How To Get A DBS Check If You Have A Complicated Address History
If you need to get a DBS certificate to start a new job role, then you most likely require the application process to go smoothly and fast. But there are things that can slow down the process which are important to be aware of to avoid any delays.
For instance, if you make a mistake on the form or provide incomplete information, it can take several weeks to rectify it and get the result, which is not what you want if you’re waiting to start a new job.
One of the most common reasons for a delayed DBS application response is issues with previous addresses. If you have moved home several times in the past few years, then you need to make sure that you fill in the form correctly, whether online or on paper.
This guide will show you exactly how to fill in your unusual or complicated address history to increase the chance of a swift result.
Why is your address history important?
To make sure that no details of any criminal information are missed, the DBS needs to get a complete and thorough record of your previous addresses over the past five years. Any gaps in your address history or inconsistencies will raise a red flag. In these instances, further checks and verification will need to be done by the DBS, which will considerably delay the process.
Even something as simple as contradictory dates without an explanation may slow down the process. If there are multiple gaps or inconsistencies, the DBS may even reject your application completely which means you’ll have to start the whole process over again.
The most common problems with address history
In general, you want to make your address history as clear and verifiable on the form as possible, going back five years. If the DBS cannot verify any of the details or there are gaps, they will not be able to provide a full criminal background check.
Unless you are trying to hide something (which in itself is not advisable as it is a further criminal offence), it’s best to be completely honest and transparent about your address history. However, there are times when this may be difficult or it may be easy to make a mistake.
Here are some common situations that may cause complications when it comes to filling in the address history section on a DBS application form:
- Living abroad or spent temporarily spent time overseas
- Time incarcerated or imprisoned
- Working abroad or on a cruise ship
- Deployed overseas with the military or in a government role
- Spending time living with other family members
- Being homeless
- Spending time in a rehab facility or medical institution
- Working and living aboard a merchant navy vessel
- Changed address several times for work reasons
This is just a small sample of reasons, of course there could be many more. Most of the reasons listed will not cause major problems in obtaining a DBS certificate, but they may slow down the process considerably.
The most important thing to do is make sure that all the details of your complicated address history are laid out clearly and chronologically.
Rectifying address history problems
As luck would have it, the DBS has produced a booklet called “The Unusual Address Guide” that details step-by-step, how to apply for a DBS certificate with a complicated address history.
The guide goes through some different scenarios and explains how to provide all the information they need for a successful application.
The basic guidance is to make sure you provide a history of your addresses going back for a minimum of 5 years. You need to make sure that the first address you list on the form is your current address, and this is the one that the DBS will post your certificate to, once the background check has been carried out.
If you are applying online, you need to make sure that there are no overlapping dates and addresses. This can cause a problem if you were temporarily residing elsewhere, such as on board a merchant ship or cruise ship, for instance. In this case you would need to fill out a paper application form to provide more details.
What do the DBS do to verify your address history?
The DBS will perform a number of checks and references to verify your previous addresses. They will check with previous landlords, local police forces, bank or building society records, DVLA information, and other sources to make sure that your address history is accurate.
If the uncover any inconsistencies or contradictions, they will need to investigate further, which slows down the process of obtaining your certificate. This can be a lengthy process, taking up to or beyond several weeks.
Make sure your address history is clear and accurate
To sum up, when you submit a DBS application, whether online or by post, you need to be very careful not to make any mistakes or omissions in the previous address section. You don’t want to slow down the process or even get rejected.
If you’re unsure about any of the details or requirements if you have a complicated address history, get in touch today and one of our expert advisors can help.