Group 1: Primary identity documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Any current and valid passport. A UK passport can be expired up to a maximum of 6 months. |
| e-Visa | Accessed via the ‘View and Prove’ service. The share code requested by the applicant should be an ‘immigration status’ share code. If you do not have a UKVI account to access your eVisa you can create you can create one online (Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK) |
| Biometric residence permit (BRP) | UK. A BRP showing Indefinite Leave to Remain, Indefinite Leave to Enter or No Time Limit can be used up to 18 months past the expiry date of the BRP. BRP holders should be encouraged to create an account and access their eVisa |
| Application Registration Card (ARC) | Issued by the Home Office. Must be checked against the Home Office Employer Checking Service. |
| Current driving licence photocard - (full or provisional) | Current and valid photocard driving licence issued by UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA |
| 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. Must be original birth certificate. Certified copies are a group 2a document. |
| Adoption certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
Group 2a: Trusted government documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Current driving licence photocard - (full or provisional) | Current and valid. All countries outside the UK (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) |
| Current driving licence (full or provisional) - paper version (if issued before March 2000) | Current and valid. UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. For a paper licence to be valid it must be issued before March 2000 and all information, including name and address, must be up to date |
| Birth certificate - issued more than 12 months 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 or HM Armed Forces Veteran 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. A print off of a bank statement that is endorsed with a stamp and signed by the bank is acceptable if you cannot have hard copy bank statements posted to you. | 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. Original only. Cannot be online document or printed from online account/PDF | Issued in last 12 months |
| Council Tax statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Letter of sponsorship from future UK employment provider | Valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application | Must still be valid |
| Utility bill | UK - not mobile telephone bill. Cannot be printed from an online account | Issued in last 3 months |
| Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, State Pension | UK | Issued in last 12 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, Local Authority | UK and Channel Islands – a letter confirming entitlement to benefits. For example: Personal Independence Payment (PIP), free school meals, universal credit, asylum support etc | Issued in last 12 months |
| HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand letter | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) | UK. | Must still be valid |
| 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. Digital PASS cards are acceptable where they have been issued by an approved digital PASS provider and the QR code has been used to confirm details. | Must still be valid |
| Letter from head teacher, college principal, apprenticeship provider | UK - for 16 to 19 year olds in full time education or on an apprenticeship - only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided | Issued in the last month |
The government sets the documents which can be used for a DBS check.
Follow the below link for the latest up-to-date information.
DBS ID checking guidelines - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
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