Can I Get an EV TLC License (Plates) Right Now?

No. TLC has not accepted applications for EV-only FHV licenses since 9 a.m. on November 13, 2023, when a court order in a lawsuit brought by the New York Taxi Workers Alliance made it stop (Industry Notice 23-09). TLC's February 2026 license review then decided not to issue any additional FHV licenses. As of October 2026, the only new FHV license you can apply for is one restricted to a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV).

What changed since 2023

The February 2026 review is direct: "As of February 2026, consistent with the agency's longstanding exception, the only for-hire vehicle licenses available are those restricted to wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs)" (report, p.1). It also says TLC "has not issued any new EV-only licenses in the past year".

TLC's own Get a For-Hire Vehicle License page says the same: "Only owners of wheelchair accessible vehicles may apply for a new FHV vehicle license."

What you can do instead

• You already hold an FHV license: you can move it to an electric car with a vehicle transfer. TLC counted 959 conversions from gas or hybrid to electric between February 2025 and January 2026. See switching your TLC car to an EV.
• You don't hold one: your options are a new WAV-restricted license (the car must be on TLC's approved WAV list, and there are no electric WAVs on the US market yet), or renting a licensed car from someone who holds the license. See buying or leasing a TLC vehicle.
• You want the full history of the 2019–2023 EV programs and the rules behind them: read EV-only FHV licenses explained.

How to hear about a reopening

Rule 59A-06(a)(1) requires TLC to review the number of FHV licenses each year. It looks at congestion, driver pay, license attrition, outer-borough service, EV demand and charging, and posts the result on its website. Since 2023 the reviews have come out in February. To stay informed:

1. Read each new review on TLC's industry reports page (the reports are named "For-Hire Vehicle License Review").
2. Read new TLC industry notices. Notice 23-09 is how TLC announced the 2023 cutoff.
3. Ask TLC directly at LicensingInquiries@tlc.nyc.gov if you have a specific application question.

We can't predict whether TLC will open EV licenses again. Be wary of anyone who says they know the date. For the bigger picture of the cap, see are new TLC plates available? and FHV license cap statistics.

If you think an application of yours was wrongly denied or never processed, a lawyer who handles TLC licensing can review your papers. This page is general information, not legal advice.