The new DBS ID Checking guidelines announced in April 2025 are coming into force from 1st November 2025 aim to simplify the way applicant’s identity is verified. DBS also recommends the use of Digital ID checking, which should now be considered every time it isn’t possible or practical to confirm an applicant’s identity face-to-face using their original documents.

In response to these changes, we have updated our portal to make it easy for you to remain fully compliant with these new guidelines.

Here’s whats happening

• Address: DBS no longer requires an Applicant’s current address on an ID document. However, there is still a requirement to confirm a full 5-year address history and the Applicant’s current address.
• New Group 1 documents added: Biometric residence permit (BRP), e-Visa, and Application Registration Card (ARC) have been added to Group 1 documents.
• New Group 2b documents added: HMRC self-assessment or tax demand letters and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) have been added to Group 2b documents.
• Video Identification: If both an in-person check and a Digital ID check are not possible, the applicant can be interviewed by video call, but the ID checker must be in possession of the original physical documents (not copies) at the time of the call. This is to ensure that photo ID documents can be compared with a live image of the Applicant.
• Benefit Statement: Validity extended from three months to twelve months
• Data storing: Details of documents used to verify identities must be held for two years (previously six months).
• Expired passports: These can be accepted for up to six months after expiration.

The first thing we have changed is that it is now easier to select to verify your applicant’s identity manually or digitally on every application.

If you are not seeing your applicant face-to-face to check their original documentation, then digital verification is the DBS’s recommended alternative. The great news is we have now made this available for all users automatically. When you are creating an application, you will be able to select either to verify manually or digitally.

Please note that a digital identity check will incur an additional fee each time. If you have no agreed price for a digital identity check, any selected check will be charged at a default price of £5.50 + vat each. If you intend to use this regularly please get in touch as we will agree a discounted price for you to use this going forwards.

Easier ID Checker Options