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Yes, if you already hold an FHV vehicle license. You move the license from your old car to the electric one with a vehicle transfer: register the EV with TLC plates at DMV, apply in TLC UP within 15 days of registering, pay $25, and pass inspection at TLC's Woodside facility. The one big exception: a license restricted to wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) must stay on a WAV, and there are no electric WAVs on the US market.
Drivers are doing this. TLC counted 959 conversions from gas or hybrid cars to EVs between February 2025 and January 2026, which is why the EV fleet kept growing even though no new EV licenses were issued (February 2026 review, p.4).
The steps
These steps come from TLC's Vehicle, Plate and Base Transfers page and chapter 59. If you change the car and the plates at the same time, that is a "vehicle and plate transfer", and each type of transfer is charged separately (59A-07(f)(5)). For what the inspection covers, see TLC vehicle inspection.
Which licenses can switch, and which can't
| Your license | Can it go on an EV? |
|---|---|
| Standard (unrestricted) FHV license | Yes, through a vehicle transfer |
| EV-restricted license (2019–2023 programs) | Yes, and the replacement must also be fully electric. See EV-only licenses |
| WAV-restricted license | No. TLC's new-license page says a WAV license must be replaced "with another wheelchair accessible vehicle", and no electric WAV is on the US market |
| No FHV license at all | Not by transfer. New EV licenses are closed; see can I get an EV license now? |
Before you buy the EV
- Insurance. You need a new FH-1 for the new car in the license holder's name. See FHV insurance requirements.
- Base. Tell your base; the car must stay affiliated (see FHV base affiliation).
- Charging. Work out where you will charge before you sign. See EV charging for TLC drivers.
- Cost. TLC's February 2026 review compared the two most common FHV models and found a 2023 Tesla Model Y costs more than 40% more to own over five years than a 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Read EV or hybrid for Uber before deciding.
Why Green Rides matters (but doesn't force you)
TLC's Green Rides rule requires Uber and Lyft to send a growing share of trips to electric or accessible vehicles: 25% in 2026, rising to 100% in 2030 (59D-13(c)). The rule binds the companies, not you. But it is the reason the apps offer EV incentives from time to time, so ask your app what is on offer before you buy. See EV fleet statistics for how many drivers have already switched.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move my FHV license to a new car?
TLC charges $25 for a vehicle transfer, plus a $75 inspection fee if the car has 500 miles or more (TLC vehicle transfer page). DMV registration and plate costs are separate.
How long do I have after registering the new car?
Rule 59A-09(a)(1) says you must file the transfer application within 15 days after registering the new vehicle with the state DMV. TLC won't approve it until the car is inspected.
My license is WAV-restricted. Can I switch to a Tesla?
No. A license issued under the WAV exception is restricted to wheelchair accessible vehicles, and TLC says a replacement must be another WAV. TLC's February 2026 review says no electric WAV is available on the US market.
Do I have to switch to an EV because of Green Rides?
No. The Green Rides rule (59D-13(c)) sets targets for Uber and Lyft, not for individual drivers. Switching is your choice.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC: Vehicle, Plate and Base Transfers nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 59, §59A-07, §59A-09, §59D-13 (updated Feb 27, 2026) nyc.gov
- TLC: February 2026 For-Hire Vehicle License Review nyc.gov
- TLC: Get a For-Hire Vehicle License nyc.gov
- TLC: Vehicle Inspections nyc.gov
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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.