---
title: First Time Login – Applicant Portal Guide
description: Logging in for the first time to the Checks Direct Applicant Portal? Follow this step-by-step guide to activate your account and access your DBS or background check application.
---

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1. [Checks Direct](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help?hsLang=en)
2. [Applicant Help](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help/applicant-help?hsLang=en)
3. [Login & Account Access](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help/applicant-help?hsLang=en#login-account-access)

# First Time Login – Applicant Portal Guide

## This guide is for applicants completing a DBS or background check. If you are a client organisation, please use the Client Login Guide instead.

#### ▶ Step-by-Step Guide

If this is your first time accessing the portal:

1. Open the email invitation sent to you from **Checks Direct**.
2. Click the secure link within the email.
3. You will be prompted to create a password.
4. Follow the password requirements shown on screen.
5. Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) if prompted.
6. Once completed, log in using your email address and new password.

📌 **FIRST TIME APPLICANT LOGIN GUIDE**  
[*https://scribehow.com/viewer/External\_\_Applicant\_First-Time\_Login\_and\_Password\_Reset\_Guide\_\_eQndnX1kR6O2rKPktQc2Sw*](https://scribehow.com/viewer/External__Applicant_First-Time_Login_and_Password_Reset_Guide__eQndnX1kR6O2rKPktQc2Sw)

#### Password Requirements

Your password must:

- Meet the minimum character requirement shown on screen
- Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
- Include at least one number

#### Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

For security reasons, a verification code maybe sent to your registered email address each time you log in. Check your inbox for the verification code and enter it on the login screen. If you do not receive the code, please check your spam or junk folder.

 

### 🔹 Common Issues

### I haven’t received my email

- Check your spam or junk folder.
- Search your inbox for “Checks Direct”.
- Confirm your employer entered the correct email address.

If the email address is incorrect, contact the organisation that requested your check.

### My activation link has expired

For security reasons, first-time links may expire.  
Please request a new link from the organisation that initiated your check.

### I am not receiving my MFA code

- Check your spam or junk folder. Ensure you are using the correct email address. Allow a few minutes for the email to arrive before requesting another code.

### My account is locked

After multiple unsuccessful login attempts, your account may be temporarily locked for security reasons.

### 🔹 Still Need Help?

If you are unable to log in after following the steps above, please contact our support team.

Raising a support ticket is the preferred method.

### Raise a Support Ticket

[*Click here to raise a support ticket  (*](https://2eflyq.share-eu1.hsforms.com/20qtYTv2ZSiepGrjpiQwYtw)Recommended option)

OR

Email: contact@checksdirect.co.uk  
Phone: 02920 602356

#### When contacting support, please include:

- Your full name
- The email address used to register
- The name of the organisation requesting your check
- A screenshot of any error message (if available)

- [Applicant Help](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help/applicant-help?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Login & Account Access](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help/applicant-help?hsLang=en#login-account-access)
    - [Identity Checks & Documents](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help/applicant-help?hsLang=en#identity-checks-documents)
- [Client Help](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help/client-help?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Login & Account Access](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help/client-help?hsLang=en#login-account-access)
    - [ID Checks (Digital & Manual)](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help/client-help?hsLang=en#id-checks-digital-manual)
- [Products](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help/products?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [DBS Checks](https://www.checks-direct.co.uk/help/products?hsLang=en#dbs-checks)

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