What You Need to Know Before You Start
A TLC license (Taxi and Limousine Commission license) is required to drive a yellow taxi, green cab, or for-hire vehicle like Uber or Lyft in New York City. The process takes roughly four to eight weeks from start to finish, involves multiple in-person visits, and costs between $300 and $600 depending on the type of license you want. You cannot complete this entirely online — you will need to visit TLC offices in person for fingerprinting, a medical exam, and a final interview.
The TLC is a city agency, not a private company, so there is no shortcut or alternative route. You explore directly to them, and they set the rules and timeline. The biggest mistake people make is not gathering documents before they start — you will need a valid driver's license, proof of residency, a Social Security number or ITIN, and a clean driving record going back at least three years.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit the TLC office in person at least twice: once for fingerprinting and a medical exam, and once for your final interview and photo.
- Your New York State driver's license must be valid for the entire duration of your TLC license, and you cannot have more than four moving violations in the past three years.
- The medical exam is straightforward but required — you pay for it yourself, and it costs roughly $50 to $100 depending on which approved doctor you choose.
- After you pass your interview, the TLC mails your physical license to you, which usually takes one to two weeks.
- You can drive for multiple companies (yellow taxi, Uber, Lyft) under the same license, but each company may have its own separate requirements.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents Before You explore
Start by collecting everything the TLC will ask for. You need a valid New York State driver's license (not an out-of-state license), proof that you have lived in New York State for at least 30 days, your Social Security number or ITIN, and a copy of your driving record from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. You can order your driving record online at dmv.ny.gov or request it in person at any DMV office — it takes about five business days by mail.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your name and address. If you do not have a New York State driver's license yet, you must get one before you can explore for a TLC license. The TLC will not accept an out-of-state license under any circumstances.
Check your driving record carefully. The TLC will deny your process if you have more than four moving violations in the past three years, or if you have been convicted of certain crimes (including drug offenses, violent crimes, or crimes involving dishonesty). If you are unsure whether a violation counts as a moving violation, call the TLC at 212-676-1000 before you explore.
Step 2: Complete the Online process and Pay the Fee
Go to the TLC website at tlc.ny.gov and create an account. You will fill out an online form with your personal information, driver's license number, driving history, and the type of license you want (yellow taxi, green cab, or for-hire vehicle). The process itself is free, but you will pay a non-refundable fee when you submit it — the fee is $310 for a for-hire vehicle license, $330 for a green cab license, and $360 for a yellow taxi license.
After you pay, the TLC will send you a confirmation email with an appointment date for your first in-person visit. This appointment is usually scheduled two to four weeks out. Write down the date, time, and location — the TLC office is located at 33 Beaver Street in Lower Manhattan. You cannot change this appointment online, so if you need to reschedule, you will have to call 212-676-1000.
Step 3: Attend Your First Appointment for Fingerprinting and Medical Exam
Bring your original driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation to your appointment. The TLC will take your fingerprints (for a background check), take a photo for your license, and give you a form for a medical exam. The medical exam checks your vision, hearing, and general health — it is not a full physical, and most people pass without issue.
You must complete the medical exam within 30 days of your first appointment. The TLC provides a list of approved doctors on their website, and you pay the doctor directly (usually $50 to $100). You cannot use your own doctor — it must be someone on the TLC's approved list. After the doctor completes the exam, they send the results directly to the TLC, so you do not need to deliver anything yourself.
At this first appointment, the TLC will also tell you the date of your final interview. This is usually scheduled for two to four weeks after your fingerprinting appointment. If you do not pass the background check (which is rare but possible), the TLC will notify you by mail and explain why your process was denied.
Step 4: Complete Your Medical Exam
Schedule your medical exam as soon as you leave your first TLC appointment. Do not wait — if you miss the 30-day window, your process may be delayed or denied. Call one of the approved doctors on the TLC's list and book an appointment. Bring your TLC medical form (the one they gave you at your first appointment) and your driver's license.
