ID checking guidelines for Basic, Standard & Enhanced DBS check applications

As of 22 April 2025, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has introduced refreshed manual ID guidance for all DBS check services Basic check ID checking guidelines from 22 April 2025 - GOV.UK & Standard & Enhanced DBS ID checking guidelines - GOV.UK.

This update is designed to make the process clearer, simpler, and more inclusive for both applicants and organisations conducting DBS checks., with key updates now becoming available in the Verifile system from the 15th October 2025.

So, what are the key updates

• Applicants are no longer required to present a document showing their current address. Instead, the combination of documents must confirm the applicant’s current name and date of birth.
• There are minor variations in acceptable Group 2 supporting documents for Basic checks
• The following documents have been added to the Group 1 list to support identity validation for all applicants: e-Visa, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and Application Registration Card (ARC) 5. Broader Range of Supporting (Group 2b) Documents
• Two additional documents have been added to the Group 2b list, increasing flexibility for applicants:, HMRC self-assessment or tax demand letters and European or Global Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC)
• There is no longer a separate route for non-UK nationals and all applicants will now have their ID verified using the same three-route process, ensuring a consistent approach for everyone.

Additional Guidance if option Two or Three are used for ID verification, you must keep a record of:

• Why Option One and Option Two were not used, and
• Which documents were used to validate the candidate’s identity.
• This record must be retained for a minimum of two years.

The rationale must be specific to each individual case, it is not acceptable to default to using Options Two or Three as part of a standard process.

Full guidelines can be found here: What is my role as an ID checker?

Navigating through the transition.

• Familiarise yourself with the updated DBS ID guidance. Please review both the official DBS documentation and our summary of the April 2025 updates.
  • DBS Official Guidance – April 2025 Basic check ID checking guidelines from 22 April 2025 - GOV.UK & Standard & Enhanced DBS ID checking guidelines - GOV.UK.
• It's time to review your internal processes You may need to update your internal ID confirmation procedures to ensure they align with the refreshed DBS guidance.
• Check your online verification and record-keeping processes. If ID verification forms part of your digital onboarding process, please review your current online ID confirmation options and record retention methods to ensure they meet the new requirements.
• Recording rationale when using Option 2 or 3 In addition to the above, if Option 2 or Option 3 is used, you must keep a record of why Option 1 was not used, along with a record of the documents used to validate identity.
  • This record must be retained for a minimum of two years. The rationale must be specific to each individual case – it is not acceptable to default to using Options 2 or 3 as part of your standard process.
• For any completed orders where previously valid documents have since been removed from the DBS lists, these documents will no longer be visible in your portal. However, we can access details of the documents on request to service@verifile.co.uk for any previous completed orders if required.