Organisations registered with us need to check the identity of a DBS check applicant as part of the application process. A slightly different process is also part of a countersignatory or lead countersignatory application.
We have 2 guidance documents to help with each identity check:
ID checking guidelines for DBS check applicants
ID checking guidelines for countersignatory and lead countersignatory applicants
From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA. Paper driving licences issued before 31st March 2000 will remain valid and should not be destroyed.
For the DBS ID checking process this means that just the driving licence photocard needs to be checked, unless an old style paper driving licence is produced (pre-2000).
Updates to this page
Published 19 November 2012 Last updated 19 December 2024 +show all updates
Information about paper driving licences has been updated to reflect that these were valid until 2000, not 1998.
Updates to DBS digital identity verification guidance
Changes made to the DBS digital identity verification guidance.
DBS digital identity factsheet added.
Digital identification guidance attachment added.
Previous ID checking guidelines removed.
Welsh version of ID guidelines added.
List of primary documents updated for applicants who arent a national of the UK. A current passport showing that the holder is a national of the Republic of Ireland, changed to: A current passport or passport card showing that the holder is a national of the Republic of Ireland.
Addition to the list of primary identity documents for non-UK nationals needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK - a current passport showing that the holder is a national of the Republic of Ireland.
Updated ID guidelines from 1 July 2021 added.
Outdated version of ID checking guidelines for standard/enhanced DBS checks removed.
Content amended to clarify that the external validation service can only be used as part of Route 2.
Welsh version of updated ID checking guidelines added. These can be used from 3 September 2018.
New ID Checking Guidelines added. These will run in parallel with the existing guidelines from 3 September 2018 to 3 December 2018, when the existing guidelines will cease to apply.
Welsh attachments added regarding ID checking guidelines for DBS check applications and countersignatory applications.
Removed old ID checking guidelines
New guidelines regarding DBS identity (ID) checking to be used from 24 October 2017. These guidelines are to replace the guidelines published on 02 October 2017.
Added a Welsh version of the 'ID checking guidelines for DBS check applications'.
Added ID checking scenarios for DBS check applicants.
From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA.
Added the Welsh version of the new identity checking guidelines.
