When it comes to obtaining a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, certain documents must be provided in order to complete the process. Depending on the type of check you are requesting, the documents required may differ. In this article, we will discuss what information is necessary for an online DBS check. For a basic DBS verification, two types of identification must be provided.
This includes an identification document such as a passport or driver's license, as well as a document that verifies your proof of address. This could be a utility bill, bank or credit card statement, or driver's license (as long as it shows your current address and has not been used as an identity document). For standard and improved DBS applications, three forms of identification must be submitted. If all other available application routes have failed, the DBS will carry out a fingerprinting process to confirm your identity.
This requires a paper DBS application form and passport-type photographs to be submitted. The local police will then contact you to arrange a time for you to attend a fingerprinting session. It is recommended to avoid this route, as it can cause significant delays in the process of requesting a disclosure (in our experience, up to 3 months). Therefore, it is best to wait until you receive the letter from the DBS with your authorization code before attempting to set up your online account.
If your company does not yet have a DBS account, the DBS will generate a unique code that will allow you to view the certificate online. Employers can also request standard and improved DBS checks online on behalf of applicants, but they will first need to view the documents and photocopy them. Non-British citizens who qualify for a DBS check and receive payment for working, even if it is a subsidy (for example, a foster carer), must use the paid work method. Basic DBS checks are the lowest level of DBS control and only look for unpaid convictions in a person's criminal record.
The DBS has created a three-level document identification process that determines which documents must be submitted to support your DBS Check application. The documentation requirements for standard and improved controls are more complicated than those for a basic control. Once you have created your online account, you can use the authorization code to link it to your DBS profile. It is important to remember that if you are unhappy with any information that the police have about you, you can challenge it by contacting them directly.
