A Guide to DBS Check Address History
A DBS Check is a criminal background check that searches through an individual’s criminal record and returns details of offences. The type of offences that are highlighted depends on the level of the DBS Check.
Regardless of level, whether it is a Basic, Standard, or Enhanced DBS Check, every applicant must provide a full address history going back for the previous five years.
The address history must be full and complete, without any unexplained gaps. You must also make sure that all the addresses are accurate and honest, otherwise the check may be invalid or inaccurate information may be revealed on the DBS certificate.
However, some people may have an unusual address history that is complicated to explain on the DBS application form. This guide will help you to get to grips with the DBS Check address history.
What Constitutes a Complex Address History?
For many people, the five year address history is straightforward and standard. They may have lived at one or a few different addresses, but it is easy to list them.
Others have a more unusual address history.
For example, university students that spend time at one address during the term and another during the holidays may struggle to fill in the form accurately.
Another example could be a person that travels a lot and lives at different addresses around the world.
Other complex situations include:
- Living on a ship, merchant vessel, or canal boat
- Working overseas
- Living overseas for extended periods
- Being imprisoned
- Staying at a refuge or hostel
- Being homeless
- Military personnel
How to Communicate a Complex Address History
If you have a complex or unusual address history, then you must take extra care when filling in the DBS application form. Fortunately, the DBS has released a document called the unusual address guide to help out.
We recommend that you read the DBS unusual address guide thoroughly before submitting the application. To help you out, we’ve summarised some of the guidance below:
- Provide your current address first.
- Make sure each address you write down is complete and accurate.
- Make sure you provide each address for the past five years, without any gaps.
- State the start and end month and year for each address.
- Write an explanation of any gaps or unusual circumstances on a separate sheet of paper.
If you need to explain overlapping addresses, any gaps, or any other unusual living circumstance, then you won’t be able to apply for the DBS Check online and you’ll have to fill out a paper form by hand.
Summary
DBS Check application forms request address details going back for the past five years.
If you have an unusual address history, then you need to explain the situation carefully on a paper form.
If you need further guidance on address histories, or anything else related to DBS Checks, get in touch with us today.
