Drug Testing Requirements - TLC

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Drug Testing Requirements

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Drug Testing Requirements

Please note: Effective June 1st, 2023, drug testing fee will increase from $32.00 to $34.00.

TLC Licensed Drivers (Medallion, Street Hail Livery and For-hire vehicle drivers) must take and pass a drug test EVERY YEAR in order to keep their license current and valid. (Paratransit or Commuter Van Drivers are not drug tested by TLC.)

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New Applicant Drug Testing

New TLC Driver License Applicants must be tested to show that they are not using illegal substances.

You must go to a TLC approved drug test location to be tested. This requirement must be completed after submitting your TLC application.

To visit a TLC authorized drug test location you can either:

Call LabCorp (800) 923-2624 to schedule an appointment. Results take approximately 3 days.

Or be seen on a walk in basis at one of the seven locations on the New Driver Applicant Drug Test Information

INTERIM (Annual) DRUG TESTING

You must take and pass your drug test no more than ninety (90) days before the interim date. Drug tests taken earlier will be rejected. Failure to take your drug test on time will result in a suspension. Drug tests taken thirty (30) days or more after the interim date will remain on suspension and a $200 fine will be added. Your license will remain on suspension until:

A drugtest is taken and passed.

The openfine is paid.

Choose from the list of TLC approved LabCorp Locations to provide drug testing. Schedule an appointment by calling (800) 923-2624.

A map, along with a list of LabCorp Drug Test Locations is available on NYC OpenData.

To check\confirm the date by which you are required to take your Interim Annual Drug Test click on the link TLC UP.
TLC UP gives you an inside look into the status of the items you have submitted.

Renewal Drug test

If you are a TLC driver in your renewal year, you must take and pass your drug test within the ninety (90) days before the expiration date on your license. Failure to take and pass your renewal year drug test will result in the expiration of your license.
Choose from the list of TLC approved LabCorp Locations to provide drug testing. Schedule an appointment by calling (800) 923-2624. A map, along with a list of LabCorp Drug Test Locations is available on NYC OpenData.

Drug Test Frequently Asked Questions

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I am a new applicant and I took my drug test, when will I receive my TLC license?

Once an applicant has completed and submitted all TLC requirements, the application will be thoroughly reviewed. The applicant will either receive his/her license in the mail or a letter requesting additional information necessary to continue the application process.

Applicants are encouraged to take their drug test as soon as the application has been submitted to the TLC.
Applications are valid for ninety (90) calendar days from the date it is submitted to TLC. If an applicant does not complete all the licensing requirements within ninety (90) days, the application will be denied. All application fees are non-refundable.

When do I need to take my Interim Annual (anniversary) drug test?

TLC drivers who drive a Medallion Taxicab, Street Hail Livery and a For-Hire vehicle must take and pass their drug test every year up to ninety (90) days before the interim (anniversary) date of their license in order to keep the license valid.(Does not apply to Paratransit or Commuter Van Drivers.)

How do I schedule my drug test and where do I go?

You can schedule a Drug Test appointment by calling 1(800) 923 2624. Please go to NYC OpenData for a list of Drug Test Locations

How long does it take for TLC to obtain the Drug Test results?

It takes three (3) business days for TLC to obtain the drug test results from LabCorp.

Who is required to take the Interim (anniversary) drug test?

All TLC drivers who drive a Medallion Taxicab, Street Hail livery and a For-Hire Vehicle must take the interim drug test. Paratransit and Commuter Van Drivers are not required to take the drug test.

What will happen to my license if I do not take my Interim (anniversary) drug test?

Failure to take your Interim (anniversary) drug test on time will result in a suspension. Your license will remain on suspension until a drug test is taken and passed. Drug tests taken thirty (30) or more days after the interim date will have a fine of $200 imposed.

Please note: If a fine is imposed, failure to timely pay the fine will result in license suspension even if you have taken and passed a drug test.

What is the difference between an Interim (anniversary) drug test and the Renewal year drug test?

