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

Document Notes
Passport Any current and valid passport
Biometric residence passport UK
Current driving licence photocard (full or provisional) UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands
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
Adoption certificate UK and Channel Islands

Group 2a: Trusted government documents

Document 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 1998)
UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands
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/permit must relate to the non-UK country in which the role is based
HM Forces ID card UK
Firearms licence UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands

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
Credit card statement 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 the 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 3 months
EEA National ID card 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 headteacher 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

You can read the full DBS identifty checking guides.