Apply for a DBS check for taxi drivers

To drive a taxi (hackney carriage) or private hire vehicle you must have an enhanced criminal records check and sign up to the DBS Update Service. This is to make sure that you have no criminal convictions that would stop you from working as a driver.

You must sign up to the DBS Update Service

Once you receive your DBS certificate, you have 30 days (from the date of issue) to sign up to the DBS Update Service - Disclosure & Barring Service: The Update Service.

If you do not sign up to the service we may suspend your licence.

If a check on the DBS update service shows that your current DBS certificate is no longer valid, you must make another application for a DBS check and subscribe to the Update Service again (and pay the DBS check cost).

Will a criminal record stop me from being a taxi driver?

A criminal record will not automatically stop you from getting a licence. It will depend on the nature and severity of any offences committed. See Appendix 2 in our  Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2023 to 2027 (PDF) [751KB] .