DBS Update Service: Why every PCO driver should sign up

If you've been through a PCO licence renewal before, you know the DBS check can be a headache. The certificate is only valid for three months, so if you apply too early it expires before TfL processes your paperwork. Apply too late and you're the one holding things up. It's a timing game you shouldn't have to play.

The fix is simple: sign up for the DBS Update Service. It costs £16 a year, keeps your certificate valid indefinitely, and TfL now requires it anyway. Here's what you need to know.

What it actually does

The DBS Update Service is a government subscription that keeps your DBS certificate current. Instead of getting a new enhanced DBS check every time you renew your PCO licence (which costs £52-54 each time), you pay £16 a year and your existing certificate stays valid.

When TfL processes your renewal, they check your status online in seconds. No paperwork, no waiting, no timing headaches. It's one less thing to worry about in a process that already involves medicals, tax checks, and chasing documents.

Why it matters now

Since February 2024, TfL has required all new and renewing PCO drivers to register for the service. It's not optional anymore — it's baked into the standard licensing process.

If you're not already signed up, you'll have to do it at your next renewal. And with TfL processing times currently stretched to several months due to system issues and backlogs, the last thing you want is your DBS causing additional delays. We've covered the current situation in our guide to what to do if your PCO application is stuck — but the short version is: get everything in order early, and that includes your DBS.

First-time applicants vs renewals

If you're applying for your first PCO licence, the DBS check is one of the early steps in the process. You'll apply for an enhanced DBS through an umbrella body, and once you receive the certificate, you have 30 days to register it on the Update Service.

For renewals, it's slightly different. If you registered for the Update Service last time around, you're already covered — just make sure your subscription is still active. If you didn't, you'll need to get a fresh DBS check and register within the 30-day window this time.

Either way, the process is the same. And once you're on the Update Service, future renewals become much simpler. The DBS portion — which used to be one of the trickiest parts of the PCO renewal process — is essentially sorted for good.

The 30-day window (don't miss it)

Here's the catch: you can only register for the service within 30 days of your DBS certificate being issued. Miss that window and you're stuck. You'll have to apply for a completely new DBS check and try again.

If your current certificate is older than 30 days and you never signed up, you can't add it retrospectively. You'll need to get a fresh enhanced DBS check at your next renewal, then register within 30 days of receiving it.

Set a calendar reminder the day your certificate arrives. This deadline is strict and the DBS service won't make exceptions. It's one of those admin tasks that takes five minutes but costs you weeks if you forget.

How to sign up

Registration takes about five minutes online. You'll need your DBS certificate to hand.

Go to gov.uk/dbs-update-service and create an account. You'll enter your certificate number, personal details (exactly as they appear on the certificate), National Insurance number, and a payment card for the £16 annual fee.

Once you're registered, you'll get an Update Service ID. This is separate from your certificate number — you'll need both when applying for or renewing your PCO licence, so keep them somewhere safe.

The subscription renews automatically each year. Make sure your card details stay current, because if the payment fails your subscription lapses. You'll get an email reminder before each renewal, but it's worth putting a note in your calendar too.

What happens if your subscription lapses

If your payment fails and you don't update your card details in time, your subscription ends. Your DBS certificate is no longer on the Update Service, which means TfL can't verify it online.

This doesn't immediately affect your current PCO licence — you can keep driving. But when your licence comes up for renewal, you'll need to apply for a brand new enhanced DBS check, wait for it to arrive, and register for the Update Service again within 30 days.

It's not the end of the world, but it adds time and cost to your renewal. Given the current delays at TfL, you want your renewal to be as straightforward as possible. Keep that subscription active.

How TfL uses it

When you apply for or renew your PCO licence, you'll provide TfL with your certificate number and Update Service ID. They run an online check that tells them whether your certificate is still current.

The check doesn't show TfL the contents of your DBS — just whether anything has changed since it was issued. You'll still need your original certificate for the application. But the online verification means no waiting around for paperwork to clear.

If something has changed on your record since the certificate was issued (a new conviction, for example), the check flags this and you'll need to apply for a new DBS. But for most drivers, the check confirms everything is fine and your application moves forward.

Already registered? Here's what to check

If you signed up for the Update Service at your last renewal, you're ahead of the game. Before your next renewal, just confirm a few things:

1. Your subscription is still active — log in at gov.uk/dbs-update-service to check

2. Your payment card hasn't expired or been replaced

3. You know your certificate number and Update Service ID

That's it. The DBS portion of your renewal is sorted. You can focus on the other parts of the process.

The cost in context

At £16 a year, the Update Service is one of the cheaper parts of being a PCO driver. For comparison, a new enhanced DBS check costs £52-54 each time. PHV insurance runs into thousands. The vehicle inspection is £140. Your medical is £80-150 depending on your GP.

We've put together a full breakdown of what it actually costs to be a PCO driver in 2026 if you want to see where your money goes. The DBS Update Service is a small line item, but it saves you hassle that's worth far more than £16.

Quick answers

What does it cost? £16 per year, paid by card, renews automatically.

Do I need an enhanced DBS? Yes. PCO drivers require the enhanced level check — that's what you'll have if you've been through the PCO application process.

Can I use it for other jobs? Usually, yes. If another employer needs an enhanced DBS, the same certificate and subscription typically works.

What if I have problems with my account? Call the DBS helpline on 03000 200 190 (Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm).

I'm a Splend customer — do I still need to do this? Yes. The DBS check and Update Service registration are part of your personal PCO driver licence, not the vehicle. We handle the vehicle licensing and inspection side, but the driver licence is yours to manage.

The bottom line

The DBS Update Service is one of those things that takes five minutes to sort out and saves you hassle for years. It's £16, TfL requires it, and it removes one of the most annoying timing problems from the renewal process.

If you're not registered, do it at your next renewal — and don't miss the 30-day window.