Check your council’s process
Every licensing authority publishes its own PHV / taxi application pack. Start there so you know which DBS route they use.
Driver guides
Private Hire DBS Check
FREE for job applicants. Find out what DBS private hire and taxi drivers need in England and Wales — including Enhanced checks arranged through your licensing council.
Do private hire drivers need a DBS check?
Yes. If you want a private hire vehicle (PHV) licence or a taxi licence, your local licensing authority will almost always require an Enhanced DBS check as part of the application. This sits alongside medicals, knowledge tests and vehicle standards set by your council.
That is different from many delivery or courier jobs, which often only ask for a Basic DBS check that you can apply for yourself. Private hire licensing is a safeguarded role, so the bar is higher.
Basic vs Enhanced for PHV and taxi
A Basic check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions. An Enhanced check for private hire typically includes spent and unspent records, plus relevant local police information, and may include barred list checks where eligible. For most councils, Basic is not enough for a private hire or hackney carriage licence.
Important: Enhanced is via your council
Enhanced DBS checks are requested through a registered body for an eligible role — for private hire that is normally your licensing council. Start here FREE for job applicants if you need to confirm what your role requires. Enhanced itself is a separate paid route through licensing — not £0.
How the private hire DBS process works
Councils differ on forms and providers, but the path for drivers is usually the same shape.
Enhanced DBS via the licensing route
Your council or their registered body requests the Enhanced check. You supply identity documents and address history as asked.
Complete the rest of your licence
Medical, knowledge test, vehicle checks and other local requirements sit alongside the DBS — the certificate alone is not a licence.
Onboard with an operator
Once licensed, operators and apps can onboard you. Keep your certificate and licence details ready for checks.
Uber, Bolt and app-based private hire
Ride-hailing apps that operate as private hire still rely on a valid PHV licence from a licensing authority. The Enhanced DBS requirement is part of that council process, not a separate “app-only Basic” shortcut. Full guide: Uber & Bolt DBS check.
Once you are licensed, operators will ask for licence details and may re-check documents at onboarding. Starting the council DBS route early avoids delays when an app opens applications in your area.
Operators and fleet managers
If you run a private hire operator and need Enhanced checks for eligible roles, see our Enhanced DBS online checks page or contact the team. Individual drivers should follow their licensing authority’s instructions first.
Licensing rules are set locally. Always use the guidance from the council that issues your PHV or taxi licence — this page explains the DBS piece in plain English, not a replacement for official packs.
FAQs
Do private hire drivers need a DBS check?
Yes. Licensing authorities in England and Wales require an Enhanced DBS check as part of the private hire (PHV) and taxi licensing process. The check is normally arranged through your local council, not as a standalone Basic DBS you request yourself.
Is a private hire DBS check Basic or Enhanced?
Private hire and taxi licences almost always require an Enhanced DBS check, often with barred list checks where the role is eligible. A Basic DBS check is not enough for most council private hire licences.
Can I apply for my own Enhanced DBS for a private hire licence?
No. Enhanced DBS checks must be requested for an eligible role through a registered body — for private hire drivers that is normally your licensing council or an approved provider they work with. You can start FREE for job applicants online to confirm what your role needs.
How long does a private hire DBS check take?
Most Enhanced checks complete the same day after a complete application. Councils still set their own licensing timelines — always check your local authority guidance.
What about Uber, Bolt and other private hire apps?
App-based private hire operators still require you to hold a valid PHV licence from a licensing authority. The Enhanced DBS requirement sits with that licensing process. Platform onboarding usually asks for your licence and related checks once the council has approved you.
Related: Uber & Bolt DBS · London taxi & PCO DBS · Driver Guides · Enhanced DBS · FAQ
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).