Disclosure of convictions

There is important guidance available for existing and prospective taxi drivers on completion of the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) form.

You must have a DBS disclosure certificate before you can be licensed to drive a hackney carriage or private-hire vehicle. New or renewal applications for taxi licences will not be processed without one.

Disclosure and barring service (DBS) 

A Guide to applying for Disclosure Information for new applicants and existing drivers.

Runnymede submits your DBS application through Surrey County Council who are a 'Registered Body' with the DBS. They are also what is termed an' umbrella organisation', meaning they can submit forms on behalf of local authorities.

The DBS procedure will involve you bringing original documentation to the Civic Centre.

You must bring with you: (only original identity documents will be accepted - no photocopies), driving licence, (note if you only have a paper licence and no passport you will need more than one item from group 2a or 2b below), passport or birth certificate, and a utility bill (no older than 3 months), bank statement (no older than 3 months) or council tax statement (up to 12 months old)

These are generally sufficient, but a full list of acceptable documents can be seen below.

The licensing officer will verify your identity.

The officer will then start the online DBS application, you will receive an emailed link to complete the online application (there is no provision for a paper form). 

The payment must be made before the application can be processed; the fee list  and payment link are below.

• Hackney Carriage and private hire licensing fees

PLEASE NOTE IT IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT OF LICENSING THAT YOU REGISTER FOR THE DBS UPDATE SERVICE SEE THE DBS UPDATE SERVICE INFORMATION LINK

Driver and vehicle licence related - payments

A code of practice exists to govern the disclosure of information

• Disclosure of information code of practice

Please note - A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to your application but will be taken into account in the decision making process.

The applicant must produce valid original documents (not copies) to prove their identity. The applicable document list will be sent to you with your reminder for a DBS or if you are a new applicant with your drivers information pack.