Renew a Vehicle License Frequently Asked Questions - TLC

Taxi & Limousine Commission


Renew a Vehicle License

For-Hire Vehicle
Vehicle Insurance
Vehicle, Plate, and Base Transfers
For-Hire Vehicle License Storage
Renew a Vehicle License
Check License Status
FHV Corporations
Yellow Cab
Green Cab
Commuter Van
Paratransit
Update Contact Information
Received a Summons?
Licensed Vehicles Frequently Asked Questions
Seat Belt Law

For-Hire Vehicle

Vehicle Insurance

Vehicle, Plate, and Base Transfers

For-Hire Vehicle License Storage

Renew a Vehicle License

Check License Status

FHV Corporations

Yellow Cab

Green Cab

Commuter Van

Paratransit

Update Contact Information

Received a Summons?

Licensed Vehicles Frequently Asked Questions

Seat Belt Law


Renew a Vehicle License Frequently Asked Questions

Expand AllCollapse All

Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.

What do I need to do to renew my TLC vehicle license?

A renewal package is mailed to each vehicle owner 120 days prior to the expiration date of the license. You must submit your renewal payment online. Read the Renewal Checklist sent to you with your renewal package for instructions. You must mail additional supporting documents that are needed to renew your license to: TLC’s Licensing and Standards Division Long Island City facility. If you did not receive your renewal package, please call our Call Center at: 718-391-5501. If you are not renewing your license, you must turn your plates in to the DMV and submit (by mail) a copy of the surrender document (FH1 or similar) to the TLC’s Licensing and Standards Division Long Island City facility.

I made my renewal payment to the TLC, but I have not heard back from the TLC. Who should I contact?

First – You must make sure the email address we have on file for you is correct. The TLC will only email the confirmation form to the current email address on record. If you have not provided an email or if your email address on file is incorrect, you must submit your current email address online Second - Contact your base to see if they have received an appointment confirmation form. If they tell you they have not, check our web site for the inspection scheduled DMV Appointment to see if an inspection has been scheduled for your vehicle. If you do not see anything on our website, you should contact the TLC Call Center at 718-391-5501. They will confirm the receipt of your payment and provide you with information on your renewal.

What type of vehicle inspection will I need after my renewal application has been approved?

The type of vehicle inspection needed to complete the renewal of your license is based upon the vehicle license you are renewing. For information on what type of vehicle inspection you will need (visual or full DMV) please refer to the Vehicle Renewal Checklist.

My vehicle failed its inspection. What should I do? Do I need a new appointment?

If your vehicle failed its initial inspection, you will receive a vehicle inspection report (VIR) that tells you why it failed. The vehicle must pass its inspection before the inspection compliance date. The inspection compliance date is 60 days from first scheduled inspection date (even if you failed to show up for the inspection appointment). You only have four (4) opportunities for your vehicle to pass the DMV inspection.

A reinspection fee is only owed if a vehicle fails its initial inspection and is brought back and reinspected after making the necessary repairs. No reinspection fee is owed if a vehicle passes its initial inspection.
Beginning November 12, 2019, vehicle owners will no longer need to pay in advance for vehicle reinspections at TLC’s Woodside Inspection facility. Reinspection fees must be paid online after the reinspection at nyc.gov/lars.

View step-by-step instructions on how to pay your reinspection fees.

Woodside Inspection only: You do not need a new appointment. The VIR lists the hours when you can return to the TLC Woodside facility for the vehicle to be reinspected once you have made the necessary repairs.

Can I operate until my inspection date?

If your inspection date is not until after the expiration date of your license, you cannot legally operate until your vehicle has passed inspection.

How will I be notified of the vehicle inspection appointment needed to renew my vehicle license?

Once your vehicle renewal application is received by the TLC, your license will be reviewed. If renewal application is not complete: You will receive a letter from the TLC telling you what is missing. You will not be scheduled for an inspection appointment until all requirements are received on or before your expiration date. If your renewal application is complete: You will be scheduled for your vehicle inspection appointment by TLC, and will be sent an instruction letter via email with you confirmation appointment attached. If you need to check the date and time of your vehicle’s inspection appointment form or print out a copy, you can now do so through the TLC Upload Portal. Learn how to view your Inspection Certificate.

I missed my vehicle inspection appointment - what do I need to do?

