NYC TLC Driver License 2026 Guide
Updated April 2026
Official requirements from nyc.gov for Uber, Lyft, yellow taxi, black car, and livery.
This page follows the official TLC driver licensing order so applicants can complete all requirements inside the 90 day deadline.
Estimated total cost
$745+ (typical $805 to $1,000+)
Deadline after applying
90 days to finish all steps
Typical processing
3 to 6 weeks
License validity
3 years
Before You Apply
Timeline
📝
Step 1 • Day 1
Apply online and pay
🚗
Step 2 • Days 1 to 7
Class E upgrade at DMV
🧪
Step 3 • Days 1 to 14
Drug test and fingerprints
🎓
Step 4 • Days 7 to 30
Education courses
✅
Step 5 • Days 14 to 30
Pass TLC exam
📬
Step 6 • Week 4 to 6
License issued
Step by Step
Step 1
Upgrade DMV license to Class E
In person
Approx $10 to $25
Step 1
Upgrade DMV license to Class E
In person
Approx $10 to $25
- Visit NY State DMV and request Class E upgrade from Class D.
- Bring identity proof, current license, and SSN.
- Out of state drivers must provide certified abstract for the last 2 years, no older than 90 days.
- Out of state applicants and licensees (new, renewal, replacement) must complete ID-5 DMV process effective Oct 1, 2025.
- After DMV completes ID-5 and photo, keep FS-6T receipt and upload it to TLCUP.
- Replacement requests also require emailing FS-6T to licensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov.
Step 2
Submit TLC application in LARS
Online
$252 non refundable
Step 2
Submit TLC application in LARS
Online
$252 non refundable
- Start the application in LARS and submit a new TLC driver application.
- Upload SSN card, Class E copy, and medical form.
- Save your TLC application number for all next steps.
- All remaining steps must be finished within 90 days of this submission.
- TLC fees are fully non refundable even if the application is denied.
Step 3
Medical examination
In person
Approx $50 to $100
Step 3
Medical examination
In person
Approx $50 to $100
- Use Medical Certification Form for new driver applicants.
- Exam may be done by licensed physician, urgent care, or walk-in clinic.
- Upload signed form to TLCUP.
- Form is available in multiple languages including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu.
Step 4
Drug test
In person
Approx $34
Step 4
Drug test
In person
Approx $34
- Schedule with LabCorp at (800) 923-2624.
- Walk-in is allowed at approved sites listed on TLC drug test information sheet.
- LabCorp sends results directly to TLC in about 3 days.
Step 5
Fingerprinting and photo
In person
$90.25
Step 5
Fingerprinting and photo
In person
$90.25
- Schedule at IdentoGO with service code 15425Y.
- Use TLC application number and DMV license number.
- Use ORI TAXI for approved locations.
- Fingerprint and photo results are processed and sent directly to TLC.
Step 6
3 day TLC education course
In person
$245 to $250
Step 6
3 day TLC education course
In person
$245 to $250
- Complete 24 hours at a TLC authorized school.
- Covers geography, TLC rules, accessibility, safety, and passenger service.
- Applicants with long-lapsed licenses may be required to retake full course per TLC policy updates.
Step 7
Pass TLC exam
In person
$49 per attempt
Step 7
Pass TLC exam
In person
$49 per attempt
- Schedule via PSI testing links from TLC page.
- 80 questions, pass mark is 70 percent.
- Retakes require new exam payment.
- Education and exam requirements must still be completed inside 90 days of application date.
Step 8
WAV passenger assistance training
In person
$50 to $125
Step 8
WAV passenger assistance training
In person
$50 to $125
- Required for all applicants even if you do not plan WAV trips.
- This is passenger assistance training and is commonly bundled by TLC schools.
- Upload certificate to TLCUP.
Step 9
Defensive driving course
Online or in person
$25 to $75
Step 9
Defensive driving course
Online or in person
$25 to $75
- Take NYS DMV certified 6 hour course unless valid prior completion within 3 years.
- Upload completion certificate to TLCUP.
- If a qualifying course was completed within 3 years before application, requirement is waived.
Step 10
Sex trafficking awareness video
Online
Free
Step 10
Sex trafficking awareness video
Online
Free
- Watch mandatory TLC awareness video and mark complete in TLCUP.
Step 11
Clear tickets and fines
Required
Varies
Step 11
Clear tickets and fines
Required
Varies
- Pay all NYC parking tickets and NYS traffic tickets before final review.
- Unpaid fines can block approval.
Step 12
Final document review and approval
Online
No added TLC fee
Step 12
Final document review and approval
Online
No added TLC fee
- Verify all submissions in TLCUP.
- Enable SMS notifications for missing documents.
- TLC reviews complete files and issues decision within the 90 day processing window.
- Approved licenses are mailed by TLC.
- For missing requirement turnaround, TLC may direct applicants to newdrivermr@tlc.nyc.gov.
Out of State Applicants and Licensees
- Effective Oct 1, 2025, all out of state applicants and licensees must complete the ID-5 DMV step for Client ID validation.
- Bring ID-5 form to NYS DMV. DMV staff complete the form and take photo. There is no photo charge.
- Keep FS-6T receipt and upload to TLCUP. Replacement requests must also email FS-6T to licensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov.
- Applications submitted on or after Oct 1, 2025 are not processed until FS-6T is uploaded.
Documents Needed Before You Start
- Social Security card.
- Copy of chauffeur-equivalent license (NYS Class E or Commercial A, B, C).
- Out of state DMV abstract dated within 90 days of online filing date.
- Completed medical exam form from licensed physician.
- Payment method: credit card, debit card, or checking account.
- NYPD and military applicants should prepare additional approval or service documents as required by TLC.
Education Requirements Inside 90 Days
- New TLC Driver License 3 day course.
- Passenger Assistance and WAV training.
- TLC Driver License exam.
- Sex Trafficking Awareness training video.
- Defensive Driving (DDC) requirement.
Language Support
- Application and medical guidance are available across major TLC-supported languages including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Polish, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu.
- Use the official Application Guide PDF and TLC licensing pages for latest translated resources.