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Driver questionGetting & keeping a TLC license

Can I Get a TLC License With an Out-of-State License?

Yes, if you live in that state and hold a chauffeur-class license there. Extra steps: a 90-day DMV abstract, the ID-5 / FS-6T check, and renewal paperwork.

  • Reviewed
  • 2 min read
  • 5 official sources
On this page (9)
  1. The extra steps for out-of-state licenses
  2. Who needs the abstract
  3. The medical form
  4. Out-of-state points still count
  5. At renewal
  6. If you move into New York
  7. Mistakes that cost out-of-state applicants time
  8. FAQ
  9. Sources

Yes — if the license is from the state where you live and it is a chauffeur-type class. TLC requires a valid Chauffeur's License (rule §80-04(c)), and TLC Chapter 51 defines that as either a New York Class A, B, C or E license, or a valid license of similar class from another state of which you are a resident. Out-of-state applicants then have a few extra steps that New York license holders skip.

The extra steps for out-of-state licenses

  1. Check your license class

    It must be similar to New York's chauffeur classes (commercial A, B, C or for-hire E) and issued by the state you live in. A basic car license may not qualify; ask your state's DMV what class covers driving passengers for hire.

  2. Order a driving abstract

    From the state that issued your license, dated no more than 90 days before you apply and covering at least the last two years (80-04(d)). TLC's page asks for the original.

  3. Visit a New York DMV office for the ID-5

    Since October 1, 2025: bring the ID-5 form to any NYS DMV office. DMV staff complete it and take your photo — you do not fill it out yourself.

  4. Upload the FS-6T receipt to TLC UP

    You receive an FS-6T receipt after the DMV visit. TLC will not process your application until it is uploaded. Keep the original.

  5. Finish the normal requirements within 90 days

    Drug test, fingerprints, medical form, courses, exam, defensive driving and paying outstanding tickets — the same as every applicant.

These steps come from TLC's Get a TLC Driver License page. The 90-day clock still applies to you: the extra DMV visit and abstract count against the same 90 days, so order the abstract early. See why applications are denied.

Who needs the abstract

Rule §80-04(d) catches two groups:

  • applicants whose current license is from another state, and
  • applicants who held another state's license at any time in the two years before applying — even if they now have a New York license.

If you recently swapped a Florida or New Jersey license for a New York one, you still owe TLC the abstract from the old state.

The medical form

You do not need a New York doctor. Rule §80-04(e)(2) allows a physician licensed in New York or in your state of residence, using TLC's forms.

Out-of-state points still count

TLC does not ignore your home-state record. Your abstract is how TLC sees your history, and the Persistent Violator Program counts DMV points over 15 months. If you take a course to reduce points, rule §80-27(a)(5)(ii) says a driver licensed outside New York must submit a recent driving abstract from the state of licensure with the proof. For how points add up, see TLC license and DMV points.

At renewal

TLC's renewal page asks out-of-state license holders to submit a DMV abstract and lists the ID-5 / FS-6T step for them as well. Build that into your 90-day renewal window — see the TLC license renewal guide.

If you move into New York

The Chapter 51 definition only accepts another state's license if you are a resident of that state. If you move to New York, check with the NYS DMV about switching to a New York Class E license, and keep TLC updated: a new address must be reported within 10 days (what to report to TLC).

Mistakes that cost out-of-state applicants time

  • Ordering the abstract too early. It must be dated no more than 90 days before the application date. An abstract from last season will not work.
  • Assuming any license is enough. The class must be similar to New York's chauffeur classes. Confirm with your home-state DMV before you pay TLC's non-refundable fee.
  • Skipping the FS-6T upload. TLC says it will not process the application until the receipt is in TLC UP, but your 90-day clock keeps running.

For the full application walkthrough, read how to get a TLC license.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my New Jersey (or other state) license for a TLC license?

TLC's rules accept a valid license of a class similar to New York's chauffeur classes from the state where you live. Chapter 51 defines a Chauffeur's License as a valid NYS Class A, B, C or E license, or a similar-class license from another state of which you are a resident.

What is the FS-6T receipt?

Since October 1, 2025, TLC says out-of-state applicants must take an ID-5 form to a New York DMV office, where staff complete it and take a photo. You get an FS-6T receipt, which you upload to TLC UP. TLC will not process the application until it is uploaded.

How recent does my driving abstract need to be?

Rule 80-04(d) says the abstract must be dated no more than 90 days before the application and cover at least the two years before it. It comes from the state that issued your license.

I just moved to New York. Do I still need the abstract?

Yes, if you held a license from another state at any time in the two years before applying. Rule 80-04(d) covers both current out-of-state license holders and anyone who held one within those two years.

Can a doctor in my state do the TLC medical exam?

Yes. Rule 80-04(e)(2) says fitness must be certified on TLC forms by a physician licensed in New York or in your state of residence.

Sources

Last reviewed against the official sources on .

  1. TLC: Get a TLC Driver License (out-of-state applicants, ID-5 / FS-6T) nyc.gov
  2. TLC Rules, Chapter 51: Definitions (Chauffeur's License) nyc.gov
  3. TLC Rules, Chapter 80: Drivers (§80-04, §80-27) nyc.gov
  4. TLC: Renew a TLC Driver License nyc.gov
  5. NYS DMV: Get a License to Drive a Taxi or Livery Vehicle dmv.ny.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.

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