Where to check your TLC license status online
The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) operates an online license lookup tool at tlc.ny.gov where you can see the current status of your driver license. You will need your TLC license number or your name and date of birth to search. The tool shows whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired, and it updates within one business day of any status change.
The TLC also maintains a public disciplinary database at the same website that lists violations, fines, and enforcement actions. This database is searchable by driver name or license number and shows the history of any complaints or infractions on record. Both tools are free to use and do not require you to log in or create an account.
Key Takeaways
- The TLC online lookup at tlc.ny.gov shows your license status using your TLC license number or your name and date of birth.
- Status updates appear within one business day, so checking online is faster than calling the TLC office.
- The public disciplinary database on the same site lists all violations, fines, and complaints tied to your license.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the TLC website explains the reason and the steps required to restore it.
- You can also call the TLC at 212-645-5555 during business hours to speak with someone about your status, though wait times are often long.
What each license status means
An active license means you are currently authorized to drive for a TLC-licensed base, medallion, or for-hire vehicle service. You can legally accept passengers and work without restriction. Active licenses must be renewed every three years, and the TLC sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration.
A suspended license means you cannot legally drive for hire, but the suspension is temporary and can be lifted. Common reasons include unpaid fines, failure to complete required training, medical certification issues, or violations of TLC rules. The TLC website and your suspension notice will state the specific reason and what you must do to restore your license.
A revoked license means the TLC has permanently terminated your authorization to drive for hire. Revocation typically results from serious violations such as criminal convictions, repeated safety violations, or fraud. Revoked licenses cannot be restored; you would need to reapply from the beginning and meet all initial requirements.
An expired license means your three-year authorization period has ended. You cannot legally drive for hire with an expired license, even if you were active before. Renewal requires submitting a new process, passing a medical exam, and paying the renewal fee.
How to renew your license before it expires
The TLC sends renewal notices by mail approximately 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes instructions, required forms, and the renewal fee amount. You can renew online through the TLC website, by mail, or in person at the TLC office at 33 Beaver Street in lower Manhattan.
Online renewal is the fastest method and typically takes five to seven business days. You will need your TLC license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. The TLC accepts credit cards and debit cards online. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing. In-person renewal at the TLC office usually takes one to two hours depending on wait times.
Renewal requires a current medical certificate from a TLC-approved physician. If your medical certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one before you can renew your license. The TLC maintains a list of approved physicians on its website, and the exam typically costs between $15 and $50 depending on the provider.
What to do if your license is suspended
If your license is suspended, the TLC will notify you by mail with the reason and the steps required to restore it. The most common reasons are unpaid fines, failure to complete a required training course, or a medical certification issue. Check the TLC website or your suspension notice to see the exact reason.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed. The TLC accepts payments online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Once payment is received and processed, your license status typically updates within one business day. If the suspension is due to a training requirement, you must complete the course through an approved provider and submit proof to the TLC.
If the suspension is medical, you must obtain a new medical certificate from a TLC-approved physician and submit it to the TLC. The TLC will review the certificate and restore your license if it meets requirements. If you believe the suspension was issued in error, you can request a hearing by contacting the TLC office in writing or by phone.
Understanding TLC violations and disciplinary records
The TLC disciplinary database lists all violations, fines, and complaints associated with your license. Violations include safety infractions (such as vehicle maintenance issues), customer service complaints, rule violations (such as refusing a fare), and criminal convictions. Each entry shows the date, the violation type, the fine amount, and whether the fine has been paid.
Violations remain on your record permanently, but they do not automatically affect your license status unless they result in suspension or revocation. However, the TLC considers your violation history when deciding whether to renew your license or take enforcement action. Accumulating violations over time increases the risk of suspension or revocation.
You can view your complete violation history on the TLC website by searching your name or license number. If you believe a violation was recorded in error, you can request a hearing to dispute it. Contact the TLC office to request a hearing, and bring any evidence that supports your position.
How to contact the TLC if you cannot find your status online
If the online lookup tool does not return results, your license number or name may be entered incorrectly. Double-check the spelling of your name and the accuracy of your license number. If you do not have your license number, you can search by name and date of birth instead.
If you still cannot find your status, call the TLC at 212-645-5555 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Have your license number, name, and date of birth ready. Wait times are often long, especially in the morning and early afternoon. You can also visit the TLC office in person at 33 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004.
The TLC also accepts written inquiries by mail. Send a letter to the TLC at 33 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004, including your name, license number, and the specific question or issue. Response times for mail inquiries are typically two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to renew my TLC license?
TLC licenses are valid for three years from the date of issue. The TLC sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration. You must renew before the expiration date to continue driving legally for hire.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for renewal?
If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you cannot legally drive for hire, even if your renewal process is pending. Renew as early as possible to avoid a gap. If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but you may face penalties or fines depending on how long it has been expired.
Can I check someone else's TLC license status?
Yes. The TLC disciplinary database is public and searchable by anyone. You can look up any driver's violation history, suspension status, and enforcement actions. However, the online status lookup tool requires the license number or the driver's name and date of birth.
What should I do if I see a violation on my record that I did not commit?
Contact the TLC office and request a hearing to dispute the violation. Bring any evidence that supports your position, such as receipts, witness statements, or documentation showing the violation was recorded in error. The TLC will review your evidence and issue a decision.
Does a suspended license affect my personal driver license?
No. A suspended or revoked TLC license only affects your authorization to drive for hire. Your personal New York State driver license remains valid. However, if the TLC suspension or revocation resulted from a criminal conviction, that conviction may affect your personal license separately.