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A standard passenger vehicle in the state of New York requires a basic Class D driver's license.

However, a special license or endorsement may also be required to drive some commercial or passenger vehicles. Most applications for a special licenses or endorsements can be completed through the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some will require interactions with other agencies.

TLC Driver License Status. Check the list of drivers licensed to operate a TLC-licensed vehicle. Check the list of drivers licensed to operate a TLC-licensed vehicle. Check the list of drivers licensed to operate a TLC-licensed vehicle.
TLC Driver License Status. Check the list of drivers licensed to operate a TLC-licensed vehicle. Check the list of drivers licensed to operate a TLC-licensed vehicle. Check the list of drivers licensed to operate a TLC-licensed vehicle.
insert:covid-alertTo drive taxis and other livery vehicles in New York State, you must be 18 years of age or older and you must have a driver license that is one of these classesClass A commercial driver license (CDL)Class B CDLClass C CDLClass E driver license If you plan on travelingWe recommend you come to the DMV now to get an Enhanced or REAL ID, and avoid a second.
A form of ID, such as your NY driver's license. Payment for fees: Permit fee: $12.50. Title fees and taxes for NY residents. Proof that you have valid auto insurance. Apply for NY License Plates. Getting your NY license plates is part of the vehicle registration process.

New York State (NYS) law requires you to notify DMV within 10 days of any PERMANENT address change if you have a NYS driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID card, or a NYS registration for a vehicle, boat, or snowmobile. DO NOT report a temporary address change. Change your address online.

Below you'll find the general information to get started.

NY Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Some vehicles and driving professions will require you to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). Whether you'll need to apply for a Class A, B, or C CDL depends on a number of factors, including:

The number of axles and/or weight of the vehicle.
The number of passengers the vehicle is able to transport.
Whether or not you will be transporting hazardous materials.

Here are a few vehicles that commonly require a CDL:

Tractor trailers.
Passenger buses.
Tankers.
School buses.
Shuttles.

For more information about obtaining a commercial driver's license in NY, check out our New York CDL applications page.

NY Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)

If you frequently travel by land or sea to Canada or Mexico or some other countries in the Caribbean, applying for a New York enhanced driver's license (EDL) could make your experience easier. In New York, EDL holders may travel across these countries' borders without a passport.

To be eligible, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Be a New York resident.
Complete an Application for Driver License Or Non Driver ID Card (Form MV-44).
Pay all applicable fees.
- There is an additional $30 EDL fee in addition to your standard NY licensing fees.

For detailed information on converting your NY regular driver's license to an Enhanced NY license, please check out the NYS DMV's guide to early license renewal and conversion.

For-Hire Drivers in New York

Licensing requirements for taxi drivers, limousine drivers, or chauffeurs will vary according to where you live within the state.

Drivers throughout New York State are regulated by the DMV and require a Class E license.
Drivers working in New York City are regulated by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and will require additional permits and licenses.

Class E License

For-hire drivers in the state of New York will need to obtain a Class E driver's license to operate taxis, limousines, and some vans.

To apply, make an appointment to visit your local DMV office and:

Surrender your Class D driver's license to the DMV.
- As long as you've taken the written, road, and vision tests required for a basic Class D driver's license, additional examinations will not be needed.
  - If you don't have a Class D driver's license, additional testing may be necessary.
  - You will follow the process for applying for a NY driver's license, but you will apply for a Class E, rather than a Class D.
Provide proof of identity and birth date.
- Typically this will be your Class D driver's license.
- If you do not have your Class D license, you will need to show acceptable proof—see our guide to applying for a NY driver's license for details.
Complete an Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card(Form MV-44).
Pay the required fees.
- As fees are tallied based on your current license expiration date, the DMV cannot give you a total cost until your licensing appointment.

Licensing in New York City

To operate taxis, limousines, or other for-hire passenger vehicles within New York City, you'll have to apply for additional licenses and permits through the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). You must be at least 19 years old to apply.

You can apply for your NYC taxi license one of two ways:

Online through the TLC's Lars application portal.
- If you apply online, you will fill out the application and pay the required fee through the TLC's portal. You'll then get an e-mail with an in-person appointment date/time, where you will bring the necessary additional documents, and have your photo/fingerprints taken.
In person by scheduling an appointment.
- By scheduling an appointment in-person for the full application process, the TLC will e-mail you a date and time for your application. You'll need to bring all documentation with you, plus payment for your fee.
- You can complete the Application for a TLC Driver License (Ver. 2017) prior to visiting the TLC office.

BEFORE you submit your application, you must complete a required video training by the TLC, viewable on their website. See the TLC's New Driver Application Checklist for details and a link to the video.

In addition to filling out the application materials, you will need to meet the following requirements and provide the listed documents. All requirements must be met within 90 days of submitting your application, including completion of any applicable training courses.

ALL APPLICANTS (Section 1)

Submit the Application for a TLC Driver License (Ver. 2017).
Provide proof of Social Security number (SSN).
Submit your valid NYS or out-of-state chauffeur license or its equivalent.
- For NYS licenses, the TLC will accept Class E, A, B, or C driver licenses.
- If your license is from out of state, you must also submit a certified driving recorddated within 90 days of application.
Provide payment for all fees:
- Licensing fee: $252.
- Fingerprinting fee: $90.25.

MEDALLION TAXICAB AND FHV APPLICANTS (Section 2)

In addition to the above in Section 1, you must:

Submit the following:
- Proof of a co

Ny Tlc License Address Change