Formerly CRB checks, these are the criminality checks you need for your operator’s licence and for your office staff.

DBS Checks for Private Hire Operators

Department for Transport guidance states all private hire operators must complete a Basic DBS Check every year. Booking and dispatch staff also need to undergo Basic DBS Checks as part of their employment.

For a fast, professional DBS service, apply with TaxiPlus today and get your DBS results in as little as 24 hours.

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Why do I need a Basic DBS Check?

Under the statutory guidance from the Department for Transport, all private hire operators (as well as booking and dispatch staff) are required to have a Basic DBS Check every year.

The results of this check need to be shared with the authority which issued the operator licence.

A Basic DBS Check will search against the Police National Computer for any unspent cautions, warnings, reprimands, or convictions.

How long do the checks take?

Basic DBS Checks have the quickest turnaround time of any criminal record check.

Over 50% of the applications we submit are completed in less than 24 hours. On average, the Basic DBS checks we submit take around 48 hours.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) advise that Basic DBS Checks should normally be completed within 7-14 days. However, there is no maximum length of time that the checks can take.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • At the moment, you cannot register a Basic DBS Check to the DBS Update Service. You would need to complete a new DBS Check every year.

  • All licensed taxi and private hire drivers must provide a valid Enhanced DBS certificate to their licensing authority.

    If you are also a private hire operator, you do not need to complete a Basic DBS Check. You can use the Enhanced DBS certificate that was carried out for your taxi or private hire licence.

  • Having a criminal record does not automatically bar you from becoming a private hire operator.

    The licensing authority you apply with will need to review this information and make an impartial decision about your suitability for the role.

    Crimes involving the following will need to be seriously considered:

    • Exploitation

    • Possession of a weapon

    • Sexual Offences

    • Dishonesty/Fraud

    • Drugs

    • Discrimination

    • Motoring convictions (including drink/drug driving)

    • Violence

  • There is no way to fast-track your DBS Check. Many companies out there offer “fast-track” solutions but these aren’t genuine offers. All DBS Check are processed in the same way by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

  • There is no official expiry date for any level of DBS Check. The certificate is technically only correct at the point of issue.

    Under DfT guidance, private hire operators must complete new Basic DBS Checks annually.

  • Basic DBS Checks are charged at £40 incl. VAT.

    This is broken down into two parts: the government fee and our admin fee.

    Government fee - £18.00 no VAT

    TaxiPlus admin fee - £22.00 inc VAT

What our existing customers say about TaxiPlus

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Ready to get started with TaxiPlus?

We have in-house experts ready to help you with your taxi licensing compliance needs. Contact our TaxiPlus experts today by clicking below. We look forward to hearing from you.