A registered representative is a person — often not a lawyer — who is allowed to speak for you at your OATH hearing because they have registered with OATH. Under OATH's rules, anyone other than a family member who represents two or more respondents in a calendar year must register (48 RCNY §6-23). Attorneys can represent you without this registration.
You never need one. OATH says: "OATH hearings do not require a lawyer or representative. Anyone may represent his or her self" (OATH).
What the rules require of them
- Be at least 18, register on OATH's form with proof of identity, and renew every two years. OATH says renewals happen in odd-numbered years.
- Never claim or imply to be an attorney or a government employee. A non-lawyer is called a "representative" at OATH.
- Act with due diligence: learn OATH's rules, know the basic facts and law of your charge, file motions and appeals on time, and show up on hearing dates.
- Act in your best interests, follow your lawful instructions, and avoid conflicts.
- Have a signed authorization form from you before the hearing, keep the signed original, and include a copy with every email to OATH about your case — otherwise OATH rejects the hearing request (§6-16).
Breaking these rules, or misconduct such as submitting false documents, can get a representative suspended or barred from OATH (§6-23, §6-25).
Before you hire one
Why we explain this
TLC Help works with independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives. Each driver signs a representative authorization for their case, as the rules require. A representative can explain the process and argue your case; they cannot promise a result, and nobody can.
To prepare either way, read how to prepare for a TLC hearing and documents to bring. You are the respondent; the court is OATH. Representatives interested in joining our network can see for lawyers.
Frequently asked questions
What is a registered representative?
A person who is not your family member and who represents two or more respondents at OATH in a calendar year. OATH's rules require them to register with the Tribunal, be at least 18, and renew registration every two years (48 RCNY §6-23).
Is a registered representative a lawyer?
Not necessarily. A representative who is not a New York attorney must be called a 'representative' at OATH and must not claim or imply that they are an attorney or a government employee.
Does OATH vet or recommend representatives?
No. OATH says it does not certify or screen representatives, and if you hire one you do so at your own expense and risk. OATH publishes a list of representatives it has suspended or barred.
Do I have to sign anything?
Yes. The representative must give OATH a signed authorization form before the hearing and keep the signed original. Without it, OATH presumes they are not authorized to represent you.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- OATH Rules, Subchapter F (48 RCNY §6-23 Registered Representatives, §6-25 Misconduct) nyc.gov
- OATH: Registered Representatives nyc.gov
- OATH Rules, Subchapter C: Hearings (§6-16 Representation) 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.