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A hack license is the everyday New York name for the TLC Driver License — the city license you need to drive a yellow taxi, a green cab (street hail livery) or a for-hire vehicle for pay. The word "hack" is old taxi slang, but it survives in TLC's own rules: the taxi receipt rule still lists the "Driver's hack license number" among the items a receipt must show (§80-16(d)).
One license for all three
TLC's driver rules say "License" means "a TLC License to drive a Taxicab, Street Hail Livery and For-Hire Vehicle" (§80-03(c)(4)). Older separate taxi and for-hire driver licenses were converted into this single license (§80-28). The NYC Administrative Code calls it a universal driver's license and says TLC no longer issues separate taxicab or for-hire driver's licenses (§19-505(a)).
Don't confuse it with hack-up, which is about vehicles: outfitting a car as a medallion taxi and getting TLC approval for it to serve as a taxi for the first time (Chapter 51).
Who can get one
The Administrative Code (§19-505(b)) requires applicants to, among other things, hold a New York State chauffeur's license, be 19 or older, be fingerprinted, and be of good moral character. TLC adds training: a defensive driving course, the TLC Driver License Education Course, and wheelchair accessible vehicle training (§80-04(j)). See how to get a TLC license.
The 3-year cycle
Source: TLC Chapter 80. Details in our TLC license renewal guide.
Why the dates matter
Driving after your hack license expires is not a paperwork problem. Rule §80-11(a) covers driving with a suspended, revoked or expired TLC license: $350 for a first violation, $500 for a second within 36 months, and revocation for a third. A suspended license also stays invalid even if you've filed for renewal (§80-06(e)). And §80-11(b) adds that driving after your license expires and before a renewal is issued "is engaged in Unlicensed Activity" — the category that can lead to vehicle seizure under §80-02(a). Driving without a valid chauffeur's license leads to a summary suspension of your TLC license (§80-11(c)(1)). Keep your expiration date on your phone calendar, and keep your address current with TLC so renewal notices reach you.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hack license the same as a TLC license?
Yes, in everyday use. The official name is the TLC Driver License, which lets you drive a taxicab, street hail livery and for-hire vehicle. TLC's own rules still say 'hack license number' when listing what goes on a taxi receipt (§80-16(d)).
How long is a hack license valid?
Three years. Under §80-06, a new license expires three years from issue, and a renewal license three years from the date the previous one expired.
When should I renew?
File a complete renewal at least 30 days before expiration. You can file up to 180 days after expiration as a late application with a $25 late fee, but you can't drive until it's approved. After 180 days it can't be renewed (§80-06(d)).
What is 'hack-up'?
A vehicle term, not a driver license. TLC Chapter 51 says to hack-up means to outfit a vehicle as a medallion taxicab and get TLC approval for it to serve as a taxicab for the first time.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (§80-03, §80-06, §80-16) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 51 (Definitions) nyc.gov
- NYC Administrative Code, Title 19, Chapter 5 (§19-505) codelibrary.amlegal.com
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.