Pick your licensing council
Use the authority that will issue your PHV licence. Their pack lists the DBS provider and documents.
Driver guides
Uber & Bolt DBS Check
FREE for job applicants. Uber, Bolt and similar private hire apps need a valid PHV licence — and that almost always means an Enhanced DBS through your council, not a DIY Basic.
Do Uber and Bolt drivers need a DBS check?
Yes. In England and Wales, Uber, Bolt and most ride-hailing apps that run as private hire require you to hold a valid PHV licence from a local licensing authority. That licence pack almost always includes an Enhanced DBS check.
There is no separate “Uber Basic DBS” shortcut. The app onboards you after (or alongside) the council process. If you only hold a Basic DBS, that is usually not enough for private hire licensing.
App onboarding vs council licensing
Platforms check that your licence and documents are valid. The Enhanced DBS itself is requested through your licensing council (or their registered body) for that role — not ordered by you as a personal Basic check. See the full private hire DBS guide for how PHV licensing fits together.
Start FREE if you are unsure
FREE for job applicants. Confirm whether your role needs Enhanced via the council before you pay for the wrong certificate. Enhanced is a paid official route through licensing — not £0.
Path from Google search to driving for an app
Keep the order clear: council licence first, then app onboarding.
Enhanced DBS via that route
Complete identity and address history as the council asks. You cannot self-apply for Enhanced.
Finish the licence pack
Medical, knowledge test, vehicle and local steps sit with the DBS — the certificate alone is not a licence.
Onboard with Uber, Bolt or an operator
Upload licence details when the app invites you. Keep the paper certificate and licence cards ready.
Delivery apps are different
Food delivery and many courier apps usually ask for a Basic DBS you can apply for yourself — not the Enhanced PHV route. If you are joining a delivery platform rather than private hire, see our delivery driver DBS and gig rider DBS guides.
Uber, Bolt and similar names are trademarks of their owners. This page explains DBS requirements for private hire–style driving in plain English — it is not affiliated with those platforms.
FAQs
Do Uber drivers need an Enhanced DBS?
In England and Wales, Uber private hire drivers need a PHV licence from a licensing authority, and that process almost always requires an Enhanced DBS arranged through the council. A Basic DBS alone is not enough for most private hire licences.
Is the Bolt DBS check the same?
Yes in practice. Bolt private hire still depends on a valid local PHV licence. The Enhanced DBS sits with that licensing route, then the app checks your documents at onboarding.
Can I apply for the Enhanced DBS myself for Uber?
No. Enhanced checks for private hire are requested through your licensing council or their registered body. You can start FREE for job applicants online to confirm what you need before you follow the council pack.
How long does the DBS take for Uber or Bolt?
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.
What if I only do food delivery?
Most food delivery and gig courier roles ask for Basic DBS, not Enhanced PHV licensing. Use the delivery or gig rider guides if that is your path.
Related: London taxi & PCO DBS · Private hire DBS · Basic vs Enhanced · Delivery driver DBS · 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).