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Can I Sell or Transfer My TLC Plates (FHV License)?

No. TLC says an FHV license is not transferable and stays with the original SSN or EIN. What you can change, and how medallions and SHL permits differ.

  • Reviewed
  • 2 min read
  • 6 official sources
On this page (6)
  1. What you can and can't change
  2. Why people think plates can be sold
  3. How medallions and SHL permits differ
  4. If you want to stop
  5. FAQ
  6. Sources

Short answer: No. TLC's Vehicle License FAQ says: "A FHV license is not transferable. When an FHV license is issued, the license attaches to the EIN / SSN on the application and the EIN / SSN cannot be changed." You can't sell it, give it to a relative, or move it to someone else's name. You can change the car, the plates and the base on your own license.

This is different from yellow taxi medallions and green cab (SHL) permits, which have formal transfer rules.

What you can and can't change

Changes to an FHV license

Fees from TLC Rule §59A-07(f) and TLC's transfer page. A WAV-restricted license can only move to another WAV.

ChangeAllowed?HowTLC fee
New owner (another person or company)NoTLC FAQ: license stays with the original SSN or EIN—
Different car (vehicle transfer)YesRegister the new car with TLC plates at DMV, then file within 15 days (§59A-09(a)); car must pass inspection$25
New plates (plate transfer)YesLost, stolen, damaged or confiscated plates, or leaving storage$25
Different base (base transfer)YesFile a base transfer$25
Several at onceYesEach type is charged separately (§59A-07(f)(5))$25 each

How each transfer works step by step is on TLC plates for FHVs.

Why people think plates can be sold

Since the FHV license cap, a regular license is scarce, and new ones are only available for wheelchair accessible vehicles (how to get one). That scarcity creates "plates for sale" ads. Remember too that TLC fees are non-refundable and that owners stay responsible for summonses on their own vehicle license, so a paper "sale" can leave both sides exposed: the seller still holds the license and its penalty points, and the buyer holds nothing TLC will recognise. Under TLC's FAQ, what a seller can actually hand over is a car, not the license. If a deal depends on the license staying in the seller's name while you pay for it, get legal advice first.

How medallions and SHL permits differ

Which TLC licenses can change hands

LicenseTransferable?Rules
FHV vehicle license (black car, livery, luxury limo)NoTLC Vehicle License FAQ
Yellow taxi medallionYes, through TLC's medallion transfer processChapter 58, §58-43 onward: transfers by purchase, gift, bequest or operation of law
Green cab SHL permitYes, with TLC approvalChapter 82, §82-44 and §82-45: application, appearances, clearing open items, technology-provider notice; no transfer is effective until TLC approves it in writing

For SHL permits, rule §82-44(c) sets a $10,000 fine per entity, per license for attempting a transfer outside the rules, and the attempted transfer is invalid. An SHL permit also sits on top of an FHV license, and the FHV license underneath follows the FHV rules. See owning a green cab.

If you want to stop

  • Cancel. TLC's Licensed Vehicles FAQ says to email the current license and a signed Request to Cancel form to TLCcompliance@tlc.nyc.gov (or mail it to TLC in Long Island City). Cancelling does not remove open summonses or suspensions.
  • Pause instead. If you might return, the 90-day storage program keeps the license alive once per term.
  • Don't let it lapse by accident. An unused license can be revoked for non-use after 60 days without a base, insurance or inspections (non-use revocation). Voluntarily surrendering the plates outside storage ends the license for good (§59A-06(d)).
  • Lease it, legally. You may lease your licensed car to another TLC driver under a written lease (§59A-21). You remain the license holder and are responsible for it; renewal steps are in renewing TLC plates.

For counts of licenses issued and expired, see FHV license cap statistics. More: buying or leasing a TLC vehicle and the vehicles hub.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell my car with the TLC plates on it?

You can sell the car, but not the FHV license. The license stays attached to your SSN or EIN. The buyer would need their own license; you could move your license to another car with a vehicle transfer.

Can I put my FHV license into a company I own?

TLC's FAQ says the SSN or EIN on the original application cannot be changed, so moving a personally held license to a company EIN is not allowed under that wording. Ask TLC before restructuring.

What happens to my FHV license if I stop driving?

If you no longer want it, TLC has a Request to Cancel form. Cancelling does not clear open summonses or suspensions. Voluntarily surrendering the plates ends the license and it cannot be renewed or reinstated (Rule §59A-06(d)).

Sources

Last reviewed against the official sources on .

  1. TLC: Vehicle License FAQ nyc.gov
  2. TLC Rules Chapter 59 (§59A-06, §59A-07, §59A-09) nyc.gov
  3. TLC Rules Chapter 82 (§82-44 SHL license transfers) nyc.gov
  4. TLC Rules Chapter 58 (§58-43 medallion transfers) nyc.gov
  5. TLC: Licensed Vehicles FAQ (cancelling a license) nyc.gov
  6. 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.

Related

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