Moving home several times is common in the UK, particularly for students, graduates, contractors, healthcare workers and people who relocate for employment. Having multiple addresses does not prevent someone from applying for a DBS check, but applicants must provide accurate address information.
For DBS applications, applicants are required to provide a complete address history covering at least the previous five years. This helps the Disclosure and Barring Service process identity information accurately and can prevent avoidable application delays.
Why Address History Matters
A DBS check relies on accurate identity information to help search relevant police records and, where applicable, barred-list information. Employers and organisations responsible for processing applications therefore need to ensure that the information supplied by the applicant is complete and accurate.
An applicant who has lived at three, four or more UK addresses during the previous five years should include each address, together with the relevant dates. Missing an address can result in a conflicted application, potentially causing delays or requiring clarification.
How to Record Multiple Addresses
Applicants should provide their current address as the main address on the application. Previous addresses covering the required five-year period should then be listed with the month and year they moved in and out.
There should be no unexplained gaps in the address history. If the application form does not provide enough space for all addresses, a DBS continuation sheet can be used.
For example, someone who moved from Birmingham to Manchester and then to Leeds during the last five years should provide the relevant address details and dates for each location.
What If Addresses Overlap?
Some applicants may have overlapping addresses. This can happen with students who maintain a family home while living in university accommodation, or employees who temporarily live elsewhere for work.
DBS guidance recognises that address histories can sometimes overlap. In certain circumstances, a permanent address can be used to fill gaps where appropriate, provided a complete five-year history is supplied.
Applicants should not attempt to simplify their history by removing temporary or student accommodation if it falls within the required period.
What Employers Should Check
Employers or organisations handling DBS applications should compare the address information supplied with the other information provided by the applicant.
For example, if an applicant’s CV shows employment in one part of the country but their DBS application lists addresses somewhere else, the discrepancy may need clarification. DBS guidance specifically advises identity checkers to consider discrepancies between address history and other information, such as employment history.
The aim is not to penalise applicants for moving frequently, but to ensure that the application contains accurate information.
Avoiding Delays
Applicants can make the process easier by preparing their five-year address history before completing the application. They should check exact postcodes, house numbers, dates and previous addresses carefully.
If there is an unusual living arrangement, such as student accommodation, temporary accommodation or no fixed abode, the relevant DBS guidance should be followed rather than leaving unexplained gaps.
For employers and applicants who need support with DBS applications, ClearCheck can help make the screening process more straightforward.
FAQ
Do I need to provide every UK address from the last five years?
Yes. DBS guidance requires applicants to provide a complete five-year address history, including previous UK addresses.
Will having multiple addresses delay my DBS check?
Not necessarily. Multiple addresses are not a problem by themselves. However, missing information, unexplained gaps or discrepancies can cause delays.
What if I cannot remember an old address?
Try to establish the correct address and dates before submitting the application. Providing accurate information is important for DBS processing.
Can two addresses overlap?
Yes. Certain circumstances, such as student accommodation or temporary work placements, can result in overlapping addresses. DBS guidance provides for these situations.
What if there is not enough space for all my addresses?
A DBS continuation sheet can be used when the application form does not have enough space for the complete address history.
Conclusion
Living at Multiple UK Addresses does not make a DBS application complicated as long as the applicant provides a complete and accurate history. Recording every relevant address, using the correct dates and explaining unusual circumstances can help reduce avoidable processing issues.
Employers and applicants should treat address history as an important part of identity verification rather than simply an administrative formality.
