How to apply for DBS check and DBS Update Service (TfL PHV Application)

ByMarwa Masoudy

Enhanced DBS + DBS Update Service (TfL PHV) — quick steps

1) Apply for the Enhanced DBS (TfL authorised provider)

Use the TfL authorised provider registration link:

Register on KnowYourPeople (KYP)

Parameter Value
Organization ID ORG-2333DWY8
accessCode tphcrb

2) Complete DBS application form

  • Complete the online application.
  • Your name must match across your documents and your TfL account.

3) Verify your identity at the Post Office

  • Print the DBS Post Office verification summary.
  • Take the verification summary and your documents to the Post Office.
  • Complete verification at the Post Office.

4) Get your DBS application reference

Check your email for the DBS reference number (10-digit number often beginning with E0). You can use this when registering for the DBS Update Service. To subscribe using your application reference number, your application form must be received by DBS within 28 days.

5) Join the DBS Update Service (required)

Sign up here:

  • Cost: £16 per year.
  • You must keep the subscription active (do not let it lapse).

Note: If you use the reference number to register, you do not have to wait for the DBS certificate to arrive, but you must use it within 28 days of your application.

6) Receive your DBS certificate

  • Keep the physical certificate safe.

If you forgot to register your Update Service, you can do it within 30 days of receiving your certificate, using your certificate number instead of your application reference number.

This is the number located at the top right-hand side of your certificate (the “certificate number”). To subscribe using your certificate number, your certificate must have been issued within the last 30 days.

7) Upload your DBS certificate photo/scan

Upload your certificate online to your TfL PHV driver application

8) Ongoing requirement after you subscribe

TfL checks that you are registered to the DBS Update Service every 6 months. Ensure your subscription is active by paying your subscription fee annually.

Common reasons applications get delayed

  1. Applying with the wrong DBS provider (not the TfL authorised provider)
  2. Unclear or incorrect ID uploads
  3. Names not matching across documents
  4. Not joining the DBS Update Service in time
  5. Letting the DBS Update Service subscription lapse

Note: If you already have an Enhanced DBS

An existing DBS from another PHV licence or application may be accepted as long as it is an Enhanced DBS and it covers checks for all the categories below.

Your Enhanced DBS must cover:

  • Police records of convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings
  • Information from the list held under Section 142 of the Education Act 2002
  • DBS Children’s Barred List information
  • DBS Adults’ Barred List information
  • Other relevant information disclosed at Chief Police Officer(s) discretion

If using a previous Enhanced DBS check, you should already be subscribed to the Update Service, or register within 30 days of receiving the certificate.

Similar Posts