As part of a DBS application, Subjects need to have their identity confirmed. The process for this is known as ID Verification. 

The documents that you need depend on which level of DBS Check you’ve applied for as well as the method of ID verification being used. 

Basic DBS Checks 

For Basic DBS Checks, you need to provide 2 forms of ID. Together, these need to confirm your full name, date of birth and current address. This is 

The most common types of ID submitted in support of a Basic DBS application are passports, driving licences or bank statements.   

There are around 20 different types of ID that are acceptable. You can find a comprehensive list and instructions in our Basic DBS ID Guide.  

If you are using Online ID Verification (OIDV), only 1 Primary ID document is required. You can find the full list of documents for OIDV here.  

If you are using Post Office In-Branch Verification, you need to provide 2 forms of ID. You can find the full list of acceptable documents here.  

Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks 

For Standard and Enhanced DBS applications, you need to submit 3 forms of ID. Together, these need to confirm your full name, date of birth and current address.  

The most common types of ID submitted in support of a Standard and Enhanced DBS applications are passports, driving licences, bank statements, utility bills and council tax statements.  

There are around 20 different types of ID that are acceptable. You can find a comprehensive list and instructions in our Standard and Enhanced DBS ID Guide. 

If you are using Online ID Verification (OIDV), only 1 Primary ID document is required. You can find the full list of documents for OIDV here.  

If you are using Post Office In-Branch Verification, you need to provide 2 forms of ID. You can find the full list of acceptable documents here. 

What ID Cannot be used for ID Verification 

ID verification is one of the most critical parts of a DBS Check. If it isn’t done correctly, it could invalidate the DBS Check.  

For the purpose of ID verification, we: 

Cannot accept any form of documentation that isn’t stated on one of the document lists. 

Cannot not accept photocopies of any document – even if listed on the documents 

Cannot accept documentation printed from the internet e.g. internet bank statements 

Please note that these are not our rules; these are the rules outlined by the Disclosure and Barring Service and our other identity verification partners. While we appreciate that online documents are becoming the norm in most cases, Personnel Checks cannot deviate from this guidance.