The DBS governing body has updated its manual ID verification guidelines, introducing new rules on how a Subject’s identity must be verified as part of their DBS application. There are three ways in which ID documents can be viewed and validated;
Option 1: In-person with original documents
Option 2: Video call with physical documents posted to verifier
Option 3: Video call only, with original document checking on or before day one of employment.
To learn more about this please visit the Government website.
What does this mean for our Customers?
The updated DBS identity verification guidelines apply to all organisations that require DBS checks as part of their employee onboarding process.
This means that as of the 1st of November 2025 every identity verification as part of a DBS check must be conducted in person by default.
To aid in the transition to the new guidelines we have done everything we can to make this as seamless as possible, this includes enabling the ability to outsource the identity verification process.
These include:
Online identity verification:
This is conducted by our 3rd party provider, Yoti, who provide online identity checking in line with the DBS guidelines. This service allows for the Subject to complete their identity verification via their mobile phone, without having to attend an in-person identity verification session. This is for route 1 applications.
Post Office In-branch verification:
This is an extension of the above. Should the online identity verification method prove to be unsuccessful, Subjects can visit a participating Post Office to have their in-person identity verification completed. This is for route 1 applications. Read our Post Office In-Branch Verification release.
To opt in to use either of the above identity checking services, please contact the customer support team on customersupport@taxiplus.co.uk.
What does this mean for Subjects?
The Subject journey will remain the same until the point of identity verification unless an alternative method is adopted, Post Office In-Branch Verification for example.
Introduction of new identity verification screens
Personnel Checks will not be able to conduct the DBS identity checking on your behalf.
From the 1st November 2025 it will be your responsibility to ensure that the Subject’s identity has been checked as per the DBS ID checking guidelines.
Personnel Checks updated identity verification screens simplify the manual verification process to allow for these three options. These changes include:
Consolidated case related information: All case related information is present onscreen for ease of viewing.
Visual stepper: Clearly shows the ID Verifier which stage of the verification process they are in. The number of steps will differ based on the Options selected.
Pre-verification questions: These are designed as prompts for the ID verifier to ensure they understand what is expected of them for the selected Option beofre they initiate the process.
Document viewing and management: Enables documents to be viewed alongside the Subject’s information, making it easier to identify discrepancies or errors between the uploaded documents, the physical documents in hand, and the information entered on the application. Additional documents can easily be uploaded if required.
Basic document verification questions: DBS require all documents to be in date and that they match the information supplied by the Subject.
Option appropriate confirmation: The ID verifier must conform they have conducted the process in line with the DBS guidance and the appropriate steps for the selected Option.
Submit review screen: Gives a chance to review and confirm that all information is accurate before submitting the DBS application.
ID checking documents
Option 1
The DBS recommend Option 1 is to be used as the default method.
If this is not possible, the use of a digital verification method (online identity verification) is acceptable before considering any other alternatives.
Must be in person with the physical documents in the presence of the Subject
Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the ID checking process and submit the DBS application
Option 2
Must be impossible to progress with Option 1 or digital verification.
The ID checker can conduct the ID check via video link and must be in possession of the physical documents. These can be posted to the ID checker in advance of the virtual call.
Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the ID checking process and submit the DBS application
Option 3
Must be impossible to progress with Option 1, Digital Verification or Option 2.
The ID check can be completed via video link without the ID checker being in physical possession of the ID documents. The details of the documents must be recorded and stored at the time of the video link ID check.
Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the ID checking process, detailing the date of the in-person check and submit the DBS application.
Final in-person verification. Post the DBS submission, the original documents used when submitting the application must be presented to the ID checker on or before the first day of employment.
Subjects cannot start employment until this final in-person step has been conducted. If there are any discrepancies the DBS check may be invalid.
As soon as the date of the scheduled in-person check has passed, the Case Activity will be flagged for attention and Subjects cannot start employment until this final stage has been completed.
Was this article helpful?
That’s Great!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry! We couldn't be helpful
Thank you for your feedback
Feedback sent
We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article