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Why you need to provide identity documents

You’ll need to prove your identity as part of your application. You’ll have to provide documents that confirm this is a valid application.

Who needs to see your identity documents

The person who asked you to complete the form will check your proof of identity, or direct you to someone who can.

What documents to provide

There are three routes to follow when you’re providing identity documents for a CRB check. You must try to provide documents from route one first.

The documents you can use are listed in the tables below.

Route one

You must provide three documents:

• 1 document from Table 1 below
• 2 further documents from Table 1 or 2a or 2b - one of them must confirm your current address

If you can’t provide a document from Table 1, then the person checking your identity will tell you if you should go to route two.

Route two

You must provide three documents:

• 1 document from Table 2a
• 2 further documents from Table 2a or 2b - one of them must confirm your current address

The person who’s checking your identity documents will also use an external identity validation service to confirm your identity.

If the external identity validation service can’t confirm your identity then the person checking your identity will discuss this with you. You’ll then have to go to route three.

Route three

You must provide five documents - one of them must confirm your current address:

• Birth certificate issued after the time of birth by the General Register Office/relevant authority (UK and Channel Islands)
• 1 document from Table 2a
• 3 further documents from Table 2a or 2b

If you can’t provide these documents you’ll be asked to go for fingerprinting which could delay your application.

You must provide original documentation. Photocopies or documents printed from the internet, for example, internet banking statements, will not be accepted.

Table 1: Primary identity documents

Table 2a: Trusted government documents

Table 2b: Financial and social history documents

What should I do if I don’t have enough identity documents?

You may have to go for fingerprinting. You’ll need to talk to the person who is checking your identity documents. They’ll tell you what to do next.

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)
Or use the online enquiry form link below.

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:

If something goes wrong, find out how the CRB handles complaints and what they can do to help you by using the link below.

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 complaints process Opens new window

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