What documents do I need to apply for an enhanced DBS check?

To apply for an enhanced DBS check through our partnership with Personnel Checks, you'll need to provide documents for online ID verification. The ID verification process is explained in full when you apply, but the documents you will require for this service are outlined below. 

For the most up to date version of this information, please refer to Personnel Checks’ advice here. 

You must provide at least one of the following documents:

• Passport

• Biometric Residence Permit (UK)

• Current Driving Licence Photo Card (Full or Provisional) (UK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands)

• Original Birth Certificate (UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands) (must be issued within 12 months of birth). 

• Adoption Certificate (UK and Channel Islands)

As well as the ID document chosen from the list above, you must also provide at least one of the following documents:

• Certified copy of Birth Certificate (UK, Isle of Man & Channel Islands) (issued after time of birth). Cannot be used for Post Office ID verification

• Current Driving Licence Photo Card (All countries outside the UK excluding the Isle of Man and Channel Islands) (Full or Provisional)

• Old Style Paper Driving Licence - cannot be a counterpart style driving licence (UK/Channel Islands)

• Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate (UK and Channel Islands). Must be an original document, we cannot accept a photocopy. Cannot be used for Post Office ID verification

• HM Forces ID Card (UK)

• Firearms Licence (UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man)

• Immigration Document/Visa/Work permit (Valid for roles whereby the applicant is living and working outside of the UK. The Visa/permit must relate to the non-UK country in which the role is based)

• Mortgage Statement (UK) (issued in the last 12 months)

• Bank or Building Society Statement - must be a full bank statement and must be an original received in the post or a copy printed from your bank branch (UK and Channel Islands) (issued in the last 3 months)

• Non-UK Bank or Building Society Statement (issued in the last 3 months) - branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works

• Financial Statement e.g. pension, endowment, ISA (UK) (issued in the past 12 months)

• Council Tax Statement (UK and Channel Islands) (issued in the past 12 months)

• Benefit Statement e.g. child allowance, pension (UK) (issued in the last 3 months)

• EEA National ID Card

• Credit card statement (UK) (issued in the last 3 months)

• P45 / P60 statement (UK and Channel Islands) (issued in the past 12 months)

• Utility Bill e.g. gas, electric or water bill - must be an original received in the post (issued in the last 3 months) (UK)

• Central/Local Government/Government Agency/Local Authority document e.g. a letter from HM Revenues, from the Department for Work and Pensions (issued in the last 3 months) (UK and Channel Islands)

• Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo (UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands)

• Bank/Building Society Account opening confirmation letter (UK) (issued in the last 3 months)

• Letter from a Head Teacher or College Principal - must still be valid (UK) (16-19 year olds in full-time education. Only used in exceptional circumstances when all other documents have been exhausted)

• Letter of Sponsorship from future employment provider (Non-UK) (valid only for applicants residing outside the UK at the time of the application)

• Irish Passport Card – must be valid (cannot be used with an Irish passport)

If you are not a UK National, you are able to provide different documentation. Further information is available on the Personnel Checks guidance.