Some posts here on ARoseTintedWorld may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy a product or register, then I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I may also use products from the companies mentioned in these posts. Thank you for supporting my blog!
A Basic DBS check is the least in depth option available – it shows unspent convictions only. To carry out the check, the DBS basically needs to confirm two things: who you are, and where you live right now.
Most delays come from tiny mismatches in the applicant’s documentation (old addresses, missing middle names, mixed-up numbers in dates). Five minutes of preparation makes the whole thing go a lot more smoothly, potentially saving you a lot of bother.
*This is a collaborative post. For more details, please see my Disclosure Policy.
Primary photo ID (pick one)
You’ll need a current photo ID. Any of these will typically do:
- Passport (in date; some verifiers accept recently expired – ask first).
- UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional).
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
No photo ID? You may also be able to prove your identity with a range of other documents, but it can be a bit more complex.
Proof of your current address
Whether you’re applying direct or via a service like Personnel Checks, you’ll be asked for one or two recent items showing the address you enter on the form:
- Bank or building society statement (issued within the last 3 months).
- Utility bill – gas, electric, water, or landline (3 months).
- Council tax statement (12 months).
The document must show your name, address, and the issue date. If your driving licence still has the old flat on it, don’t try to use it as proof – update it or provide something else.
Name changes
If you’ve ever used a different name, list all previous names, and include documents that help to substantiate the timeline. These could include:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificates.
- Deed poll/statutory declarations.
- Decree absolute (divorce).
The aim is a clean paper trail, so that those carrying out the check aren’t faced with any black holes.
Five-year address history
You’ll need enter every UK and overseas address you’ve lived at for the last five years, with month/year dates. You don’t usually upload proof for each address, but accuracy matters. Check old tenancy emails, HMRC letters, or banking logins to make sure that you actually get all those dates correct, rather than just guessing it all.
Lived abroad recently?
The Basic DBS will still be able to run on your UK identity, but an employer might ask for an overseas police certificate covering any country where you lived long-term in the last five years. Keep travel dates on hand as well, just in case your employer asks.
Right to work (commonly checked alongside DBS)
While it’s not part of DBS, your right to work is usually bundled up together to speed up the onboarding process. Have your passport, visa/BRP, or share code ready so HR doesn’t end up having to delay when you’re able to get started.
Basic DBS checks aren’t something that most people need to stress about, but they are a hurdle that you will need to pass at some point. Make sure that you get the right documents together beforehand, so that you don’t inadvertently delay your starting date at your new company with an easily avoidable slip up.