As of 22nd April 2025, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has implemented refreshed manual ID guidance for its DBS check service. This new guidance will be easier to understand and use for applicants and organisations conducting DBS checks.
Below is a brief outline of the changes.
What’s changing?
The key changes in the guidance are:
- there is no longer a different route for non-UK nationals to use. All applicants can have their ID verified using the 3-route process
- one document showing the applicant’s current address is no longer required
- the DBS have provided more guidance around how to view documents, making it easier for ID checks to comply with requirements
- e-Visa, BRP and ARC have been added to the list of group 1 documents to enable all applicants to validate ID
- a further 2 documents to the list of group 2b documents, broadening the range of supporting documents applicants can use. The documents are an HMRC self-assessment or tax demand letters and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
- example scenarios to illustrate how the process can be used have been added
By streamlining application routes, adding more documents for applicants to choose from, and providing example scenarios, the DBS hope to have improved the DBS check process for employers.
Where to find more information
Organisations can read the new ID guidance in full to ensure that they have all the information required to integrate these changes into their processes and policies fully for the 1st November, 2025, these can be found by following this link here –  DBS ID checking guidelines GOV.UK page.
Please note: the old guidance will continue to be usable until 1st November 2025, to give the system administrators time to review this new guidance and make the necessary adjustments to the EmploymentCheck system.  So for the time being please refer to the ID Checking Guidelines 2021, which can be found by following this link here – DBS ID checking guidelines 2021