The Council has a duty to ensure that new applicants and existing licence holders are ‘fit and proper’ to hold or retain a drivers licence. Applicants are therefore required to undertake an enhanced level DBS criminal record disclosure (where the applicant has resided in this country for more than three months).
From 1 May 2022, you must also either obtain a new enhanced DBS every 6 months or sign up to the DBS Update Service (currently £13 per year) at www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service within 30 days of receiving your Enhanced DBS certificate (see step 8 below). Where convictions are disclosed you may be referred to the Taxi Licensing Committee.
How to apply
You will need access to a computer or smartphone and a valid email address. You can visit a library in Plymouth where internet access and printing is available.
The online application must be completed using the following steps:
1. Go to https://app.knowyourpeople.co.uk, select Register, and use the Organisation Code ORG-KZBKP8YY, and the password is Mayflower.
2. Complete the application online with all your details.
3. Select the relevant identification documents (ID) you wish to use using the online help tool.
You will need your Passport or Driving Licence plus two proofs of address, in the form of an official letter such as a utility bill, bank statement or credit card statement. The documents need to be in your name and your current address.
4. Print off your application and take the form and documents (originals) to either New George Street Post Office (WH Smiths) or Mutley Plain Post Office. The Post office will verify your identity.
5. Once your identity has been verified at the Post Office your application will be sent electronically to the DBS. Your enhanced disclosure will be sent direct to your current address.
6. The total fee payable to the Post Office is £55.10 (subject to change).
7. If your require help and support with your Disclosure application you can contact the Online Disclosures Support Team (First Advantage)
0115 969 4600 or email: support@onlinedisclosures.co.uk
The support team helpline is available between 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday with a 24- hour messaging service.
8. From 1 May 2022, you must also sign up to the DBS Update Service at www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service within 30 days of receiving your Enhanced DBS certificate. This currently costs £13 per year.
If the subscription remains up to date, you will not be required to complete another DBS application, unless there are changes to your criminal record status. You must retain your DBS Certificate once it has been issued. You will be required to give consent for the Taxi Licensing Department to be nominated as an authority to view your DBS certificate status during the life of your licence.
Should your DBS certificate status change or your subscription lapses, a new enhanced DBS certificate must be provided within one month. Alternatively, you will need to obtain and new enhanced DBS every 6 months. Failure to do so may result in a committee hearing to review your driver’s licence.