Can I Get a TLC License With an ITIN?

No — not with an ITIN alone. TLC requires a valid Social Security number (SSN) for its driver licenses, and its pages don't mention ITINs. The IRS says an ITIN is a tax-processing number that does not authorize work in the U.S. If you have only an ITIN, don't pay TLC's non-refundable $252 application fee yet; get advice about whether you can get work authorization and an SSN first.

What TLC requires

• TLC's Get a TLC Driver License page lists "You must have a valid Social Security Number" among the qualifications, and the Social Security Card first among the documents to have ready.
• TLC rule 80-04(b) says an applicant for an original TLC Driver License must produce both a valid government-issued photo ID and a valid Social Security number.
• TLC's application guide lists "You must have a valid Social Security Number" for the TLC Driver License and for the paratransit and commuter van driver licenses.

What an ITIN is (plain definition)

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number the IRS issues when you need a U.S. taxpayer number for federal tax purposes but aren't eligible for an SSN. You can apply for one regardless of immigration status (Form W-7). According to the IRS, an ITIN does not:

• authorize you to work legally in the U.S.,
• provide or change immigration status,
• qualify you for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit, or
• serve as identification outside the federal tax system.

Why it matters for TLC drivers

TLC licensing is about work: a TLC license lets you drive passengers for hire. That is why the SSN rule sits next to the age and chauffeur's-license rules. Your SSN also connects to other parts of driving life: the TLC UP portal asks for the last 5 digits of your SSN (or EIN) to log in, and the IRS says an ITIN doesn't qualify you for Social Security benefits (see do drivers earn Social Security credits).

People sometimes confuse three different things:

• ITIN — a tax number (this page).
• Green Light license — a New York driver license available regardless of status. It doesn't change TLC's SSN rule. See Green Light license and TLC.
• Hack license — an old name for a taxi driver license; today's version is the TLC Driver License. See hack license.

What to do instead

1. Don't apply yet. TLC fees are non-refundable, and an application missing a required item is denied at day 90. Read when not to apply for a TLC license.
2. Get free immigration legal advice. TLC's Driver Resources page lists ActionNYC (800-354-0365, or call 311 and say "ActionNYC") and CUNY Citizenship Now! ((646) 664-9400). Ask whether you are eligible for work authorization and an SSN.
3. Keep filing taxes. If you have income and a tax filing requirement, the IRS says an ITIN is how you file without an SSN.
4. When you get an SSN, come back to how to get a TLC license and the immigrant drivers' guide. Also check the DMV side: a Class E chauffeur license.

Note: driving passengers for hire in NYC without a TLC license is unlicensed activity, which can lead to summonses and, in some cases, vehicle seizure (see unlicensed activity). Data on how many people hold TLC licenses is on TLC active drivers statistics; the license number on app trips is explained in HVFHS license number.

This page gives general information, not immigration or legal advice.