Driver renewal
Follow these steps to renew your driver licence.
Step 1
You will need to share your driving licence with us.
You can do this by obtaining a check code and downloading the certificate.
View or share your driving licence information [external link]
You may need to apply for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
We will have already written to you if one is due.
You can also check the back of your taxi licence badge for the date your current DBS expires.
Apply for a DBS if needed
You will need to provide us with the DBS code:
- If you already subscribe to the DBS update service, you do not need to apply for a new DBS check. We will automatically check your DBS status every 6 months.
- If you don’t already subscribe then within 28 days days of requesting your certificate you must subscribe to the update service. We are required by law to check your DBS status every six months.
We can only do this through the update service.
Please note, if you do need to request a DBS, you don’t need to wait for the certificate before applying to renew your licence.
Apply for a DBS
The initial application must be completed by logging into the DBS website [external link]
Enter the organisation reference DBC123 and password is Darlington
You need to make an appointment for your ID to be verified by Darlington Borough Council.
DBS or right to work ID check appointment
Once your identification has been checked you will need to pay £44.
Verify your documents
You need to make an appointment for your ID to be verified by Darlington Borough Council.
Call 01325 405888 to book a document check.
We will have contacted you if your medical assessment is due.
Check the back of your drivers badge for the expiry date of your last medical assessment.
You will need to download a medical assessment form which needs to be completed and signed by your GP.
Your GP must be one who has knowledge of your medical history.
Download the medical examination report [pdf document].
Alternatively we can post this out to you if you email your name and address to taxi [email protected].
When you have completed these and obtained the relevant information you can apply for a licence online.
More information about the medical certificate
This must be completed by the applicant applicant’s own GP or a medical practitioner with access to the applicant applicant’s medical history.
The medical certificate will be valid for a period of 6 months after which either a new medical form or letter (from original GP) confirming that there has been no change in the medical fitness of the applicant.
Once the medical is 12 months old a letter will not be accepted and a new medical will be required.
Applicants aged over 45 years must provide evidence of their medical fitness to hold a licence every five years and once they reach the age of 65 years an annual medical will be required.
If a driver has a medical condition that requires notification to the DVLA e.g. sleep apnoea they must also notify the Council in writing at the same time that DVLA is notified.
You must complete a tax check to renew a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence, or to apply for the same type of licence with a different licensing authority.
Complete a tax check for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence [external link].
Step 2
For the DBS document check you need to bring your proof of identity documents.
If you have followed the steps correctly you will have already applied for this online.
Required documents
The documents required to enable us to verify your details are listed here.
You must provide one document from Group 1 and any two additional documents from any group.
Group 1 primary identity documents
- Current valid UK passport
- Biometric residents permit
- Current driving licence (UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and can be full or provisional) A photo card is only valid if the individual presents it with the associated counterpart licence
- Birth Certificate (UK and Channel Islands) issued at time of birth. Full or short form is acceptable including those issued by UK authorities overseas such as embassies, high commissions, armed forces.
Photocopies are not acceptable.
Group 2a trusted government or state issued documents
- Current UK driving licence (old style paper version)
- Current non UK photo driving licence, valid only for applicants living outside of the UK at time of application
- Birth Certificate (UK and Channel Islands) issued after the time of birth by the General Register Office or relevant authority i.e. registrar.
- Marriage/ Civil Partnership certificate (UK and Channel Islands)
- Adoption Certificate (UK and Channel Islands)
- HM Forces ID card (UK)
- Fire Arms Licence (UK and Channel Islands)
Photocopies are not acceptable.
Group 2b financial/ social history documents
- Mortgage Statement (UK or EEA)
- Financial Statement e.g. pension, endowment, ISA (UK) less than three months old
- P45/P60 statement (UK and Channel Islands) issued within the last 12 months
- Council Tax statement (UK and Channel Islands) issued within the last 12 months
- Work Permit/Visa (UK residence permit) issued within the last 12 months
- Utility Bill not a mobile phone bill less than three months old
- Benefit Statement child allowance, pension less than three months old
- A document from Central/Local Government/Government agency/Local Authority giving entitlement (UK and
Channel Islands) e.g. from Department of Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, Customs and Revenue,
Job Centre, Job Centre plus, Social Security less than three months old. - EU National ID card
- Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo (UK and Channel Islands)
Remembering to renew your licence is your responsibility.
Two months before your licence is due for renewal, we will send you an email reminder.
Please leave plenty of time for your licence to be validated and processed.
The email reminder will contain a link and a code for you to enter to retrieve your renewal information.
You can copy and paste it from the email.
Step 3
Make the appropriate application
Documents you are required to upload with your application:
- Driving Licence
- DVLA check code
- DBS certificate or DBS update service code
- Medical assessment form (if required)
Hackney carriages are public transport vehicles which are licensed to "ply for hire".
They can:
- be hailed by prospective passengers in the street
- park on a rank to await the approach of passengers
Private hire vehicles (or minicabs) are public transport vehicles.
However, a private hire vehicle cannot ply for hire or stand in a rank.
It must be pre booked with a private hire
operator for example through the operator, usually by telephone.
Dual badge drivers are licensed to drive both types of taxi.