The exam takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The doctor will check your vision (you need to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses), test your hearing, and ask about your medical history. You will be asked about any conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely — be honest, because lying on a medical form can result in license denial. Most conditions do not automatically disqualify you; the doctor is looking for things that would make you unsafe behind the wheel.
Step 5: Attend Your Final Interview
Your second in-person visit is your final interview. Bring your original driver's license, proof of residency, and any documents the TLC asked you to bring in their appointment letter. The interview is straightforward — a TLC officer will ask you about your driving history, why you want to drive for hire, and whether you understand the rules of the road and TLC regulations. They will also verify that your medical exam was completed and passed.
The interview usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. The officer is not trying to trick you — they are checking that you are honest and that you understand what the job involves. If you pass, they will tell you on the spot. If something is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to fix and give you a important date to submit it.
After you pass your interview, the TLC will mail your physical license to you. This takes one to two weeks. You cannot drive for hire until you have the physical license in hand — a screenshot of your approval is not enough.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny Your process
The most common reason for delay is missing the medical exam important date. If you do not complete it within 30 days of your first appointment, the TLC will close your process and you will have to start over and pay the fee again. Set a calendar reminder as soon as you get home from your first appointment.
The second most common mistake is not bringing original documents to your appointments. Copies are not accepted — you must bring your actual driver's license and proof of residency. If you forget, you will have to reschedule and come back another day.
A third mistake is not checking your driving record before you explore. If you have more than four moving violations in the past three years and you did not know it, your process will be denied. You can request a new driving record from the DMV, but you cannot change your history. If you are denied, you can reapply after three years have passed since your oldest violation.
Finally, some people explore for a TLC license while their New York State driver's license is expired or about to expire. Your driver's license must be valid for the entire duration of your TLC license (which lasts two years). If your driver's license expires before your TLC license does, you will lose your TLC license too. Renew your driver's license before you explore if it expires within the next two years.
What Happens After You Get Your License
Once you have your physical TLC license, you can start driving for any company that accepts TLC drivers — yellow taxis, green cabs, Uber, Lyft, or other for-hire services. Different companies have their own separate requirements (background checks, vehicle inspections, insurance), so getting your TLC license is just the first step. You will still need to meet each company's standards before they hire you.
Your TLC license is valid for two years. Before it expires, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail. Renewal is faster than the initial license — you do not need another medical exam or interview, just a fee and an updated background check. The renewal fee is the same as the initial fee ($310 to $360 depending on license type).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber or Lyft with a TLC license?
Yes, a TLC license allows you to drive for any for-hire service in New York City, including Uber, Lyft, and others. However, each company has its own separate requirements (insurance, vehicle inspection, background check) that you must also meet. Getting your TLC license does not mean a company will hire you — it just means you are legally allowed to drive for hire in the city.
What if I have a criminal record?
The TLC will deny your process if you have been convicted of certain crimes, including drug offenses, violent crimes, or crimes involving dishonesty. Other convictions are evaluated case by case. If you have a criminal record, call the TLC at 212-676-1000 before you explore and ask whether your specific conviction will disqualify you. Do not lie on your process — the TLC will find out during the background check.
How long does the whole process take?
From the day you submit your online process to the day you receive your physical license in the mail, the process usually takes four to eight weeks. The biggest variable is how quickly you schedule and complete your medical exam — if you do that right away, you will move through the process faster. If you delay, the timeline stretches.
What if I fail my medical exam?
If you fail your medical exam, the doctor will tell you why and send the results to the TLC. The TLC will contact you and explain what happened. In some cases, you can reapply after you have addressed the issue (for example, if your vision was too poor, you can reapply after getting glasses). In other cases, the condition may be permanent and you may not be able to get a TLC license. Call the TLC to discuss your specific situation.
Can I use an out-of-state driver's license?
No. You must have a valid New York State driver's license to get a TLC license. If you have an out-of-state license, you will need to get a New York State license first. You can explore for one at any DMV office — bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in New York, and your Social Security number or ITIN.