How to Get New TLC Plates in 2026: The WAV-Only Route

In short: In 2026 the only way to get a brand-new FHV vehicle license ("TLC plates") is to license a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) that is on TLC's approved list. The license stays WAV-only forever. The process has 9 steps and must be finished within 45 days of applying. TLC's own fees are $0 to $875; the car and conversion are the big cost, and TLC gives no incentives to FHV WAV owners.

If you only want to drive, you do not need your own plates: you can rent or lease a car that already has an FHV license. This guide is for people who want to own the license.

Is this route right for you?

The 9 steps

These are TLC's steps from its Get a For-Hire Vehicle License page, with the rule deadlines added:

Deadlines in the rules:

• 45 days to complete all application requirements, or TLC denies the application (§59A-08(e)(1); inspections are counted separately).
• 10 days after the DMV issues T&LC plates to be inspected (or after TLC accepts the application, for cars registered outside New York State) (§59A-04(e)(1)).
• 60 days from the first scheduled inspection to pass, with a maximum of four inspections, even if you swap in a replacement car (§59A-04(e)(2)–(5)).
• A car with fewer than 500 miles gets only a visual inspection; 500 miles or more means a full NYS DMV inspection too (TLC inspections page).

The order that saves you money

The 45-day clock starts when you pay in LARS. Everything you can do before paying, do before paying:

1. Pick the car against the list first. The approved list is specific to model year, ramp side and modifier. Get the VIN and the modifier's name from the seller and check them before any deposit.
2. Line up the base. Ask the base to send the Base Affirmation for that VIN. If the base is slow, you cannot even open the application.
3. Get insurance papers ready. You need both an FH-1 in your name and a separate certificate of liability that comes directly from your insurer. Coverage must meet TLC minimums for your seating capacity; see FHV insurance requirements.
4. Collect ownership and company papers. If you apply as a corporation, the IRS CP-575 or 147-C letter can take time to get, so request it early.
5. Then pay and upload. Upload everything in TLC UP soon after paying, so TLC has time to issue the plate letter well before day 45.

If the car is registered outside New York

TLC's Vehicle License FAQ says vehicles may be registered in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Pennsylvania. Out-of-state vehicles must already have taxi or livery plates from that state and meet TLC insurance requirements. In that case you skip the DMV plate letter (steps 5 and 6), and the inspection must happen within 10 days after TLC accepts your application. TLC lists $800 commercial motor vehicle tax for vehicles registered in NJ, PA or CT.

If something goes wrong

• You run out of time. If the requirements are not complete within 45 days, TLC denies the application. The rule makes an exception when the delay is because TLC has not made a final decision and you answered every request (§59A-08(e)(3)). Keep emails that show when you uploaded each document.
• The car fails inspection. You get up to four tries in 60 days. You may present a replacement WAV, but the four-try limit covers both cars together. After four failures the application is denied.
• TLC asks for more information. Under §59A-08(f), TLC can ask for an interview, call, letter or email if it has questions about whether you are fit to hold a license. Not answering in time, or missing the interview, means denial.
• TLC fees are not refunded when an application is denied (§59A-07(d)).

Documents

For corporations, TLC also asks for photo ID and Social Security numbers of all stockholders or members. TLC says "election of officers" forms are not acceptable for LLCs.

What it costs

TLC's rule §59A-07(a) lists a vehicle license fee of $275 a year, but TLC's cost list for WAV applicants starts at $0. See do WAV owners pay TLC vehicle license fees?.

What you sign up for

• WAV forever. Every replacement car must be a WAV on the approved list (approved WAV list).
• No TLC money. TLC's FHV accessibility FAQ says TLC gives no financial incentives to own or drive FHV WAVs.
• Any rider, any base. You may still carry passengers who do not use wheelchairs. Bases of any class (livery, black car, luxury limousine) may dispatch trips to any WAV without a formal agreement.
• Same price. You cannot charge more for WAV trips; TLC says doing so violates its rules.
• Be ready. TLC says WAV drivers should be ready to carry a wheelchair user whenever they are on the road.
• Two-year term and renewals. Renewal for a WAV has no TLC renewal fee on TLC's current page; see renewing TLC plates.
• No electric option yet. TLC's February 2026 review says no accessible electric vehicle is available on the U.S. market.

How many people take this route

In TLC's latest review year, almost every new FHV license was a WAV license. The rest were FHVs attached to green cab (SHL) permits. Most WAVs on the road are Toyota Siennas; see wheelchair accessible taxi and FHV statistics for the model mix.

Routes that are closed

For the history behind these, read the FHV license cap explained and SHL pilot "P" cars. For counts per review, see FHV license cap statistics. If you'd rather rent, see buying or leasing a TLC vehicle. Plates themselves are covered in TLC plates for FHVs, and more owner topics on the vehicles hub.