If you are a TLC Driver who drives a Medallion Taxicab, a Street Hail Livery or a For-Hire Vehicle, and you are in an interim (anniversary) year on your license, you must take and pass your drug test up to ninety (90) days before your license’s anniversary date. Failure to take and pass your interim drug test will result in your license being suspended and fines being imposed.

If you are a TLC driver who drives a Medallion Taxicab, a Street Hail Livery or a For-Hire Vehicle, and you are in your renewal year, you must take and pass your drug test within the ninety (90) days before the expiration date on your license. Failure to take and pass your renewal year drug test will result in the expiration of your license.

What happens if I fail my Interim (anniversary) drug test?

If you fail your interim (anniversary) drug test, the TLC will notify you by mail that you failed your drug test and your license will be suspended. The letter will also give you instructions on how to contest the drug test results if you wish to do so. You will then need to go to a hearing where you may be required to surrender your TLC driver license.

What happens if I fail my renewal year drug test?

If you fail your drug test during your renewal year, the TLC will notify you by mail that you have failed your drug test and your license will not be renewed. The letter will also give you instructions on how to contest the drug test results if you wish to do so. You will not be able to renew your license unless you successfully contest the failed drug test result.

Can I challenge a failed drug test?

Yes. If you were taking medication that you believe could have caused the positive result, you can send a clear copy of your prescription(s) from your pharmacy or physician.

For additional information, please download the instructions on How to Contest a Failed Drug Test.

Do I need to pay the Drug Test Fine if I no longer wish to be a TLC Driver?

If you have decided not to continue with your license you can surrender it immediately to the TLC. Download the form to cancel your license at Request to cancel TLC drivers license . Failure to surrender your license could subject you to fines and penalties that will impact your ability to file a new application at a later date should you decide to obtain a new license.

Do I have to take a drug test if I do not drive?

Yes, regardless if you drive or not, you must take and pass the drug test ninety (90) days before your interim annual or expiration date to keep your license current and valid.

I will not be able to take my drug test because I will be out of town. What do I need to do?

If you are in your interim (anniversary) year, you must take and pass your drug test ninety (90) days before your anniversary date or the license will be suspended. Failure to take your Interim (anniversary) drug test on time will result in a suspension. Your license will remain on suspension until a drug test is taken and passed.

Drug tests taken thirty (30) or more days after the interim date will have a fine of $200 imposed.

Please note: If a fine is imposed, failure to timely pay the fine will result in license suspension even if you have taken and passed a drug test.

If you are in your renewal year, you must take and pass your drug test ninety (90)days before your expiration date. Failure to take and pass your renewal year drug test before your expiration date will result in the license not being valid to operate For-Hire.

I am a police officer and received a drug test suspension letter. What do I need to do?

If you are currently a police officer, you need to request a drug test waiver at our Licensing facility, located at: 31-00 47th Avenue, 3rd floor, Long Island City, NY 11101. You must obtain an off duty form approved by your Commanding Officer and Human Resources

My TLC license is suspended because the TLC does not have a record of my most recent drug test. What do I need to do?

If you recently took a drug test please email the Chain of Custody form to tlccompliance@tlc.nyc.gov in order to have your record updated and suspension removed.

I received a letter stating I took my drug test too early. What do I need to do?

You must follow the instructions as stated on the letter or contact the compliance unit via email for additional information at tlccompliance@tlc.nyc.gov.

I need to take a drug test but I am unable to provide a urine sample due to medical reasons. What do I need to do?

To obtain information you may email the Compliance department at tlccompliance@tlc.nyc.gov. You will need to provide a letter issued by your doctor indicating you are unable to provide a urine sample due to medical reasons. Diagnosis is not required.

My TLC license has a suspension placed by the Legal Department. Do I have to take my drug test?

Yes. Contact Labcorp at 1(800) 923-2624 to schedule an appointment.

What documents do I have to bring with me to take my drug test?

All new applicants must bring the TLC application payment receipt and their DMV license.
All current licensees must bring their TLC License and their DMV license with them.
ALL applicants or licensees must be ready to pay the required drug test fee when they appear for their drug test.