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Do's and don'ts when completing Disclosure application forms

Each Disclosure application form is scanned automatically. However many forms cannot be processed due to some basic errors when completing the form. This causes delays in processing applications. To ensure your applications are processed as smoothly as possible please follow these do's and don'ts when completing Disclosure application forms.

Do's

· Use BLACK INK THROUGHOUT and write clearly in BLOCK CAPITALS ONLY.
· Use only one letter or number in each box.
· To correct a mistake on the form put a line through it and write the correction clearly to the right. If there is no space on the right, write the correction as close as possible.
· Leave an empty box between words but not between postcodes or telephone numbers.
· Mark choices in the boxes indicated with a cross [x], not a tick.
· Be sure to sign the declaration at Section H, item 68, keeping all of your signature inside the box.
· Use the checklist on page 6 before sending to the person who asked you to apply for a Disclosure.

Don'ts

· Do not write over the edges of the box.
· Do not place any stamps or stickers on the form, i.e. featuring addresses or dates
· Do not strike out a section of the form or state a field is not applicable. If it is not relevant to the application then please leave it blank.
· Do not staple any attachments to the form.
· Do not use correction fluid.
· Do not complete sections E and F.
· Do not complete sections X, Y and Z.
· Do not return the form direct to the DBS.
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Confirming your identity

Your identity needs to be confirmed. You need to provide original documentation (no photocopies) to the person who asked you to apply for the Disclosure.

Which documents do you need to provide?

Please note all documents must be in your current name. At least one document must show your current address and at least one document must show your date of birth.

Acceptable Identity Documents

Group 1

· Valid passport (any nationality)
· UK Driving Licence (either photocard or paper)
· Original UK Birth Certificate (issued within 12 months of date of birth) (full or short form acceptable)
· Valid photo identity card (EU countries only)
· UK Firearms licence

Group 2

· Marriage Certificate
· Non original UK Birth Certificate (issued after 12 months of date of birth) (full or short form acceptable)
· P45/P60 statement**
· Bank or Building Society statement*
· Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, telephone including mobile phone contract/bill)*
· Valid TV Licence
· Credit card statement*
· Store card statement*
· Mortgage statement**
· Valid insurance certificate
· Certificate of British nationality
· Work permit/Visa**
· Correspondence or a document from; the Benefits Agency; the Employment Service; the Inland Revenue; or a Local Authority*
· Financial statement (e.g. pension, endowment, ISA)**
· Valid vehicle registration document
· Mail order catalogue statement*
· Court summons**
· Valid NHS card
· Addressed payslip*
· National Insurance number card
· Exam certificate (e.g. GCSE, NVQ)
· Child benefit book**
· Connexions card

* documentation should be less than three months old
** issued within the past 12 months

Your step by step guide to filling in the form

The following guide will help you to complete your application form. Items marked in are complusory and therefore must be filled in. Items marked in are complusory only if applicable to you. If you do not complete compulsory fields your form may be returned to you. Items not marked will assist the DBS to process your application.

Use of a Continuation Sheet

· Use a white A4 sheet of paper
· Use black ink and write clearly in BLOCK CAPITALS only
· Write your form reference number (located on the front of the form), current name and address clearly at the top of the sheet
· To Supply additional information for Section C or D, please provide the information in the following format:

· Do not staple the continuation sheet to the form

Checklist

Before you hand in your form, complete this last minute check

· Have you provided all addresses for the last five years? (There should be no gaps in your dates)

· If you have used a continuation sheet, have you included your form reference number (located on the front of the application form)
and crossed the box on the form? (Section H item 67)

· Have you signed the form? (Section H item 68).

· If you agree to the use of commercial data sources to help us confirm your identity, have you signed the form (section H item 69) and checked that you have included the right type of and number of documents as evidence of identity?

· If you do not consent to the use of commercial data sources to help Verify your identity, check that you have included the right type and number of documents as evidence of identity.