DBS ID checking guidelines
Guidance to help you validate the identity of a DBS check applicant and a new lead/countersignatory.
Documents
Details
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).
Details
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
Update history
2026-07-10 15:27
ID checking guidelines for standard/enhanced DBS check applications from 1 July 2021 has been removed, as it has been replaced with ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025
2025-11-11 14:49
Note added to advise that the old ID guidance can no longer be used, except for quality assurance/audit purposes.
2025-10-06 11:38
The 30th September 2025 changes to the Standard/Enhanced ID checking guidelines have been replicated in ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025 (Welsh)
2025-09-30 10:00
ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025 has been updated. The key updates are as follows:•Emphasis that RBs should consider the feasibility of digital ID checks • Strengthening of Option Three – emphasis that the in-person checking of documents should be prior to the first day of work in all but exceptional circumstances • A new example of non-compliance with Option Three has been added • Clarification of how to enter common name variations on the application form where those variations appear on identity documents • Benefit Statement validity extended from 3 months to 12 months
2025-07-03 09:56
Reference to HM Forces ID card has been updated to HM Forces ID card or HM Armed Forces Veteran card in the Standard and Enhanced ID checking guidelines (English and Welsh).
2025-06-26 10:00
DBS digital identity verification guidance has been updated
2025-04-24 12:41
Welsh translation of ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025 has been uploaded.
2025-04-22 14:00
Refreshed ID guidance to be used from April 22st 2025 uploaded
2024-12-19 10:25
Information about paper driving licences has been updated to reflect that these were valid until 2000, not 1998.
2022-12-09 11:42
Updates to DBS digital identity verification guidance
2022-10-21 14:26
Changes made to the DBS digital identity verification guidance.
2022-05-05 13:10
DBS digital identity factsheet added.