Acceptable ID & Address Documents
For Criminal Background Checks
- These ID and address documents can also be used for BS7858, BPSS, FCA Screening, PCI DSS and other screening checks.
- Never email us your documents – always upload them to your application.
- Here is a list of acceptable documents for BS7858 or BPSS screening as well.
Please note: this list is UK and EU-centric so if you are a non-UK/EU Applicant, especially if you are living and working overseas, we will invite you to provide alternative documents if you aren’t able to provide documents issued by UK or EU authorities. We are always obliged by the screening standards to ask applicants to supply documents as part of their screening even if they are not UK citizens or residents, but it is always the applicant’s decision whether to provide them or not.
Basic checks
PROOF OF IDENTITY AND CURRENT ADDRESS
At least one document must show your name and current address, and at least one document must show your date of birth.
You must provide at least 2 different documents:
- 1 document from Group 1, below; and
- 1 further document from either Group 1, or Group 2a or 2b, below
The combination of documents presented must confirm your name, address and date of birth. If this can’t be achieved within 2 documents a third can be selected.
Standard and Enhanced Checks
PROOF OF IDENTITY AND CURRENT ADDRESS
At least one document must show your name and current address, and at least one document must show your date of birth.
You must provide at least 3 different documents:
- 1 document from Group 1, below
- 2 further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a, or 2b, below
If you’re not a national of the UK and are applying for voluntary work, you may need to be fingerprinted if you can’t show these documents.
Group 1
Document
- Passport > Any current and valid passport
- Biometric residence permit > UK
- Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional) > 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
- Adoption certificate > UK and Channel Islands
Group 2a
| Document | Notes |
| Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional) | All countries outside the UK (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) |
| Current driving licence (full or provisional) – paper version (if issued before 1998) | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands |
| Birth certificate – issued 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 | UK |
| Firearms licence | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands |
Group 2b
| Documents | Notes | Issue date and validity |
| Mortgage statement | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| Bank or building society statement | UK and Channel Islands | 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 | Issued in last 12 months |
| Council Tax statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider | Non-UK only – valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application | Must still be valid |
| Utility bill | UK – not mobile telephone bill | Issued in last 3 months |
| Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, pension | UK | Issued in last 3 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, HMRC | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| 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 | Must still be valid |
| Letter from head teacher or college principal | UK – for 16 to 19 year olds in full time education – only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided | Must still be valid |
- REMEMBER: Never email us your documents – always upload them to your application.