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Supporting Ukraine

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) – checking guidelines and acceptable documents


As part of the process of becoming a sponsor, and ensuring that Ukrainian guests have a safe place to stay, all those over 16 years old in a household will be DBS checked. This is outlined in the sponsor process in Devon guidance. A video call will then be arrange to check identify documents. This page outlines what documents are required to verify each person’s identity.

Applicants must provide valid, current and original documents as explained below.

UK citizens only

The applicant is required to produce at least three documents – one document from Group 1 and two further documents from Groups 1, 2a or 2b; which in combination must verify their name, date of birth and current address.

If the applicant has satisfied this route then the ID verification is complete.

Group 1: Primary identity documents

DocumentNotes
PassportAny current and valid passport
Biometric residence passportUK
Current driving licence photocard (full or provisional)UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands
Birth certificate – issued within 12 months of birthUK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands – including those issued by UK authorities overseas, for example, embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces
Adoption certificateUK and Channel Islands

Group 2a: Trusted government documents

DocumentNotes
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 1998)
UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands
Birth certificate – issued after time of birthUK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands
Marriage/civil partnership certificateUK and Channel Islands
Immigration document, visa, or work permitIssued by a country outside the UK.
Valid only for roles whereby the applicant is living and working outside of the UK.
Visa/permit must relate to the non-UK country in which the role is based
HM Forces ID cardUK
Firearms licenceUK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands

Group 2b: Financial and social history documents

DocumentsNotesIssue date and validity
Mortgage statementUKIssued in last 12 months
Bank or building society statementUK and Channel IslandsIssued in last 3 months
Bank or building society statementCountries outside the UKIssued in last 3 months -branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works
Bank or building society account opening confirmation letterUKIssued in last 3 months
Credit card statementUKIssued in last 3 months
Financial statement, for example pension or endowmentUKIssued in last 12 months
P45 or P60 statementUK and Channel IslandsIssued in last 12 months
Council Tax statementUK and Channel IslandsIssued in last 12 months
Letter of sponsorship from future employment providerNon-UK only – valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at the time of applicationMust still be valid
Utility billUK – not mobile telephone billIssued in last 3 months
Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, pensionUKIssued 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, HMRCUK and Channel IslandsIssued in last 3 months
EEA National ID card Must still be valid
Irish Passport CardCannot be used with an Irish passportMust still be valid
Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logoUK, Isle of Man and Channel IslandsMust still be valid
Letter from headteacher or college principalUK – for 16 to 19-year-olds in full-time education – only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided 

You can read the full DBS identifty checking guides.