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A Class E license is the New York DMV license class for driving people for hire, such as in a taxi or livery car. TLC calls it a chauffeur's license. You need one — or a commercial Class A, B or C license — before TLC will give you a TLC Driver License.
The rule
TLC's definitions chapter (chapter 51) says a Chauffeur's License means:
- a valid New York State driver's license Class A, B, C or E; or
- a valid license of a similar class from another state where you live.
Rule 80-04(c) then says an applicant "must have a Valid Chauffeur's License." A regular Class D license does not qualify.
How people get it
The NY DMV describes two paths:
- You already have Class D: surrender it at a DMV office, apply and pay for Class E, and pass the vision test or show that you meet the vision standard. The fee depends on when your current license expires.
- You are getting your first license: you can choose Class E. You take the same vision, written and road tests as for Class D.
Step-by-step detail is in our Class E guide.
Why it matters for TLC drivers
Example: a driver whose DMV license is downgraded or suspended keeps a TLC card in the wallet, but can't legally drive for hire. TLC can summarily suspend the TLC license (80-11(c)(1)). See violation 80-11(c)(1).
Common mix-ups
- "Chauffeur's license" is not a TLC license. It is the DMV license underneath. You need both to drive for hire in NYC.
- Class E is not a commercial license. It is a for-hire class; commercial licenses are Classes A, B and C.
- Your TLC card doesn't replace it. Carry a valid chauffeur's license whenever you drive for hire.
Related terms
- CDL (Class A, B, C) — commercial licenses. They also count as chauffeur's licenses. Paratransit and commuter van licenses require one, plus active 19-A status.
- Out-of-state equivalent — a similar class from your home state. See TLC license with an out-of-state license.
- Green Light license — a standard, non-commercial NY license available regardless of immigration status; TLC still requires an SSN. See Green Light license and TLC.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Class E license in New York?
The DMV's for-hire license class. The NY DMV says you need a Class E license, or a commercial Class A, B or C license, to drive taxis and other livery vehicles, and you must be 18 or older.
What does TLC mean by 'chauffeur's license'?
TLC rules (chapter 51) define a Chauffeur's License as a valid New York Class A, B, C or E license, or a license of a similar class from another state where you live. Rule 80-04(c) requires one for a TLC Driver License.
Do I need to retake the road test to go from Class D to Class E?
The DMV page describes the upgrade as surrendering your Class D at a DMV office, applying and paying, and passing the vision test or showing you meet the vision standard. Someone getting a first license can choose Class E and takes the same vision, written and road tests as for Class D.
Is Class E enough for paratransit or commuter van work?
No. TLC's paratransit and commuter van license pages require a commercial Class A, B or C license, plus active Article 19-A status.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- NY DMV: Get a license to drive a taxi or livery vehicle dmv.ny.gov
- TLC Rules, Chapter 51 (Definitions) — Chauffeur's License nyc.gov
- TLC Rules, Chapter 80 (Drivers) — §80-04(c), §80-10(c), §80-11(c) nyc.gov
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.