Personal details
Full legal name, date of birth, nationality and any previous names.
Guides
Documents needed for a DBS check
Have these ready before you apply. FREE for job applicants. Most checks complete the same day after you submit a complete application.
5-year address history
Every UK (or overseas) address you have lived at in the last 5 years, with dates.
Identity documents
Passport, driving licence or National Insurance number — plus a selfie on the ID path.
Tips for a clean application
Use the same name as on your passport or driving licence. Enter previous names if you have changed name by marriage or deed poll.
Double-check postcodes and move-in / move-out months. Incomplete address history is the most common reason applications stall.
Once everything is complete, most checks finish same day. See how long a DBS check takes.
Do I need a passport?
Not always. A driving licence or National Insurance number can be accepted on many routes. The guided form shows what works for your path.
Why 5 years of addresses?
DBS needs a continuous address history so records can be checked against the right police areas. Include every address you lived at in the last 5 years.
How long after I submit?
Most checks complete the same day after you submit a complete application. DBS then posts the paper certificate to the current address on your form.
Ready with your documents? Start FREE for job applicants.
Apply