Lost or Stolen TLC License: Report, Replace, Keep Driving

If your TLC driver license is lost or stolen, you must tell TLC in writing within 72 hours (weekends and holidays don't count), then book an appointment at TLC's Long Island City office to get a replacement. It costs $25. If you hold a New York State DMV license, you leave the appointment with a temporary paper license and the new card comes by mail. If your DMV license is from another state, you must visit a New York DMV office first, and then you get the new card at the appointment.

A damaged card that can't be read must be handed in and replaced too. A card that never arrived in the mail has its own, sometimes free, route. Each case is below.

Step by step: NYS DMV license holders

Moved recently? Update your address in LARS before the appointment. TLC mails the permanent card to the address it has on file, and TLC's license design page reminds drivers to do this.

Out-of-state DMV license holders

Since October 1, 2025, TLC needs a New York DMV "Client ID" for every out-of-state licensee, including for replacements (TLC licensing page). Do this before your appointment:

1. Download the ID-5 form. Don't fill it in.
2. Take it to any New York State DMV office. No appointment is needed. Bring original proofs of your name, date of birth and signature. DMV staff complete the form and take your photo for free.
3. Keep the FS-6T receipt they give you.
4. Email the FS-6T to licensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov. For replacements, TLC asks for an email rather than an upload to TLC UP.
5. Bring the receipt to your Long Island City appointment. You receive the new TLC license there.

TLC's Credential Replacement form also asks out-of-state drivers for a DMV abstract dated within 30 days of the replacement request. Get one from your state's DMV before you go.

If the license never arrived

TLC's Licensed Drivers FAQ says to log in to TLC UP and find the date the license was mailed, then wait 10 business days from that date. If it still hasn't arrived, book a Long Island City appointment and bring the signed Credentials Form. Tick "Lost in mail" on the form. TLC's form says the replacement is free if at least 10 days and no more than 60 days have passed since the mailing date. After 60 days, the normal $25 applies, so don't wait.

Damaged, faded or "doesn't look like me"

Rule 80-10(b) says an unreadable license must be handed in immediately for a replacement ($50 fine if you don't). Bring the damaged card to the appointment. If your appearance has changed a lot, rule 80-10(e) requires a new photo. Because TLC now uses your DMV photo, NYS licensees update the photo at the DMV first and then book a TLC appointment. Out-of-state licensees have the photo taken at Long Island City ($25). A legal name change also needs a replacement ($25) with proof, such as a marriage certificate, naturalization certificate or passport in the new name.

Lost TLC decals, plates or medallion tin

The vehicle side has its own rules:

• FHV decal or vehicle license lost or stolen: rule 59A-10(c) says notify TLC immediately ($50 fine). Email the FHV Decal Replacement form and your photo ID to FHVTransfers@tlc.nyc.gov. After approval, pay $25 in LARS. Then go to the Woodside facility at the scheduled time for new decals (Licensed Vehicles FAQ).
• TC plates lost or stolen: if both plates are gone, get a police report (form MV-78B), surrender it at a DMV office and get an FS-6T. Then request a plate transfer in TLC UP ($25). After you get the new plates, rule 59A-10(d) gives you 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) to report them to TLC in writing. File the Plate Notification in TLC UP. See TLC plates for FHVs.
• Medallion tin: replacement is $25 (rule 58-07(b)).

Special timing problems

Your renewal is close. A replacement card doesn't change your expiration date or renewal steps. If you are within 90 days of expiry, keep going with the drug test, renewal course and LARS payment while you wait for the appointment. See can I drive while my renewal is pending for what happens at the expiration date.

You are abroad. The 72-hour written report can be done by email from anywhere. The replacement itself needs an in-person appointment in Long Island City, so plan it for when you are back. Our break-from-driving guide covers the other dates that keep running while you are away.

It was stolen with your wallet. Your TLC license number, together with your ZIP code and the last digits of your SSN, is what logs in to TLC UP. If someone could have all three, check your TLC UP account and contact details soon. Make sure the email on file is still yours. If another licensee uses your identity, for example to register a car or take trips, TLC's Driver Protection Unit investigates identity theft: (718) 391-5539. Every TLC contact is in our contact directory.

Common mistakes

• Waiting to "find it first." The 72-hour clock starts when the card goes missing. Send the written notice now. If the card turns up, you have lost nothing.
• Going to the DMV for a TLC card. The DMV only handles the photo, and for out-of-state licensees the ID-5. The TLC card comes from TLC.
• Bringing cash. The form says cash is not accepted.
• Wrong address on file. The permanent card goes to your LARS address.

Other things you must tell TLC about, like a new address or an arrest, are listed in what do I have to report to TLC. If you are leaving driving rather than replacing the card, you can tick "lost or stolen" on TLC's cancellation form instead. See leaving the TLC industry. For the full fee list, see every TLC fee.

General information, not legal advice. TLC pages and forms checked October 12, 2026.