TLC Driver License

The TLC Driver License lets you drive a taxi or for-hire vehicle. This includes:

• Medallion taxis
• Green taxis (street hail livery)
• Livery cars
• Black cars
• Luxury limousines

To get this license, you must:

• Pass a fingerprint background check
• Have your DMV driving record checked
• Pass a drug test

The TLC has one license for all taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers. This does not include paratransit and commuter van drivers. They need separate licenses.

If you already have a TLC license, you do not need a new one to drive a different type of taxi or for-hire vehicle. Your current license is valid until it expires.

• Check your driver's license points:

  • You cannot have more than five points on your driver's license in the last 15 months.

• Get your chauffeur license:

  • You need a copy of your chauffeur license. In New York State, this is a Class A, B, C or E. If your license is from another state, check with your state driver licensing agency.
  • If you have an out-of-state license, you also need an original out-of-state driver record dated no more than 90 days from the date you will file your application.

• Gather your personal information:

  • You need a valid Social Security number, an email address and a phone number. You will be notified by email or text if more information is needed.

• Complete the TLC medical form:

  • A licensed doctor must complete the TLC medical form.

• Watch the sex trafficking video:

  • Watch the sex trafficking video on the TLC website.

• Complete the defensive driving course:

  • You need a temporary receipt or official certificate of course completion within three years of the New York State DMV defensive driving course.

• Prepare for payment:

  • Have a credit card, debit card or checking account to cover application fees. All fees must be paid online and are non-refundable. The license fee is $252. You can pay with an e-check for free. Payment with a credit or debit card will have a fee of 2.49 percent of the payment amount.
  • Pay any parking, traffic or TLC tickets you may have.

• Special requirements for certain applicants:

  • NYPD employees: If you work for the NYPD, you need a Letter of Approval from your Commanding Officer and an Off Duty Employment Form signed and approved by your commanding officer and the department's Employee Management Division.
  • Active military or reserves: If you are active military or reserves, you need a certificate of current active military status and your military ID. You can request records from the Department of Defense.
  • Veterans: If you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you need a copy of discharge papers or a certificate of release (Form DD214) and your Veteran ID. This may be requested from the U.S. National Archives.

• Complete all steps within 90 days: You need to finish everything within 90 days of your online application. This includes:

  • Taking a drug test
  • Getting your fingerprints and photo taken
  • Completing education requirements

  To schedule a drug test, call LabCorp at (800) 923-2624. They will send your results to the TLC in about three days. You can find test locations here: Drug Test Requirements

• Get your fingerprints and photo taken: Visit www.identogo.com to schedule an appointment. Use the ORI number "TAXI" to find locations for TLC applicants. You will need your TLC license application number and your DMV license number to log in.

• Complete a 24-hour education course: You must finish a 24-hour education course and pass a final exam with a score of 70 or higher. The course and exam are available in:

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Bengali
  • Urdu
  • American Sign Language

  More information can be found here: Driver Education Information

• Renew your TLC driver license: Pay $252 online with a credit card, debit card or electronic check. Pay at least 30 days before your license expires. This helps you avoid a $25 late fee.
• Take a drug test: Do this at least 90 days before your license expires. The testing center will tell the TLC if you pass.
• Retake defensive driving course: If your last defensive driving course was more than three years ago, retake it. Send proof to the TLC.
• Take wheelchair-accessible vehicle training: If you have not taken this training, you need to take it. The school will tell the TLC when you finish the course.
• Submit out-of-state driver record: If you do not have a New York State DMV driver license, send an original out-of-state driver record. It must be dated no more than 90 days before your license expires. Contact your state's DMV to get the record.
• Pay fines: Pay any parking or traffic tickets. Also, pay any TLC fines.
• Attend TLC driver education: Only For-Hire-Vehicle drivers who applied for a license between March 20, 2015, and December 19, 2015, need to attend TLC Driver Education. They also need to take the exam before renewal. If you have taken the course and passed the exam for the TLC 24-hour course, you do not need to retake it.

• Submit your documents:
  • Documents cannot be submitted in person. Submit your required documents to the TLC within 90 days of submitting your application. Write your DMV driver license number on the top of all documents. You can send them by email to newdrivermr@tlc.nyc.gov, which is the fastest way. They can also be faxed to 646-500-6923 or sent by mail.
    
    NYC TLC Licensing and Standards Division
    Attention: New Driver Application Requirements
    31-00 47th Ave., 3rd floor
    Long Island City, NY 11101
    Email: newdriverm@tlc.nyc.gov
    Phone: 718-391-5501
    Fax: 646-500-6293

• Submit your application and payment online.