Woodside Inspection: If you missed your 1st Woodside scheduled inspection appointment, your TLC record will be marked that you missed your appointment and you will lose 1 of the 4 tries your vehicle has to pass a vehicle inspection. To get a new appointment, your base must request one for you. We will send the new appointment confirmation to your base. To reschedule your inspection appointment, your base must request a new appointment at: www.nyc.gov/tlcappointment.

I am not able to go to my scheduled vehicle inspection appointment. How can I re-schedule the appointment?

If you cannot go to your 1st scheduled inspection appointment, your base will need to request another appointment for you. The base must make this request at least 2 business days before the scheduled date on your inspection appointment confirmation form. If not, your TLC record will be marked that you missed your appointment and you will lose 1 of the 4 tries your vehicle has to pass a vehicle inspection. The TLC will send the new appointment confirmation to your base. To reschedule your 1st inspection appointment your base must send a request on our website at: www.nyc.gov/tlcappointment.

Can I renew my vehicle at the same time that I am doing a Base Transfer?

Currently Base Transfers are completed online by submitting a transfer request to FHVTransfers@tlc.nyc.gov. You should pay renewal fees before submitting any request. The vehicle license expiration date is on the decal (blue sticker, diamond) located on the vehicle.

What happens after I have passed my vehicle inspection for my renewal?

Once your vehicle passes inspection, TLC Officers will need to place the appropriate decals on your vehicle and your renewal is then complete and you are able to operate your vehicle.

How many times a year must I get my vehicle inspected?

Your vehicle must be inspected every 4 months. Your vehicle must first be inspected by the TLC in order to get a new vehicle license. After the initial TLC inspection your vehicle must be inspected by a NYS DMV approved inspection station every 4 months during the 2 years of your license. TLC will also inspect your vehicle to renew your existing vehicle license or when you do a vehicle transfer. The renewal inspection will take place at the TLC Safety and Emissions facility, completing your renewal.

How many inspections do I have to do at the TLC Inspection Sites?

Your vehicle will be inspected at the TLC Safety and Emissions facility 2 or 3 times during the term of your 2 year vehicle license. Your vehicle must be inspected by the TLC: the first time you get a vehicle license. when you renew your vehicle license when you replace your current vehicle (vehicle transfer).

Can someone who does not have a TLC Driver License operate a TLC-licensed vehicle for personal use?

Yes, a TLC licensed vehicle can be operated by anyone with a valid and current State issued Drivers license for personal use and reasons. Please be aware that the vehicle can be pulled over and summonsed by a TLC Inspector or Police Officer if they have reason to believe the vehicle is being operated for-hire or they witness a violation of local laws.

How can I terminate a vehicle affiliation from my Paratransit Base or Commuter Van Authority?

To remove a Paratransit or Commuter Van vehicle from your base records (un-affiliate), you must fill out and submit the Electronic Vehicle Termination of Affiliation Form via our website.

How can I terminate a vehicle affiliation from my FHV Base?

There are two ways to do this: You can submit a *NEW* Termination of Affiliation Form that both you and the vehicle owner have signed. If the vehicle owner cannot sign, you must give the vehicle owner notice in writing. A letter must be sent to the vehicle owner, using certified mail, to the address that matches the address of the vehicle owner we have on file. You will need to show proof you sent the letter when you request the termination of affiliation. Please see Sample Letter of Termination of Vehicle Affiliation for your convenience. You must submit the Termination of Affiliation Form (and letter if applicable) to the TLC by fax to 718.391.5695 or by scanning and emailing the documents to terminate@tlc.nyc.gov.

If my license is not renewed by the TLC, will I get a refund?

No. All fees are Non-Refundable. Your payment will not be refunded, regardless of whether your renewal is approved or not.

What do I need to know about vehicle insurance requirements?

There are minimum insurance levels your vehicle must possess based on the type of vehicle you own and the vehicle’s seating capacity. Please click on Vehicle Insurance Requirements for further information.

These FAQs are for informational purposes only, and are not a full statement of your rights, duties, and obligations under TLC Rules and applicable law. In the event that any of the information contained in these FAQs is not current or otherwise incorrect, the TLC’s Rules and applicable laws govern. The TLC’s Rules can be found on our website at www.nyc.gov/tlc