Can I Reschedule My OATH Hearing Twice?

Usually not. OATH's rule gives each side one granted reschedule per summons, and you don't need a reason for it (48 RCNY 6-05). Once you've used it, the only way to move the date again is to appear on the hearing day and ask the hearing officer for an adjournment, which needs good cause (48 RCNY 6-14).

Never just stay home and hope. A hearing you don't attend becomes a default, which is a finding against you.

Reschedule vs. adjournment

How the one reschedule works

• Ask before the hearing. OATH must receive your request before the scheduled hearing time. A mailed form must arrive before the hearing (OATH: Reschedule).
• Online is easiest. OATH's page offers an online request form and a printable form in many languages.
• By phone. TLC tells drivers who haven't rescheduled yet to call OATH at (844) 628-4692 (TLC: Receive a Summons).
• Keep the confirmation with the new date and time. Write the date down twice.

TLC gets one reschedule too. If TLC asks, it must notify you at least three days before the original date and file proof, unless you sign a waiver (48 RCNY 6-05).

If you already used your reschedule

Under 48 RCNY 6-14, the hearing officer considers things like whether you had a reasonable chance to prepare, how old the case is, earlier adjournments, and inconvenience to witnesses. Two more points from the same rule:

• After an adjournment, neither side can use the 6-05 reschedule.
• A denied adjournment request can't be appealed by itself.

So be ready to go forward if the officer says no. Bring your documents and witnesses anyway. Use the hearing prep checklist.

Special case: after a default is reopened

If you missed a hearing and OATH granted you a new one, you may ask for one final reschedule if you can't attend the new date (48 RCNY 6-21). Missing that new hearing is final at OATH. See what happens if I miss my OATH hearing.

A hearing by phone may be easier than moving the date

If the real problem is taking a day off work, a phone hearing may solve it: request it at least 3 business days and no more than one month before the hearing. See OATH phone hearings, and the full rescheduling guide.

Use the extra time well

A reschedule only helps if you use the time. Ask TLC whether a settlement is available: TLC says you can visit its Long Island City office or email Settlements@tlc.nyc.gov, and offers aren't given by phone (TLC). See TLC settlement offers. Gather documents and contact witnesses. And put the new date somewhere you'll see it; our deadline calculator can help you plan.