If you are applying for or renewing a Private Hire vehicle or operator license in London, the goalposts have shifted. As of 2025, Transport for London (TfL) has tightened its regulations regarding overseas criminal record checks.

For many applicants who previously lived or worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the requirement to produce a Saudi Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)—also known as a Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC)—has become a primary hurdle in the licensing process.

In this guide, we’ll break down the new TfL rules and explain how you can secure your Saudi PCC online without having to travel back to the Middle East.

The 2025 TfL Mandate: The “3-Month Rule”

The most significant change for 2025 is the duration of stay that triggers an overseas check. TfL now requires all applicants to provide criminal record documentation if they have lived outside the UK for three continuous months or more within the last 10 years.

Previously, many drivers only worried about this if they had lived abroad for years. Now, even an extended holiday, a short-term work contract, or a lengthy family visit in Saudi Arabia exceeding 90 days requires official documentation.

Key TfL Requirements Checklist:

Form TPH/205: You must complete the “Living Abroad Details” form to declare your time in KSA.
10-Year History: You must account for all residences outside the UK over the last decade.
Authenticity: The certificate must be authenticated by the relevant embassy or consulate.
Certified Translation: If your Saudi PCC is issued only in Arabic, you must provide a certified English translation.

Why Obtaining a Saudi PCC from the UK is Challenging

For many UK-based drivers, obtaining a Saudi PCC is more complex than in other countries. Typically, the Saudi government requires:

A valid Absher account (which often expires after leaving the country).
Digital fingerprinting or an “Endorsement Letter” from the Saudi Embassy in London.
Verification through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Attempting to navigate these bureaucratic layers alone can lead to delays, resulting in TfL suspending your application or refusing your license on public safety grounds.

How to Get Your Saudi PCC Online for TfL Licensing

To meet the 2025 TfL standards, your Saudi PCC must be current and officially verified. Here is the streamlined process to ensure your license application remains on track:

1. Determine Your Eligibility

Check your passport stamps. If you were in Saudi Arabia for 90+ days at any point in the last 10 years, you must obtain the PCC.

2. Apply Online via HR Stride

Rather than dealing with the complexities of the Saudi Embassy or trying to reactivate an old Absher account, you can use a professional service. At HR Stride, we specialise in helping UK residents get their Saudi PCC online quickly and accurately.

3. Complete the Documentation

You will typically need to provide:

A copy of your current passport.
Your old Iqama (residency permit) number or a copy of your Saudi Visa.
Passport-sized photographs.

4. Authentication and Translation

TfL requires “Official Authentication.” Our service ensures that your document is not only retrieved but is also in a format that TfL’s licensing team ([email protected]) will accept, including certified translations where necessary.

Avoid Delays in Your Private Hire Career

TfL’s 2025 guidelines are clear: they reserve the right to refuse applications without these records. Don’t let a 3-month stint in Saudi Arabia stop you from earning a living in London.

By securing your Saudi PCC online through a trusted partner, you ensure that your Certificate of Good Conduct meets the mandatory document standards, allowing you to submit your TPH/205 form with confidence.

Need your Saudi PCC for a TfL application?

Click here to start your Saudi PCC Online application today and stay compliant with the 2025 Private Hire regulations.

TfL 2025 Requirements: How to Obtain Your Saudi PCC Online from the UK