University of Reading cookie policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you.

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings.

Acceptable ID documents for the DBS check


As part of the DBS application process, you will need to provide:

  • At least one document from Group 1.
  • Two further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a, or Group 2b. 
  • Documents confirming name changes, where applicable.

Please note:
 

  • The three documents must be in your current name. If you have been known by any other name(s), you will need to provide original documentation confirming your name change(s) in addition to your three other ID documents. (If you were adopted before the age of 10, you do not need to enter your surname at birth on your DBS application and you will therefore not need to provide documentation confirming this change of name).  
  • At least one document should include photographic identity.
  • At least one document should show your current address. 
  • According to the DBS ID checking guidelines, we cannot accept documents printed from the internet e.g., internet bank statements. 
  • Please be aware of the expiry dates that apply to some of the documents. We recommend that you provide acceptable ID documents that will still be valid and in date by September 2025, where possible.

 

We recommend that you provide three documents from Group 1, or three documents from a combination of Group 1 and Group 2a, if possible, as many of the documents from Group 2b have a short validity period and they may not be valid by the time your DBS application is processed. 


Group 1:

  • Current valid passport
  • Current valid driving licence photocard - full or provisional (UK, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands)
  • Original birth certificate (UK, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands - including those issued by UK authorities overseas, such as embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces). Must be an original birth certificate. A certified copy of a birth certificate is a group 2a document. 
  • eVisa (Please provide a share code for the online verification of your immigration status - your share code should begin with the letter 'S')
  • Adoption certificate (UK or Channel Islands)

Group 2a:

  • Current valid driving licence photocard - full or provisional (all countries outside the UK excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands)
  • Certified copy of a birth certificate (UK, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands) 
  • Marriage/civil partnership certificate (UK or Channel Islands)

Group 2b: 

Please note: Documents from Group 2b have a short validity period and they may not be valid by the time your DBS application is processed. As a result, please only provide documents from Group 2b if you do not have three documents from Group 1, or three documents from a combination of Group 1 and Group 2a. 


  • Valid EEA National ID card
  • Valid Irish Passport Card (cannot be used if also providing an Irish passport)
  • Valid cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo (UK, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands)
  • Valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) (UK)

Please note: Documents marked ** must be less than 12 months old on the date that the ID verification process for your DBS application is carried out. The ID verification process for teacher training and early years DBS applications is usually carried out between April and August. As a result, please only provide these documents if they have been issued since September 2024. 


If you provide any of these documents and they are more than 12 months old on the date that the ID verification process for your DBS application is carried out, you will need to provide alternative documents at a later stage and this could result in delays to your DBS application. 

  • Mortgage statement (UK) **
  • Financial statement (UK) - e.g., Student Loan confirmation, pension, endowment, ISA statement **
  • P45 or P60 statement (UK or Channel Islands) - cannot be online document **
  • Council Tax statement (UK or Channel Islands) **
  • A document from central or local government, government agency, or local council giving entitlement, for example from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, Local Authority (UK or Channel Islands) – a letter confirming entitlement to benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), free school meals, universal credit, etc. (Please note, a letter confirming your National Insurance number is not acceptable) ** 
  • HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand letter (UK) **

 

Please note: Documents marked *** must be less than 3 months old on the date that the ID verification process for your DBS application is carried out. The ID verification process for teacher training and early years DBS applications is usually carried out between April and August. As a result, please provide three ID documents from the other groups, if possible.

 

If you provide any of these documents and they are more than 3 months old on the date that the ID verification process for your DBS application is carried out, you will need to provide alternative documents at a later stage and this could result in delays to your DBS application. 

 

  • Bank or building society statement (UK or Channel Islands) - cannot be an online document. Must be a hard copy bank statement that has been posted to you. A printed bank statement that is endorsed with a stamp and signed by the bank is acceptable if you cannot have a hard copy bank statement posted to you. *** 
  • Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter (UK) *** 
  • Credit card statement (UK) - cannot be an online document *** 
  • Utility bill (UK) - mobile telephone bill not acceptable. Cannot be printed from an online account. *** 
  • Benefit statement (UK) - e.g., Child Benefit, pension *** 

 

Questions?

If you have any questions about providing the correct identity documents for the DBS check, please contact the Admissions Support team.