DBS ID checking guidelines
Guidance to help you validate the identity of a DBS check applicant and a new lead/countersignatory.
- Other ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025
- Other ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025 (Welsh)
- Other ID checking guidelines for standard/enhanced DBS check applications from 1 July 2021
- Other Canllawiau gwiriadau adnabod ar gyfer ceisiadau gwiriadau DBS safonol/manylach o 1 Gorffennaf 2021
- Other ID checking guidelines for countersignatory applications
- Other DBS digital identity verification guidance
- Other DBS digital identity factsheet
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).