Where to check your TLC license status online
The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) lets you check your driver license status through their official website without calling or visiting an office. Go to tlc.ny.gov, find the "License Status" or "Check License Status" section, and enter your TLC license number. The system will show you whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired.
You will need your TLC license number to use this tool — the number appears on your physical license card. If you do not have your number handy, you can search by your name and date of birth instead, though some versions of the tool require the license number for faster results.
The online status checker updates regularly but may lag by a day or two behind changes made at the TLC office. If you need to know about a change you made very recently — like submitting a renewal or paying a violation — calling the TLC directly may give you the most current information.
Key Takeaways
- Visit tlc.ny.gov and use the License Status tool to see whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired without leaving home.
- You will need your TLC license number, though you can search by name and date of birth if you do not have it available.
- The online system updates regularly but may show information that is one or two days old, so very recent changes might not appear when ready.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the status page usually explains the reason and what you need to do to restore it.
- You can also call the TLC at their main office line or visit in person if you need to speak with someone about your status.
What different license statuses mean
Active means your license is current and valid for work. You can legally drive passengers for hire under your TLC license.
Expired means your license term has ended and you cannot work until you renew it. The status page will show the expiration date. You can renew through the TLC website or by mail, depending on what type of renewal the TLC is currently processing.
Suspended means your license is temporarily taken away, usually because of unpaid violations, failure to complete required training, or a medical issue flagged during a renewal. A suspension can be lifted once you address the underlying problem — pay the violation, complete the training, or provide updated medical clearance. The status page typically explains which of these applies to you.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled. This usually happens after serious violations, criminal convictions, or repeated suspensions that were not resolved. A revoked license cannot be renewed; you would have to reapply for a new license from the beginning, which involves the full process process and fees.
Why your license might be suspended or revoked
The most common reason for suspension is unpaid TLC violations. These are fines issued for things like driving without proper documentation, refusing a passenger, or vehicle safety violations. If you receive a violation notice and do not pay by the important date, the TLC suspends your license automatically.
Failure to complete required training also triggers suspension. TLC drivers must complete certain courses — like passenger information training or defensive driving — by specific dates. If you miss the important date, your license goes into suspension until you finish the course and submit proof to the TLC.
Medical issues can lead to suspension if the TLC has concerns about your fitness to drive. This might happen if you report a health condition during renewal, fail a medical exam, or if the TLC receives a report about your driving. You can usually restore your license by providing updated medical documentation from a doctor.
Criminal convictions, especially those involving violence, drugs, or dishonesty, can result in revocation. So can a pattern of serious violations or multiple suspensions that you did not resolve.
How to restore a suspended license
First, check the status page to see what caused the suspension. The reason will usually be listed — unpaid violation, incomplete training, or medical issue.
If it is an unpaid violation, you can pay online through the TLC website, by mail, or in person at the TLC office. Once payment is processed, your license is typically restored within one to three business days. Keep your payment confirmation in case you need to prove you paid.
If you are missing required training, register for the course through an approved TLC training provider. After you complete it, submit your certificate of completion to the TLC. You can do this by mail, in person, or through the TLC website if they have an online submission option. Your license will be restored once they receive and process your certificate.
If the suspension is medical, contact the TLC to find out what documentation they need. You will usually have to see a doctor and have them complete a TLC medical form, then submit it to the TLC office. Once they review it and approve your fitness to drive, your suspension is lifted.
Contacting the TLC if the website does not help
If the status page does not explain your suspension, or if you need to discuss your case with someone, you can call the TLC's main office. The phone number is listed on tlc.ny.gov. Wait times can be long, especially during business hours, so calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon sometimes means shorter holds.
You can also visit the TLC office in person at 33 Beaver Street in lower Manhattan. Bring your license or ID and any documents related to your case — violation notices, training certificates, medical forms, or payment confirmations. The office is open during standard business hours, and staff can look up your file and explain what you need to do next.
If you are disputing a violation or suspension, ask about the formal hearing process. You have the right to request a hearing before an administrative judge to contest the TLC's decision. The status page or the staff member you speak with can tell you how to request one and what important date you have to do so.
Renewing your license when it expires
When your license is about to expire, the TLC sends a renewal notice to the address on file. The notice includes instructions for renewing online or by mail. You can also start a renewal on the TLC website without waiting for the notice.
Renewal usually requires you to pay a fee, provide updated information, and sometimes pass a medical exam or complete a training course. The exact requirements depend on your license type and how long it has been since your last renewal. The TLC website lists the current requirements and fees.
If you renew before your license expires, you avoid a lapse in your ability to work. If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive for hire until the renewal is processed. Processing times vary, but you should expect two to four weeks.
What to do if you lost your license number
If you do not have your TLC license number, you can still check your status by searching on the TLC website using your full name and date of birth. Some versions of the search tool require the license number, but others accept name and date of birth as an alternative.
If the website search does not work, call the TLC or visit in person with a photo ID. Staff can look up your file and tell you your license number, your current status, and any violations or suspensions on your record.
You can also find your license number on any official TLC correspondence you have received — violation notices, renewal notices, or suspension letters all include it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a status change to show up online?
The TLC website usually updates within one to two business days of a change. If you just paid a violation or submitted a training certificate today, it may not show as resolved until tomorrow or the day after. If it has been more than two days, call the TLC to confirm the change was processed.
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended TLC license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and permanent revocation. If your license is suspended, you cannot work as a TLC driver until it is restored.
What if the status page says my license is revoked?
A revoked license cannot be restored. You would have to reapply for a new TLC license from the beginning, which involves submitting a new process, paying the process fee, passing a medical exam, and completing required training. Contact the TLC to learn about the reapplication process and whether you are may be able to access to reapply.
Do I need to renew my license in person or can I do it online?
The TLC offers both online and mail renewal options. The method available to you depends on your license type and the TLC's current processing capacity. Check the TLC website or your renewal notice to see which options are open. Online renewal is usually faster.
What happens if I do not renew before my license expires?
Your license becomes invalid and you cannot legally work. You can still renew after expiration, but there may be a late fee. The longer you wait, the longer the processing time. Renew as soon as you receive your renewal notice to avoid losing income.