Revocation means TLC takes your license away for good. OATH's guide for TLC cases says revocation "means the loss of a TLC license. It will never be restored" (OATH guide). To drive again, you must apply for a new license after any waiting period, and TLC may say no.
Compare that with a suspension, which pauses your license for a period or until you comply, and then it comes back. OATH also warns that if you choose to surrender your license and apply for a new one, "there is no guarantee that TLC will give you a new license". Reapplying is a separate process at TLC, not at OATH.
Revocation is about your TLC license only. Your New York DMV license is a separate matter, decided by DMV.
Two kinds of revocation
Sources: 35 RCNY §68-03, §68-06, §68-11, §68-13; the mandatory penalties are in §80-02(e) and §80-27.
Read the top of your summons. TLC must state on the summons when a guilty finding will or could result in revocation (§68-06(a)(6)–(7)). If you see that warning, treat the case as serious and get advice before your hearing date. In a discretionary case, TLC must first decide that your continued licensure "presents a threat to public health, safety, or welfare", and the case is heard by an OATH Administrative Law Judge (§68-13(b)). Our separate entry on discretionary revocation goes deeper.
When it takes effect
A revocation becomes effective on the date you are found guilty (§68-02(c)). In discretionary cases the OATH judge's ruling is a recommended decision, so it becomes final only when the Chair decides.
Waiting to reapply
These are the rules' minimum waits, not promises. TLC can still deny a new application, for example if it finds you not fit to hold a license. TLC explains the process on its reapplying after revocation page.
For the full process see TLC license revocation and getting your license back. Points-based revocation is explained under persistent violator, and pre-hearing suspensions under summary suspension.
Frequently asked questions
What does revocation mean for a TLC license?
OATH's guide for TLC cases puts it simply: revocation means the loss of a TLC license and it will never be restored. To drive again you must apply for a new license, which is a separate TLC process with no guarantee.
What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary revocation?
Mandatory revocation applies when a rule says revocation must be imposed. Discretionary revocation is when revocation is one possible penalty (for example 'and/or revocation') or when the Chair decides your continued licensure threatens public health, safety or welfare (35 RCNY §68-03).
How long after revocation can I reapply?
It depends on the reason. TLC can deny an application for three years after certain acts, including most revocations; revocation for the repeat overcharge and refusal penalties in §80-02(e) bars any TLC license for one year (35 RCNY §80-02(e)(3), §80-08(c)(1)).
Is revocation the same as suspension?
No. A suspension takes your license away for a set time or until you comply, and then it comes back. Revocation ends the license.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 68 (§68-02, §68-03, §68-06, §68-13) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (§80-02(e), §80-08, §80-27) nyc.gov
- OATH: Taxi and TLC-Licensee Cases at the Trials Division (guide) nyc.gov
- TLC: Reapplying After Revocation nyc.gov
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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.