate document route has been determined, individuals must select their preferred method of identity verification.
In-person ID checks require applicants to present original documents confirming their identity directly to an ID checker. For non-digital DBS verification, three original documents from the accepted list must be presented to UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Self-printed or online documents are not accepted under any circumstances.
From 13 May 2025, digital verification will be available for new DBS applications, allowing individuals to complete the ID check process via a mobile app.
Alternatively, live video link verification can be conducted if the ID checker has access to physical documents, though security risks must be properly mitigated throughout this process.
Understanding the Different ID Groups
The categorisation of identity documents into distinct groups forms the foundation of the DBS verification process, ensuring a standardised approach to confirming an applicant’s identity.
Group 1 documents represent primary trusted ID, comprising passports and driving licence photocards. These documents are mandatory for standard DBS check applications, providing the highest level of identity verification.
Group 2a includes supporting documents such as utility bills and bank statements, which complement Group 1 evidence during the authentication process.
Group 2b encompasses supplemental documents that provide additional verification alongside Group 1 and Group 2a items.
If applicants cannot supply Group 1 ID, alternative routes (Route 2 or Route 3) permit verification using specific combinations of Group 2a and Group 2b documents under defined conditions, maintaining verification standards.
These identity groups support the appropriate level of checking by aligning with the types of DBS checks required for different roles.
Routes to Identity Verification for DBS Applications
Building upon the document groups, DBS identity verification operates through three distinct routes that accommodate varying levels of document availability.
Route 1 represents the standard DBS check process, requiring at least one Group 1 document alongside two additional supporting documents.
When applicants lack a Group 1 document, Route 2 becomes necessary, demanding one Group 2a document plus two more from Groups 2a or 2b.
This route requires an external identity verification provider, as supporting documents alone cannot confirm identity.
Route 3 serves as the final option, requiring five documents total, including a reissued birth certificate and current address confirmation.
All routes mandate original documents only, explicitly excluding self-printed or online statements from the verification process.
Employers can streamline compliance and ongoing monitoring by using the DBS Update Service, which enables instant online status checks and helps manage renewal requirements.
The Fingerprint Process When Standard Routes Fail
When all three standard identity verification routes prove unsuccessful, applicants must undergo fingerprinting as the final method to complete their DBS check.
This fingerprinting process requires submission of a paper application form alongside passport-style photographs to schedule an appointment at the designated local police station. The procedure introduces considerable delays, potentially extending processing times up to three months beyond standard timelines.
Applicants pursuing Route 3 must include a reissued birth certificate among the five required documents when fingerprinting becomes necessary.
To avoid this lengthy process altogether, obtaining a valid passport or provisional driving licence is strongly advised, as these primary documents satisfy ID verification requirements and enable applicants to qualify for faster standard routes (Routes 1, 2, or 3).
Employers should ensure appropriate checks for roles involving regulated activities, including screening against the Adults Barred List, to maintain compliance and safeguarding standards.
Online Identity Verification for DBS Checks
Digital transformation has introduced Online Identity Verification (OIDV) as an alternative method for completing DBS checks, enabling applicants to verify their identity remotely through a dedicated application rather than submitting physical documents in person.
This online identity verification system streamlines the DBS check process by simultaneously confirming facial biometrics and address data, ensuring compliance with DBS requirements whilst reducing verification errors.
The service launches on 13 May 2025, replacing traditional in-person verification with a digital solution accessible through mobile devices.
Applicants must prepare original documents that meet DBS standards, as self-printed or downloaded versions remain unacceptable.
The OIDV method simplifies document collection procedures and maintains regulatory adherence throughout the verification process, offering a more efficient approach to identity confirmation for background screening purposes.
Only registered organizations can request Enhanced DBS checks, and individuals must apply through an authorized employer or registered body to use OIDV as part of the process.
Special Considerations for International Applicants
International applicants face additional verification requirements when applying for a Basic DBS check, as the standard identity confirmation process must account for foreign documentation and overseas residence history.
Non-UK nationals must present specific documents depending on their employment type. For paid positions requiring a DBS check, applicants need one non-UK primary document and two supporting documents to complete the ID verification process. A valid passport is crucial, as EU identity cards are not acceptable.
Key requirements for international applicants include:
- Providing evidence of criminal record status from countries where they resided for six months or more within the past five years
- Following Route 1 for voluntary work, which requires at least one Group 1 document plus additional supporting documents
- Consulting Government guidance on overseas applicants to guarantee full compliance with the DBS check process
International applicants should also be aware that Standard vs Enhanced checks differ in scope and processing time, with Enhanced checks including local police intelligence and taking longer to complete.
Avoiding Common Delays in the DBS Application Process
Although Basic DBS checks typically process within 14 days, many applications experience unnecessary delays due to preventable documentation errors and incomplete submissions.
Applicants must provide two valid forms of identification for a Basic check, ensuring documents confirm full name, date of birth, and current address.
The Disclosure and Barring Service requires original documents only—self-printed or online statements cause automatic rejection.
Route 1 offers the fastest verification pathway, requiring one Group 1 document alongside two supporting documents from the approved list.
When using video link ID verification, applicants must have physical documents present during the check to avoid processing complications.
Tracking documentation requirements throughout the application process prevents submission errors.
Failure to comply with specific ID verification standards results in significant processing delays, extending standard timelines considerably beyond the typical fortnight completion period.
You may also be asked for your DBS profile number to help manage your application and track the status of your check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Gets Checked on a Basic DBS?
A Basic DBS Check verifies an individual’s unspent criminal record under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The check reveals unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings held on the Police National Computer. Spent convictions do not appear on the certificate.
The check does not include searches of the children’s or adults’ barred lists, as these require Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks for roles involving regulated activities with vulnerable groups.
How Many Proofs Do You Need for DBS?
For a Basic DBS Check, applicants need a minimum of 2 forms of ID to verify their full name, date of birth, and current address.
Acceptable documents include passports, driving licenses, and bank statements.
Standard and Enhanced DBS applications require 3 forms of ID instead.
All documents must be original, valid, and display the applicant’s current name.
Self-printed or digital statements are not acceptable for any DBS application type.
What Are Three ID Documents?
Three commonly accepted ID documents for a DBS Check include a valid passport, a current driving licence, and a recent bank statement.
These documents must be original, not photocopies or self-printed versions. Each must display the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and current address.
All documents should be in the applicant’s current name to meet DBS requirements for identity verification purposes.
What Documents Do I Need for a DBS Check at the Post Office?
For a Basic DBS Check at the Post Office, an applicant must provide two forms of original, valid identification.
These documents should confirm full name, date of birth, and current address. At least one Group 1 document (passport or driving licence) is typically required, alongside supporting documents from Group 2a or 2b (such as bank statements or utility bills).
The completed DBS application form must accompany these documents during the verification appointment at a designated Post Office location.
Conclusion
Submitting correct identification documents remains essential for completing a Basic DBS check without delays. Applicants must select documents from appropriate ID groups, verify their authenticity, and follow the specified route for identity verification. International applicants face additional requirements, including certified translations and specific documentation. Understanding these processes, preparing documents in advance, and ensuring accuracy at each stage will facilitate a smooth application. When standard verification fails, fingerprinting provides an alternative route to complete the check successfully.