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How to complete the criminal record check application form

It’s important to follow the instructions in the application form carefully. Any mistakes you make on the form will delay your application.

Here are some top tips to help:

• do not complete a section of your form if it isn't relevant - just leave it blank
• to correct a mistake on the form put a line through it and write the correction clearly to the right or as close as possible
• make sure you fill out sections A, B and E of the application form
• complete section C if you have lived at more than one address in the last five years
• do not complete section D of the application form

Section D asks you if you are applying for registration with the ISA (Independent Safeguarding Authority). ISA registration has been cancelled so this section should be left blank.

Additional guidance is available to download which will help you to complete the application form and give you more information if you have an unusual address history.

If you need more help you can call the CRB helpline on 0870 9090 811, or use the online enquiry form.

• Read the applicant's guide to completing the CRB application form Opens new window

• Read the CRB guidance to providing unusual addresses Opens new window

What to do if you don't have enough space on the form

Where possible you should record the information required in the relevant boxes provided on the CRB application form.

If this is not possible, you can use an extra page called a 'continuation sheet'. You will need to submit this at the same time as your application form.

• CRB-approved continuation sheet Opens new window

What to do if you've spent time abroad

If you are applying for a CRB check and currently live abroad, with the organisation's agreement, you can use the correspondence address of your employer or the Registered Body that the check is done through.

Please enter this as your main address on the application form. You must also enter the address where you live in the 'other addresses' section on the application form.

If you have lived outside of the UK for any part of the last five years, you need to:

• write the word 'Overseas' in the address field
• write the name of the country where you were living in the 'country' field
• provide the dates between which you lived there in the 'dates from and to' field
• leave all the other fields for this address blank

Making sure you haven’t missed anything off the form

Once you’ve completed your application form, use the following checklist to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Make sure you have:

• provided all of your names in full
• provided all your addresses for the last five years
• checked there are no gaps in the dates you provided
• provided all relevant details if you have a passport and/or driving licence
• signed the form at section E, item 56, keeping all of your signature inside the box

What to do with your completed application form

Once you have given your completed form to the person who asked you to apply for the check, you should also provide:

• documents as evidence of identity
• any continuation sheet/s
• payment (if required)

They will then check your documents, and complete section W, X and Y of the form, and send it to the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

Make a note of your application form reference number as you’ll need this if you want to track the progress of your application.

• Providing identity documents for criminal record checks

Track your application's progress

Once you've sent in your application, you can track its progress using the online tracking service.

To use the online tracking service, you'll need:

• your application form reference number
• your date of birth

If you don't know your application number, you can ask the person who requested the check for you or the CRB.

The tracking service will tell you either:

• what stage in the process your application has reached
• that the application has been returned to the countersignatory because of errors on the application and the date this happened
• or that the CRB certificate has already been sent out and when that happened

The service will not tell you if any convictions have been found on your record. This information will only be available on your certificate once your application has gone through the whole process.

• Check the progress of your CRB application online Opens new window

How to contact the Criminal Records Bureau

CRB helpline for all general enquiries: 0870 9090 811
8.00 am to 6.00 pm on weekdays
10.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturday (closed Sunday and public holidays)

There is a separate number for transgender applicants only. Any general enquiries received on this number cannot be dealt with or transferred. There is an answerphone service available for this number where you can leave your name and contact number and a member of the team will call you back.

Transgender applicants tel: 0151 676 1452 or email:

crbsensitive@crb.gsi.gov.uk

All calls to the CRB are recorded for training and security purposes. Security questions will be asked to verify your identity.

• Complete the enquiry form and send it as an attachment via email or by post Opens new window

• CRB contact channels - other ways to get in touch Opens new window