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Paper Forms for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks

Learn when a Standard or Enhanced DBS application can be done on paper, how to request paper forms and continuation sheets, what extra steps are needed if ID is insufficient, and why Basic DBS checks cannot be completed using paper forms.

Written by Ben Nicholas

Overview

Sometimes an applicant cannot complete a DBS application online.

For Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, the DBS allows applications to be made using a paper form.

For Basic DBS checks, there is no paper option. If an applicant cannot submit a Basic check online, there is no alternative method available.

This article explains:

  • When you can use a paper form

  • How to request a paper form

  • How continuation sheets work

  • What happens if fingerprinting is required

1. When you can use a paper DBS form

uCheck can issue paper application forms for Standard and Enhanced DBS checks in specific situations, including when:

  • The applicant does not have sufficient ID to complete the online form

  • The applicant’s title is not available in the online options

  • The applicant’s name is too short or too long to be accepted online

  • There is an overlap in the address history that cannot be entered online

  • The applicant has an unusual address history that the form cannot handle

  • The applicant does not want the employer to receive the e‑Result

If any of these apply and the applicant cannot reasonably complete the online form:

  • uCheck can provide a paper DBS form for a Standard or Enhanced check.

2. How to request a paper form

You can request a paper form from uCheck by:

Important:

  • Paper forms can usually only be sent to the employer address registered on the uCheck account.

  • They cannot normally be sent:

    • Directly to the applicant, or

    • To an unregistered address

If you need the form sent to a different address:

  • This must be agreed with uCheck at the time of request.

3. Continuation sheets for extra information

If the applicant needs more space to provide:

  • Their full five‑year address history, or

  • Additional names or other information

They must:

  • Download and print a DBS continuation sheet from GOV.UK:
    ​DBS continuation sheet – GOV.UK

The continuation sheet:

  • Is completed by the applicant

  • Is submitted alongside the paper DBS form

4. Paper forms due to insufficient ID (fingerprinting)

If a paper form is required because the applicant does not have sufficient ID, special rules apply.

The applicant must:

  • Consent to fingerprinting

  • Provide two passport‑sized photographs

Process:

  1. Communication about fingerprinting is done by post.

  2. Fingerprinting must be completed at a relevant police force.

  3. This can take approximately 4–6 weeks (timescales are approximate and may vary) before the application even enters the vetting stage.

Because this process is slower, uCheck advises that, where possible, applicants should:

  • Obtain a passport or provisional driving licence so they can complete the DBS application online instead.

5. How fingerprints and photographs are used

If the applicant goes through fingerprinting:

  • Their photograph is used to verify that the person attending fingerprinting is the same person who is applying for the DBS check.

Fingerprints:

  • May be subject to speculative searches against fingerprint records held by:

    • Police forces

    • Other law enforcement bodies

This can be part of investigations into offences.

Once all necessary checks are completed:

  • If the fingerprints are no longer required, they will be destroyed

  • They will not be kept or used for any other purpose.

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