How Zinc Checks the Name on Your ID Documents for a DBS Check

When you complete a DBS identity check, you may be asked to submit two identity documents — for example, your passport and a second form of photo ID, such as a driving licence. We check the name on each document against the name you gave us, though the rules are slightly different for your first and second document. ## Your First Document Needs an Exact Match The first document you upload must show your name exactly as you provided it. Small differences like case differences and hyphens are accepted — "charles smith" and "Charles-Smith" both work, for example. But we can't accept abbreviations (such as "Rob" instead of "Robert"), missing a middle name, or given in a different order. If you are only asked to submit one document, it also needs to be an exact match. ## Your Second Document Has More Flexibility Your second document goes through **fuzzy matching** — a more flexible comparison run by our identity provider, Entrust. This can accept small variations that the first document can't, such as an abbreviated name, a missing middle name, as long as it stays in the right order. An unrelated or completely undeclared name won't pass. ## What Happens if Your Documents Don't Match Try not to worry if this happens — it's common, and we've built in a few stages to help you get it right. This staged process applies to mismatches on your **first document**. If your first document is clear but your **second document** doesn't match, your case goes straight to manual verification with your employer — there's no reset stage in that case. 1. **First mismatch (first document)**: we automatically reset your submission so you can try again. You will need to follow our resubmission email and re-enter your details where asked. 2. **Second and third mismatch (first document)**: we flag it for your employer to review. They may get in touch to help, or ask you to try again. 3. **Fourth mismatch (first document)**: You'll need your documents to be manually verified by your employer. Reach out to them directly to set up a time to do this. ## Getting It Right the First Time Enter your name on the platform exactly as it appears on your first document, and make sure both documents are current and issued in your legal name. For more on which documents you can use, see [What Documents Do I Need for a DBS Identity Check?](https://help.zincwork.com/hc/hm54ky7yrc/article/2c3242ed-what-documents-do-i-need-to-submit-for-my-dbs-identity-check).