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Short answer: Not in the way "plates for rent" ads make it sound. An FHV vehicle license ("TLC plates") is tied to one vehicle and to the SSN or EIN of the person or company that holds it, and TLC says it "is not transferable." You can't rent someone's license and put it on a car you own in your name. What the rules do allow is renting or leasing a car that already has an FHV license, under a written lease that follows TLC rule §59A-21.
Here is what those offers can and cannot mean under TLC rules, and how to protect yourself before you pay.
Why plates can't move to your car
- One license per vehicle. "There can only be one Valid For-Hire Vehicle License issued for any one Vehicle, as determined by the VIN" (Rule §59A-09(b)).
- The license stays with its holder. TLC's Vehicle License FAQ: the license "attaches to the EIN / SSN on the application and the EIN / SSN cannot be changed."
- Ownership papers are in the holder's name. For a new license, TLC asks for proof of ownership "in the applicant's name" (registration, bill of sale, lease, MCO or title) and an FH-1 insurance certificate in the applicant's name (FHV license page).
- The plates follow the DMV registration. T&LC plates are issued by DMV to the registered vehicle after TLC's plate letter. A vehicle transfer is only for the licensee to move the license to a different car "registered ... with TLC plates in DMV" (transfer page).
So an offer to put "plates" on your car generally means one of two things: the car has to be titled, registered and insured in the license holder's name, or the deal is outside TLC's rules. Either way, you could pay money and own nothing TLC recognises.
The legal ways to drive a TLC car you don't own
Details: renting a TLC car: costs, buying or leasing a TLC vehicle, how to get new TLC plates with a WAV, and the lease vs buy calculator.
Red flags before you pay anyone
If you were overcharged under a lease, the lease itself must tell you that complaints can go to TLC or 311. Rental tolls are a common dispute; see tolls in a rented TLC car. And if you just want to use your own car, see can I use my personal car for Uber in NYC? and the vehicles hub. This page explains the rules; for a specific contract, talk to a lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Is renting TLC plates illegal?
TLC's rules have no such thing as renting a license for your own car. An FHV license is issued for one vehicle (one valid license per VIN, Rule §59A-09(b)) and stays attached to the license holder's SSN or EIN. What is legal is renting or leasing a car that already has an FHV license, under a written lease.
Someone offers to put my car "under" their license. Is that OK?
Be very careful. A vehicle transfer moves a license to a new car registered with TLC plates, and the license stays with its holder. Ask whose name will be on the title, registration and insurance, and get legal advice before signing or paying.
What does a legal TLC car rental have to include?
Under Rule §59A-21, a written signed lease with start and end dates, every cost and fee explained, a security deposit returned within the days stated (no more than 30), pro-rated payments if the car is unavailable through no fault of yours, and a notice that overcharges can be reported to TLC or 311.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules Chapter 59 (§59A-06, §59A-09, §59A-21) nyc.gov
- TLC: Vehicle License FAQ nyc.gov
- TLC: Get a Vehicle License nyc.gov
- TLC: Get a For-Hire Vehicle License nyc.gov
- TLC: Vehicle, Plate and Base Transfers nyc.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.