What you need to know before you start
A TLC driver license is required to drive a yellow taxi, green cab, or for-hire vehicle like Uber or Lyft in New York City. The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) issues these licenses, and the process involves background checks, medical clearance, and a written test. You cannot drive passengers for money in the city without one, even if you have a regular New York State driver's license.
The process itself is done online through the TLC's website, but you will also need to complete steps in person at a TLC office. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you gather your documents and schedule appointments.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid New York State driver's license, a Social Security number, and proof of New York State residency before you begin the TLC process.
- The TLC requires a medical exam from a doctor on their approved list and a drug screening, both of which you pay for yourself.
- You will take a written test at a TLC office that covers traffic laws, passenger safety, and city geography — you need a score of at least 70 percent to pass.
- Background checks include a review of your driving record and criminal history, and certain convictions or violations will disqualify you.
- Once approved, your TLC license is valid for two years and must be renewed before it expires if you want to continue driving for hire.
Documents you must have before explore
Gather these documents before you go to the TLC website. You will need them to complete your online process, and you will bring originals or certified copies to your in-person appointment.
Start with a valid New York State driver's license or learner's permit. If your license is from another state, you must first get a New York State license. You will also need proof of Social Security number — your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return all work. For proof of New York State residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you have lived in New York State for less than one year, you will also need to show where you lived before — a utility bill or lease from your previous address. The TLC uses this to check your background across states.
The online process and medical requirements
Go to the TLC's official website and create an account to start your process. You will enter your personal information, driver's license number, and Social Security number. The form asks about your driving history and any criminal convictions. Answer honestly — the TLC will verify everything through the Department of Motor Vehicles and criminal databases.
Before you submit your online process, you must schedule a medical exam with a doctor on the TLC's approved list. The TLC publishes this list on their website, and you can search by location. The exam checks your vision, hearing, and general health — the doctor is looking for conditions that would make it unsafe for you to drive passengers. You pay the doctor directly; the cost varies but is typically between $75 and $150. The doctor will give you a form to bring to your TLC appointment.
You will also need a drug screening. Some doctors on the TLC list offer this as part of the medical exam; others refer you to a separate testing facility. Ask the doctor's office when you schedule your appointment.
Taking the TLC written test
After you submit your online process, the TLC will send you an email with instructions to schedule your in-person appointment. This appointment includes the written test. You can take the test in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Russian, or Creole, depending on which TLC office you visit.
The test has 50 questions covering New York State traffic laws, safe driving practices, passenger safety, and New York City street geography. You have two hours to complete it. You need a score of at least 70 percent to pass — that is 35 correct answers. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will have to pay the process fee again.
Bring your medical exam form, drug screening results, and all your original documents to the test appointment. The TLC staff will review them before you sit for the test. Bring a photo ID and arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Background check and approval
The TLC runs a background check that includes your driving record from New York and any other states where you have held a license. They also check for criminal convictions. Certain violations will disqualify you — these include serious traffic offenses like driving under the influence, reckless driving, or hit-and-run. The TLC also looks at the timing of violations; a conviction from 20 years ago is treated differently than one from two years ago.
If you have a criminal record, you are not automatically disqualified. The TLC considers the nature of the crime, how long ago it happened, and what you have done since. If you are unsure whether your record will be a problem, you can contact the TLC before you explore to ask about your specific situation.
After you pass the test and the background check clears, the TLC will issue your license. You will receive it by mail or can pick it up at a TLC office. Your license is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
Renewal and what happens if you are denied
Before your TLC license expires, you can renew it online. The renewal process is shorter than the initial process — you do not retake the written test, but you do need a new medical exam and drug screening. The TLC sends renewal reminders by email about 90 days before your license expires.
If the TLC denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include failing the written test, a disqualifying criminal conviction, or a serious driving record violation. If you were denied because of your driving record or criminal history, you can request a hearing to present your side of the story. You have 30 days from the denial letter to request a hearing. If you were denied because you failed the test, you can straightforward retake it.
TLC office locations and how long it takes
The TLC has offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. You can find the full list of addresses and hours on the TLC website. Some offices are busier than others, so wait times for appointments vary. During busy periods, you may wait several weeks to get a test appointment; during slower periods, you might get in within a week or two.
The entire process from submitting your online process to receiving your license usually takes four to eight weeks. This timeline assumes you have all your documents ready, pass the medical exam and drug screening, pass the written test on your first try, and have no issues with your background check. If you need to retake the test or if there are questions about your background, it will take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TLC license if I drive for Uber or Lyft?
Yes. Any driver who transports passengers for money in New York City must have a TLC license, regardless of the company. Uber and Lyft drivers need a TLC for-hire vehicle license, which follows the same process process as a yellow taxi license.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test as many times as you need. Each time you retake it, you pay the process fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The TLC website has study materials and practice tests you can use to prepare.
Can I drive for hire while my process is being processed?
No. You must have your TLC license in hand before you can legally drive passengers for money. Driving without a license can result in fines and criminal charges.
What if I move out of New York State after I get my TLC license?
Your TLC license is only valid in New York City. If you move, you cannot use it. You do not need to formally surrender it, but you cannot drive for hire in the city anymore.
How much does the TLC process cost?
The TLC process fee is separate from the medical exam and drug screening costs. Check the TLC website for the current process fee, as it may change. The medical exam and drug screening are paid directly to the provider and typically cost between $75 and $200 combined.