DBS accepted documents

Group 1: primary identity documents  

Documents 

Notes

Passport                                                                      Any current and valid passport. A UK passport can be expired up to a maximum of 6 months. 
eVisa Accessed via the 'View and Prove' service. The share code requested by the applicant should be a 'general' share code. If you do not have a UKVI account to access your eVisa you can create one online (Get access to your online immigration status)
Biometric residence permit (BRP)  UK. A BRP showing indefinite leave to remain, indefinite leave to enter or no time limit can be used up to 18 months past the expiry date of the BRP. BRP holders should be encouraged to create an account and access their eVisa
Application Registration Card (ARC) Issued by the Home Office. Must be checked against the Home Office Employer Checking Service
Current driving licence photocard - (full or provisional)  Current and valid photocard driving licence issued by UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands. From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by the DVLA
Birth certificate - issued within 12 months of birth  UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands - including those issued by UK authorities overseas, for example embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces. Must be original birth certificate. Certified copies are a group 2a document.
Adoption certificate  UK and Channel Islands 

Group 2a: trusted government documents 

 Documents

Notes 

Current driving licence photocard
(full or provisional) 
All countries outside the UK (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) 
Current driving licence (full or provisional)
paper version (if issued before March 2000) 
UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. For a paper licence to be valid it must be issued before March 2000 and all information, including name and address, must be up-to-date. 
Birth certificate - issued after time of birth  UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands 
Marriage/civil partnership certificate  UK and Channel Islands 
Immigration document, visa, or work permit  Issued by a country outside the UK. Valid only for roles whereby the applicant is living and working outside of the UK. Visa or permit must relate to the non-UK country in which the role is based 
HM Forces ID card or HM Armed Forces Veteran card  UK 
Firearms licence  UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands 

 All driving licences must be valid.

Group 2b: financial and social history documents

Documents

Notes

Issue date and validity

Mortgage statement UK Issued in last 12 months
Bank or building society statement UK and Channel Islands Issued in last 3 months
Bank or building society statement Countries outside the UK Issued in last 3 months - branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works
Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter UK Issued in last 3 months
Financial statement, for example pension or endowment UK Issued in last 12 months
P45 or P60 statement UK and Channel Islands Issued in last 12 months
Council Tax statement UK and Channel Islands Issued in last 12 months
Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider Non-UK only - valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application Must still be valid
Utility bill UK - not mobile telephone bill Issued in last 3 months
Benefit statement. For example child benefit, pension UK Issued in last 3 months
Central or local government, government agency, or local council document giving entitlement. For example, from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, HMRC UK and Channel Islands Issued in last 12 months
HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand letter UK Issued in the last 12 months
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) UK Must still be valid
EEA national ID card Not applicable Must still be valid
Irish passport card Cannot be used with an Irish passport Must still be valid
Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands Must still be valid
Letter from head teacher or college principal UK - for 16 to 19 year olds in full-time education - only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided