One of the shortfalls of the DBS check system is that it tends to assume that everyone has a passport, or a photocard driving licence. For individuals who don’t have either of these key identity documents, getting a DBS check is still possible, as there are alternative routes for verifying your identity. Instead of primary documents such as driving licence and passport, alternatives such as a Birth Certificate (issued within 12 months of birth), an Adoption Certificate, or a Biometric Residence Permit (from the UK) can be used.
Problems with Identity Documents
For people who don’t have either a passport or a driving licence, there are other groups of documents which can be used to support the DBS certificate application. These so-called “Group 2” documents include things like birth certificates, driving licences from countries outside the UK, immigration documents, financial statements from banks and building societies, or government benefit statements.
Lack of Suitable Documents from Either Group
It’s not as uncommon as you may think for people to have trouble providing the correct levels of documentation when applying for DBS checks. It is especially a problem for young people who have just left education, who do not drive, whose passport has expired and who do not have bank accounts or utility bills in their own name. Providing the right combination of documents can also cause issues for people who have only recently arrived in the UK and who have not been here long enough to build up a financial history.
Often, the best solution to this problem – and the cheapest – is to apply for a provisional driving licence, even if you have no intention of taking lessons or sitting a driving test in the near future. Having this key piece of documentation will make things much easier not just for getting a DBS check, but for other jobs such as opening a bank account. It can also be useful to open a basic bank account in your own name, or get your name on the family council tax, electricity, or gas bill.
If you still cannot supply the correct documents for a DBS check, then the final option is to make an appointment to have your fingerprints taken at the local police station for comparison with those held on the police database and filling in an old-style paper DBS application form rather than completing your application online.
Final Advice
Not having a passport or driving licence does not mean that you cannot get a DBS check. It just means you might have to be more creative about the documentary evidence you provide or go through the process of applying for a provisional licence which you don’t intend using. Whatever your circumstances, the DBS are likely to have come up against a similar situation before, so contact them using their helpline or email address, and ask for specific advice. Keep your employer informed about your progress, as they may also be able to give advice on your best route forwards.
