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A plate letter (TLC calls it a "DMV plate letter") is the document TLC gives you so the New York State DMV will issue "TC" for-hire plates and a registration for your vehicle. You get it only after TLC has approved your application or transfer. TLC posts it on TLC UP and emails you a copy (TLC: Get a For-Hire Vehicle License).
One sentence: the plate letter is TLC's "yes" in a form the DMV can act on — no letter, no TC plates.
When TLC issues one
- New FHV license. After TLC reviews your application, "a DMV plate letter will be posted on TLC UP." Today new FHV licenses go only to wheelchair accessible vehicles; see the FHV license cap.
- Plate transfer. TLC's transfers page uses a plate transfer when plates are lost, stolen, mutilated or confiscated, or "to remove the vehicle license from storage." If TLC accepts it, you get a "digital plate letter ... to drop off at a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) within the five boroughs." Fee: $25 (§59A-07(f)).
- Coming out of storage. Because plates are surrendered to go into FHV license storage, leaving storage usually means a plate transfer and a new plate letter.
- Not needed when a car is registered in New Jersey, Connecticut or Pennsylvania and already has for-hire plates there: "skip to step 7." See registering in NJ, PA or CT.
What happens after
Rule citations
The words "plate letter" appear on TLC's web pages, not in the rule book. The rules behind it:
- §59A-28(b)(3): an FHV registered in New York must have NYS plates "embossed with the legend 'T & LC'." Fine: $100–$350 and suspension until compliance.
- §59A-11(a)(1)(i): an owner must not let a New York-registered car be dispatched without T&LC plates ($350, 1 penalty point).
- §59A-28(b)(1): the plate number on the tax stamp, the registration and the TLC decals must all match the plates on the car.
Example
Both of your TC plates were stolen. Following TLC's transfers page, you ask the police for a lost-plates report (MV-78B), submit it at a DMV office to get an FS-6T receipt, then request a plate transfer in TLC UP. TLC accepts it and emails a digital plate letter. You take it to a DMV office in Queens, leave with new TC plates, file the Plate Notification Form, and TLC emails your inspection date.
Not the same as…
TLC asks for several other "letters" that have nothing to do with plates: a child support clearance letter, a probation or parole letter, or a NYS tax letter as proof of income. Those are for your driver license or other paperwork; the plate letter is for your vehicle.
Related terms
TC plates · FHV · FH-1 · TLC plates for FHVs · Missed tri-annual inspection rule
Frequently asked questions
What is a TLC plate letter?
A letter from TLC that tells the NYS DMV to issue 'TC' (TLC) for-hire plates and a registration for your vehicle. TLC posts it on TLC UP and emails you a copy after it approves a new FHV application or a plate transfer.
Where do I take the plate letter?
To a NYS DMV office. TLC's transfer page says to drop off the digital plate letter at a NYS DMV within the five boroughs of New York City; you get a new registration and new TLC plates there.
What do I do after I get the plates?
File the Plate Notification Form in TLC UP. TLC then emails your inspection appointment. For a new license, rule 59A-04(e)(1)(i) says the car must be inspected within 10 days after DMV issues the T&LC plates.
Do I need a plate letter if my car is registered in New Jersey?
No. TLC's application steps say that if you already have for-hire plates from outside NYC, you skip the plate letter step. The car must be registered in NJ, CT or PA and already have taxi or livery plates there.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC: Get a For-Hire Vehicle License (steps 5–7) nyc.gov
- TLC: Vehicle, Plate and Base Transfers nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 59, §59A-04(e), §59A-07(f), §59A-28(b)(3) (updated Feb 27, 2026) 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.