Private hire operator disclosure and barring checks

Find out about disclosure and barring checks for your private hire operator licence.

You will need to send us a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate every year.

We will look at any and all convictions contained within the DBS check. These include:

  • crimes resulting in death
  • exploitation
  • offences involving violence
  • possession of a weapon
  • sex and indecency offences
  • dishonesty
  • drugs
  • discrimination
  • any offence referenced in hackney carriage and private hire legislation  

If you are a company or partnership applying for a licence, all named directors and partners within the company will need to supply a basic DBS certificate every year. 

If you have one or more convictions recorded for any of the above offences, your licence may be referred to our Licensing Sub-Committee. They will then review any convictions to decide whether you can be granted a private hire operator licence.

How to apply

The cost for a basic DBS check is £21.50.  

It is available for people working in England and Wales.

GOV.UK: Request a basic DBS check

Living overseas

If any director within the company or person within the partnership has lived outside of the UK for a period of more than 3 consecutive months, they will be required to supply a Certificate of Good Character.

GOV.UK: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants