How to Get a TLC Driver License in NYC (Step by Step)
Want to drive for Uber, Lyft, a black car base or a livery company in New York City? You need a TLC driver license from the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission. Here are the requirements, every step in order, and the fees — so you can apply once and get it right.
Who can get a TLC driver license
According to the TLC, you must have:
- Age 19 or older
- A valid chauffeur’s license from the DMV — New York Class E (for-hire), or a commercial Class A, B or C. A regular Class D license is not enough. See how to get a NY driver license.
- A valid Social Security number
- No unpaid fines or fees owed to the NYS DMV or the TLC
- No more than 5 points on your DMV license in a 15-month period
- You must also meet the TLC’s fitness rules.
10 steps to your TLC driver license
Every step below must be finished within 90 days of your application, or the TLC denies it.
- Get your Class E license from the DMVUpgrade your Class D to Class E at a DMV office (vision test and fee), or request Class E when you get your first license.
- Apply online in LARSSubmit the TLC driver license application at www1.nyc.gov/lars and pay the $252 fee. Have your Social Security card and license ready.
- Take the drug testSchedule with LabCorp at (800) 923-2624, or walk in to a LabCorp site. Results take about 3 days.
- Get fingerprinted and photographedBook with IdentoGO using TLC service code 15425Y.
- Complete the medical examA licensed physician fills out the TLC Medical Certification Form (New Driver Applicant), which you upload.
- Take a 6-hour Defensive Driving CourseAny NYS DMV-approved course counts (online is fine), unless you completed one in the last 3 years. Upload the certificate on TLC UP.
- Take the New TLC Driver License courseA 3-day course at a TLC-authorized school.
- Complete Passenger Assistance & WAV trainingWheelchair-accessible vehicle training, also at a TLC-authorized school.
- Pass the TLC Driver License examGiven by PSI Testing Services. Also watch the 10-minute Sex Trafficking Awareness Training video.
- Pay all ticketsPay any NYC parking tickets and NYS traffic tickets. Then track your application status in TLC UP.
TLC driver license fees
| Item | Fee | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| TLC application (3-year license) | $252 | TLC (LARS) |
| Drug test | $34 | LabCorp |
| Fingerprints & photo | $90.25 | IdentoGO |
| New TLC Driver License course (3 days) | $245–$250 | TLC-authorized school |
| Passenger Assistance & WAV training | $50–$125 | TLC-authorized school |
| TLC Driver License exam | $49 per attempt | PSI Testing Services |
| Defensive Driving Course | $25–$75 | DMV-approved provider |
Source: NYC TLC — Get a TLC Driver License. All TLC fees are non-refundable. Your DMV Class E fee is separate.
After you get your TLC driver license
A TLC driver license lets you drive for hire. The vehicle also needs its own TLC license, TLC plates and TLC insurance.
- Get a TLC-licensed vehicle. Rent or lease one from a fleet, or license your own — see how to get TLC plates (FHV license).
- Get TLC insurance. If you own the vehicle, you need for-hire insurance that meets TLC minimums. Get a TLC insurance quote.
- Affiliate with a base. FHVs must be affiliated with a TLC-licensed base (app companies like Uber and Lyft operate bases).
- Renew every 3 years. See how to renew your TLC driver license.
TLC driver license questions
How long does it take to get a TLC driver license?
The TLC gives you 90 days to complete every requirement. How fast it goes depends on how quickly you finish the drug test, fingerprints, courses and exam.
Can I get a TLC license with a regular (Class D) license?
No. The TLC requires a chauffeur’s license — NYS Class E, or a commercial Class A, B or C. You can upgrade from Class D to Class E at a DMV office.
How much does a TLC driver license cost in total?
Based on the TLC’s fee list, expect roughly $745–$875 for the TLC fee, drug test, fingerprints, courses, exam and defensive driving, plus your DMV Class E fee.
How old do I have to be?
At least 19 for a TLC driver license. The DMV issues Class E licenses from age 18.
Do I need my own car?
No. Many drivers rent or lease a TLC-plated vehicle. If you own the vehicle, it needs its own TLC vehicle license, TLC plates and for-hire insurance.
Official sources: TLC Get a TLC Driver License · DMV Class E license
Last updated October 2026. Rules and fees change — always confirm with the NYC TLC or NYS DMV before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Need TLC insurance? We can help.
Fast TLC quotes, broker changes and renewals from our Richmond Hill office — in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi.