Read the current London licensing pack
Use the authority’s published private hire or taxi guidance so you know which DBS route and documents they want.
Driver guides
London Taxi & PCO DBS Check
FREE for job applicants. London private hire (often called PCO) and taxi licensing almost always need an Enhanced DBS through the licensing authority — not a DIY Basic certificate.
Do London taxi and PCO drivers need a DBS?
Yes. If you want to drive a London private hire vehicle (still widely called a PCO licence by drivers) or a London taxi, the licensing pack includes an Enhanced DBS check. That sits with identity, medical and other licensing steps — not as a standalone Basic DBS you order yourself.
Rules are set by the licensing authority for London. Always follow their current application guidance. This page explains the DBS piece in plain English. It is not an official Transport for London page.
Basic vs Enhanced for London PHV / taxi
A Basic DBS shows unspent convictions and can be useful for other jobs, but it is not enough for most London private hire or taxi licences. Enhanced is requested for that licensed role through the authority (or their registered body). Compare levels on Basic vs Enhanced.
Confirm before you pay
FREE for job applicants. If you are unsure whether your London role needs Enhanced via licensing, start online first. Enhanced itself is a paid official route — not £0.
How London PHV / taxi DBS fits the licence
Exact forms change — the shape of the process stays the same.
Enhanced DBS via that route
Supply ID and full address history as asked. You cannot self-apply for Enhanced for this role.
Finish the rest of the licence
Medical, topographical / knowledge requirements and vehicle checks sit alongside the DBS.
Onboard with an operator or app
Once licensed, operators and apps ask for licence details. See also Uber & Bolt DBS if you are joining a ride-hailing platform.
Outside London?
Private hire licensing elsewhere in England and Wales is still council-based and usually still needs Enhanced. Use the national private hire DBS guide for the general path.
Apps after you are licensed
Uber, Bolt and similar platforms still expect a valid PHV licence. Read Uber & Bolt DBS once you understand the licensing DBS step.
“PCO” is informal driver language for London private hire licensing. Always follow the official pack from the licensing authority — not app forums alone.
FAQs
Do London private hire (PCO) drivers need Enhanced DBS?
Yes. London private hire and taxi licensing almost always require an Enhanced DBS as part of the authority’s application process. A Basic DBS is not enough for most London licences.
Can I apply for my own Enhanced DBS for a London PCO licence?
No. Enhanced checks for this role are requested through the licensing authority or their registered body. You can start FREE for job applicants online to confirm what you need before you follow the official pack.
How long does a London taxi or PHV DBS take?
Most checks complete the same day after you submit a complete application. DBS then posts the paper certificate to the current address on your form.
Is this the same as Uber or Bolt DBS?
Related. Apps need you to be licensed; the Enhanced DBS sits with that London licensing process. After licensing, platforms check your documents at onboarding — see the Uber & Bolt DBS guide.
Is letassess.co.uk part of TfL?
No. letassess.co.uk is an independent application support service. For official London licensing rules, always use the licensing authority’s published guidance.
Related: Private hire DBS · Uber & Bolt DBS · Basic vs Enhanced · Driver Guides
FREE for job applicants
Ready to start?
FREE for job applicants. About 2 minutes online — then continue to Basic or Enhanced only if you need them (those have official DBS fees).