Initial DBS check
Upon making an initial application for a licence, you will complete the DBS application at your appointment with the Licensing Section. The level of DBS check required to become a taxi driver is an enhanced DBS check and this can only be completed through a registered body such as the council.
DBS checks
It is a condition upon the grant or renewal of a licence that you subscribe to the DBS update service this will allow officers to carry out a quick online status check to ensure your DBS certificate is still current and up to date.
Your licence may be suspended or not renewed if you are not subscribed to the update service.
How to enrol on the DBS update service.
When you receive your DBS certificate via post, you can Log on and enrol using your certificate number.
It costs £16 a year payable to the DBS by credit or debit card. This will keep your DBS live and current for one year.
Select the option to automatically renew a subscription, the DBS will then store your card details to take the £16 subscription annually.
Please Note: It will be your responsibility to ensure that those payment details remain current and valid.
For example, if you change your payment card or receive a new card over the course of the year you will need to update the details with the update service or the DBS will not be able to take your annual subscription.
Where an annual subscription has not been renewed, we won’t be able to undertake the necessary checks at the time of your licence renewal. You would therefore be required to undertake a new enhanced disclosure and subscription to the update service prior to renewing your licence.
Renewing your subscription to the update service
If you haven’t opted to automatically renew you will need to log in to your account and make a payment within 30 days before your subscription ends. You’ll get a reminder email 30 calendar days before your subscription is due to expire. The email will be sent from donotreply@dbs.gsi.gov.uk you should add this address to your safe senders or safe recipients list.
If your subscription has not been renewed 14 days before the expiry date the DBS will send you a reminder letter too. Your subscription must be renewed by the day before the subscription expiry date. You can’t renew on the expiry date because the account will be closed.
If you lose your DBS certificate we will be unable to carry out an online status check; a DBS certificate should always be viewed alongside the result of a status check.
Cancelling your update service account
DBS helpline: Telephone 03000 200 190.
You can cancel your update service account at any time. DBS certificate(s) attached to the account will no longer be eligible to be checked online for status changes.
Any DBS certificate attached to a closed account will be removed and we will no longer be able to carry out status checks. If a subscription lapses you will have to apply for a new DBS check and then re-subscribe to the update service.