What are the 3 ID verification routes for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks?

When the Digital IDv route cannot be performed, clients must adhere to the three-route identity checking process outlined by the DBS, ensuring that the combination of documents presented satisfies the requirements for the level of check being conducted.

Route 1 – Preferred Route

• Who it’s for: Applicants who can satisfy the Route 1 document requirements.
• What’s needed:
  
  
  • One document from Group 1 (e.g., passport, biometric residence permit, driving licence), plus
    
  • Two more from Group 1, 2a, or 2b (e.g., bank statements, utility bills).
    
    

Must include one document with a current address.

Route 2 – If Route 1 Fails

• When to use: If the applicant can’t provide a Group 1 document.
• What’s needed:
  
  
  • One document from Group 2a, plus
    
  • Two more from Group 2a or 2b
    
    
• PLUS: The applicant must have their identity validated using an appropriate external ID verification service. 

Route 3 – Only if Routes 1 & 2 Fail 

• Last resort, only used if applicant can’t meet Routes 1 or 2.
• What’s needed:
  
  • A birth certificate issued more than 12 months after the time of birth (UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands)
  • One other document from Group 2a
    
  • Three documents from Group 2a or 2b

Key Notes:

If an applicant cannot provide documents through Route 3, they may need to be fingerprinted.

Original documents must be checked in accordance with DBS requirements. Individual documents have their own validity requirements, so not every document needs to be current.

Route 1 must be attempted first. Route 2 can only be used when Route 1 cannot be completed, and Route 3 can only be used when Routes 1 and 2 cannot be completed.

What about Basic DBS checks?

The identity-checking process for a Basic DBS check is different. Basic checks currently use a two-route process, rather than the three routes used for Standard and Enhanced DBS checks.