• DBS Address History Guide (for Job Applicants)

When you apply for a role that requires a DBS check, you must give a full 5-year address history. The screening company will pass this to the DBS to complete your check.

This includes anywhere you’ve lived, studied, or stayed long-term — not just your permanent home.

The Basics

• 5 full years: Cover every month up to the date of your application.

• Current address: Must be where your DBS certificate will be posted.

• Dates: Use month and year (e.g. 05/2021 – 09/2023). No gaps allowed.

• No shortcuts: Don’t write “still here” or “N/A.” Use actual dates and addresses.

• Keep it simple: Use plain addresses (house/flat number, street, town, postcode).

Common Scenarios

1. Students (term-time + home)

• Put the address where you want the certificate sent as your current address.

• List student halls / flats and your home address separately, with dates.

2. Working away from home

• If just for a few days or weeks, ignore it.

• If you lived away for months at a time, include that address with dates.

3. Travelling for long periods

• Write “TRAVELLING – [Country]” with the dates you were away.

4. Living on a boat / ship

• Use the registered port address or permanent mooring, not every stop.

5. No fixed abode (homeless)

• Record “NO FIXED ABODE – [Town/City]” and the dates.

• You must still give a “care of” or correspondence address where mail can go.

6. Armed forces (BFPO)

• Use the BFPO number. This is acceptable as either a current or past address.

7. Overseas addresses

• Record “OVERSEAS – [Country]” with dates.

• If you live abroad now, you’ll still need a UK contact address for mail.

8. Refuges or sheltered housing

• Just write the address normally. Do not add “refuge” or “sheltered.”

9. Prison

• Write “[Prison Name], [Town/County]” with the dates you were there.

Quick Tips

✅ Make sure the whole 5 years is covered, no gaps.
✅ Double-check postcodes and spelling.
✅ Match dates with official documents (bills, council tax, tenancy, uni letters).
❌ Don’t use vague words like “present” or “same as above.”
❌ Don’t leave a gap — if you moved mid-month, just use the start of that month.

Why this matters: If your address history is incomplete or unclear, the DBS check will be delayed or rejected. Giving clean, accurate information helps you get cleared quickly and keeps your job application moving.

YOU MAY ALSO FIND THIS HELPFUL

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-unusual-addresses-guidance/dbs-unusual-addresses-guide