What You Need to Know Before You Start
A TLC license in New York City is a medallion or license plate issued by the Taxi and Limousine Commission that lets you legally operate a yellow taxi, green cab (Boro Taxi), or for-hire vehicle like Uber or Lyft. The process differs depending on which type of vehicle you want to drive, and the requirements are strict — the city checks your driving record, criminal history, and medical fitness before you get approved.
You cannot straightforward buy a license and start driving. You must pass a written exam, get a medical clearance, and meet specific background requirements. The entire process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you gather documents and schedule your exam.
Key Takeaways
- Yellow taxi medallions require you to own or lease the medallion itself, which costs thousands of dollars, while Boro Taxi and for-hire vehicle licenses do not require medallion ownership.
- You must pass the TLC written exam, which covers New York City traffic laws, passenger safety, and geography; study materials are free on the TLC website.
- A medical exam and background check are required, and you will be disqualified for certain felonies, serious misdemeanors, or drug-related convictions within the past ten years.
- Your driving record must show no more than three moving violations in the past three years, and you cannot have been suspended or revoked in the past five years.
- The TLC processes applications online through their website; you cannot walk into an office and explore in person.
The Three Types of TLC Licenses and What Each Costs
A yellow taxi medallion is the traditional yellow cab you see throughout the city. To operate one, you must own or lease a medallion, which is a separate purchase. Medallion prices fluctuate but typically range from $13,000 to $20,000 to lease annually, or you can buy one outright for significantly more. Once you own or lease the medallion, you then pay the TLC for your driver's license, which costs $276.50 for a four-year license.
Boro Taxi (green cabs) operate in outer boroughs and specific areas of Manhattan. You do not need to own a medallion — you straightforward pay the TLC $276.50 for your four-year license. This is the lowest-cost entry point if you want to drive a licensed taxi.
For-hire vehicle licenses cover rideshare drivers and private car services. You pay $276.50 for a four-year license. You do not own a medallion; instead, you work through a company like Uber, Lyft, or a traditional car service that holds the for-hire license itself.
Step-by-Step: how the process works for Your TLC License
Start by creating an account on the TLC's online portal at nyc.gov/tlc. You will need an email address and a password. Once logged in, you can begin your process, upload documents, and schedule your exam.
Gather the required documents before you start: a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID), proof of New York State residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), your Social Security number, and your complete driving record from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. If you have lived in New York for less than one year, you must also provide a driving record from any other state where you held a license in the past five years.
Upload all documents through your online account. The TLC will review them and notify you by email whether you are cleared to schedule your exam. This review typically takes one to two weeks. If documents are missing or unclear, they will tell you what to resubmit.
Once approved, you schedule your written exam through the portal. Exams are offered at multiple TLC testing centers throughout the city. You choose a date and time that works for you.
Passing the TLC Written Exam
The TLC written exam has 50 multiple-choice questions covering New York City traffic laws, passenger safety rules, vehicle maintenance, and street geography. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. The exam is offered in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian, Korean, Haitian Creole, and Arabic.
Study materials are free on the TLC website: a driver's manual, a map of the city, and sample exam questions. Many drivers study for two to four weeks before taking the test. You can retake the exam if you fail, but you must wait at least one week before scheduling another attempt.
Bring your photo ID and your exam confirmation email to the testing center. The exam takes about one hour. You will receive your score when ready after completing it.
Medical Exam and Background Check Requirements
After you pass the written exam, you must get a medical exam from a TLC-approved physician. The TLC provides a list of approved doctors on their website. The exam checks your vision, hearing, and general health to may support you can safely operate a vehicle. The cost is typically $50 to $100, paid directly to the doctor. You cannot have certain medical conditions that would prevent safe driving, such as uncontrolled seizures or severe vision impairment.
The TLC also runs a background check that includes a criminal history search and a check of your driving record. You will be disqualified if you have a felony conviction within the past ten years, certain misdemeanors (including drug offenses, assault, or theft), or a suspended or revoked license in the past five years. Three or more moving violations in the past three years will also disqualify you.
If you have a criminal record but believe you should still be considered, you can request a waiver from the TLC. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis and is not may provide.
What Happens After You Are Approved
Once you pass the exam, pass the medical exam, and clear the background check, the TLC will issue your license. You will receive a TLC driver's license card in the mail, which is valid for four years. This card is separate from your New York State driver's license and must be displayed in your vehicle while you are working.
If you are driving a yellow taxi, you must also have the medallion registered to you or your employer. If you are driving a Boro Taxi, you must work for a licensed Boro Taxi base. If you are driving for a for-hire service, you must be registered with that company and have their authorization to drive.
Your TLC license can be suspended or revoked if you accumulate too many violations while driving, fail to maintain insurance, or commit certain infractions. The TLC monitors licensed drivers and can issue summonses for violations like refusing a passenger, overcharging, or unsafe driving.
Common Reasons Applications Are Denied or Delayed
The most common reason for denial is a criminal record within the disqualifying timeframe. Drug convictions, felonies, and certain misdemeanors are automatic disqualifiers unless you receive a waiver. Driving record issues — too many violations, a recent suspension, or a revoked license — also result in denial.
Applications are delayed most often because documents are missing, unclear, or outdated. A utility bill must be dated within 60 days; an older one will not be accepted. Driving records must be official documents from the DMV, not printouts from your personal account. If the TLC asks for more information, respond as quickly as you can — delays in your response delay your entire process.
Some applicants are delayed because they do not schedule their medical exam promptly after passing the written test. The medical exam must be completed within a certain timeframe, or you may have to retake the written exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a New York State driver's license to get a TLC license?
Yes. You must have a valid New York State driver's license or a valid license from another state if you have lived in New York for less than one year. Your state license must not be suspended or revoked.
Can I drive for Uber or Lyft without a TLC license?
No. All drivers for Uber, Lyft, and other for-hire services in New York City must have a TLC license. The company will not set up your account without one.
How long does the entire process take?
From process to receiving your license card typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you submit documents, schedule your exam, and complete the medical exam. If the TLC requests additional information or if you fail the written exam and need to retake it, the timeline extends.
What if I fail the written exam?
You can retake the exam after waiting at least one week. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the exam fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the free materials provided by the TLC.
Can I work as a TLC driver if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type and age of the conviction. Felonies and certain misdemeanors within the past ten years are automatic disqualifiers. You can request a waiver, but approval is not may provide and is decided case by case by the TLC.