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Documents Needed for Criminal Record Check

This page lists all the documents you need for a criminal record check when applying for a role. You will need to provide original documentation - you cannot use copies.

APPLICATION ROUTES: The documents prove identity if someone else conducts a criminal records check for a role. The route that the application takes (1 to 3) will determine which documents you must provide.


Application Route 1

An application should always start with Route 1 of the process. This means you must be able to show:

  • One (1) document from Group 1.
  • Two (2) further documents from Group 1 (or Group 2a or 2b).

At least one of the documents you use must show your current address. You must try to fulfill the requirements for Route 1 before moving on to Route 2 or to Route 3.

Note: You may not be able to show these documents if you are applying for voluntary work and not a UK or EEA national. In this case, you may need to get fingerprinted instead.


Application Route 2

Not having any of the documents listed in Group 1 means you must be able to show:

  • One (1) document from Group 2a.
  • Two (2) further documents from Group 2a or from Group 2b.

At least one of the documents you use must show your current address. Also, the organisation that conducts the ID check must then use an appropriate external ID validation service to check the application as well.

Note: An EEA national who is resident in the UK for 5 years (or less) and unable to show these documents may need to get fingerprinted instead.


Application Route 3

Route 3 only applies if it proves to be impossible to process the application through Route 1 or through Route 2.

For Route 3, you must be able to show:

  • One (1) document from Group 2a.
  • Three (3) further documents from Group 2a or Group 2b.
  • A valid birth certificate issued after the time of birth (UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands).

Note: At least one of the documents you use must show your current address. You may get fingerprinted instead if you are unable to provide these documents. Any EEA nationals resident in the UK for 5 years (or less) cannot apply using Route 3.


Group 1

  • Passport: Any current and valid passport.
  • Biometric Residence Permit: United Kingdom version.
  • Current Driving Licence Photocard (full or provisional): UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and EEA allowed.
  • Birth Certificate (issued within 12 months of birth): UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands (including those issued by UK authorities overseas (e.g. embassies, High Commissions, and HM Forces)).
  • Adoption Certificate: UK and Channel Islands version only.


Group 2a

  • Current and Valid Driving Licence Photocard (full or provisional): All countries outside the EEA (excluding the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands).
  • Current and Valid Driving Licence (full or provisional) or paper version (issued before 1998): UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and EEA allowed.
  • Birth Certificate (issued after time of birth): UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands allowed.
  • Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate: UK and Channel Islands version.
  • Immigration Document, Visa, or work permit: All countries outside the EEA (valid only if you are working in the country that issued the document).
  • HM Forces ID Card: UK version.
  • Firearms Licence: UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man versions.


Group 2b

  • Mortgage Statement: UK or EEA (issued in last 12 months).
  • Bank or Building Society Statement: UK and Channel Islands or EEA (issued in last 3 months).
  • Bank or Building Society Statement: Countries outside the EEA (issued in last 3 months and the branch must be in the country where the you live and work).
  • Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter UK Issued in last 3 months.
  • Credit Card Statement: UK or EEA (issued in last 3 months).
  • Financial Statement (e.g. pension or endowment): UK (issued in the last 12 months).
  • P45 or P60 Statement: UK and Channel Islands (issued in the last 12 months).
  • Council Tax Statement: UK and Channel Islands (issued in the last 12 months).
  • Letter of Sponsorship (from future employment provider): Non-UK or non-EEA only (valid only if you are residing outside the UK at time of application and it must still be valid).
  • Utility Bill: UK if issued in the last 3 months (cannot be mobile telephone bill).
  • Benefit Statement (e.g. Child Benefit or Pension): UK (issued in the last 3 months).
  • Central or Local Government, Government Agency, or Local Council Document giving Entitlement (e.g. from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, or HMRC): UK and Channel Islands (issued in the last 3 months).
  • EU National ID Card: Must still be valid.
  • Cards Carrying the PASS Accreditation Logo: UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands (must still be valid).
  • Letter from a Head Teacher or College Principal: UK for 16 to 19 year olds in full time education (only used in exceptional circumstances if you cannot provide other documents)


Documents Required for Criminal Background Check in the United Kingdom