DBS Id Guidance Transition Coming to an End
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has introduced updated identity verification guidance for Standard and Enhanced DBS checks. The new guidance was published on the 22 April 2025 and we are currently in the middle of a transition period to allow all DBS users to adjust to the new rules.
This transition period is coming to an end on 1st November 2025.
At this point the old DBS ID verification (IDV) rules will no longer apply.
This page outlines the key changes you need to know as an ID verifier for an organisation processing DBS Checks. If you’re a current Personnel Checks customer, we’ll also be contacting you directly to explain what this means for your process.
What’s the big change?
In short: no more ID verification based on scans or photos.
You need to see original physical documents, with two exceptions: viewing an eVisa on the official “View and Prove” service, or a digital PASS card with a QR that you’ve checked. Print-outs from digital sources, such as online bank statements remain unacceptable.
DBS now sets out three specific ways you’re allowed to view and validate ID:
Option 1 — In person.
Meet the applicant and see their originals (or their eVisa/digital PASS). This is the default and should cover most cases.
Option 2 — Live video while you hold the originals.
You arrange a video call and you already have the applicant’s original documents in your hands (usually posted to you securely beforehand).
Option 3 — Live video without holding the originals (with day-one reconciliation).
You do the video check, record the details, and then see the originals in person on the applicant’s first day, confirming they match what you recorded.
You should use Option 1 (in person) wherever possible. If that truly isn’t possible, you can move to Option 2. If that’s also impossible, Option 3 with an in-person check on day one is allowed. For Options 2 or 3, you must write down why in that case you couldn’t do Option 1 (and keep that note).
you must keep a record of what you saw for at least two years. Where you can’t keep copies, note the document type, country of issue, expiry date, reference numbers, and any relevant notes.
What else is changing?
There are three key changes to be aware:
Online ID Verification as a preffered alternative
The guidance also encourages the use of digital identity verification where an applicant can present a passport or driving licence. Digital or online ID verification methods can authenticate identity to a much higher level of certainty than humans can. This is why the new DBS guidance strongly recommends using Digital IDV where possible.
Changes to document lists
There is no longer a list of separate ID that can be used by non-UK nationals - meaning some documents have been removed from the list.
Several documents have been added to the list, you can view the full guidance here.
Most of the new documents relate to non-UK nationals, such as e-Visa’s and ARC’s. However, there are also some additions to the supporting documents in Group 2b.
New ID Verification option (In-branch verification)
In-branch verification is a new IDV method that has been introduced in collaboration with the Post Office and Yoti.
Subjects are prompted by our in-app portal to take their selected ID into a participating Post Office. Here staff will verify the documents and confirm the individual’s identity in line with DBS requirements.
Your Subject will then be emailed to confirm success, and will be prompted to continue with their DBS application as normal.
This process allows you to continue to outsource the responsibility for IDV in a fully compliant way. It’s important to note that the Post Office charge £8.80 for this service.
Transition timing
The 2025 guidance is in effect now; the previous 1 July 2021 guidance may still be used until 1 November 2025 to allow technical changes by Registered Bodies. After that date, the 2025 guidance fully applies.
If you’re an existing customer, we’ll be contacting you directly with what this change means for your organisation and your current process.
Who this affects
This update applies to organisations and Registered Bodies involved in Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, including employers, licensing authorities and umbrella bodies.
For avoidance of doubt, Right to Work checks remain a separate legal requirement handled under Home Office guidance.
You can find a full copy of the new guidance on the DBS’ website here.