TLC License and Child Support: The Clearance Letter

If TLC texts you that there is an issue with your child support record, you need a child support clearance letter. TLC's Licensing Requirements Checklist says: once you are current with your child support payments, get a clearance letter in person from the New York City Office of Child Support Enforcement. The letter must specifically name the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, it is valid for only 30 days, and you upload it in TLC UP.

Why it appears on your missing list

TLC can't give you a license "until you have submitted all items and they have been reviewed and approved," and its texts list each missing item. "Child Support Record" is one of them. TLC's page doesn't explain how it learns about the record. It only says "there are issues with your child support record" and gives the fix. TLC is not the agency that can tell you what you owe — the child support office is.

How to clear it

Where to go

TLC's page uses the older name, Office of Child Support Enforcement. The city's Human Resources Administration (HRA) now calls it the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS). HRA's child support page lists:

• OCSS Customer Service Walk-In Center: 151 West Broadway, 4th Floor (between Worth and Thomas Streets), New York, NY. Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except holidays. HRA says you don't need an appointment to talk to a worker about your case.
• Appointments by email: dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us, with "Requesting a Customer Service Appointment" in the subject line, plus your name, case ID or birth date, your concern, phone number and best time to call.

HRA says OCSS serves parents "regardless of income and immigration status." HRA does not say on that page which office issues TLC clearance letters, so tell the worker at the start that you need a clearance letter for a TLC license application.

The 30-day and 90-day clocks

If you already know your child support account is behind, sort it out before you file. You don't lose anything by waiting, and you avoid starting a 90-day clock you might not beat. See when you shouldn't apply for a TLC license yet.

Checklist for the visit

• Photo ID and your child support case ID, if you have it.
• Proof of recent payments, if you paid outside the system.
• Your TLC application number (from LARS or TLC UP), so the letter can refer to your TLC application.
• Before leaving: read the letter. Does it name the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission? Is it dated?

Other letters TLC may ask for

Child support is one of several legal-document items. Others are a probation or parole status letter and court dispositions for past convictions (see TLC license with a criminal record). For uploading, see the TLC UP portal guide; for every step of the application, see how to get a TLC license. Not sure you even need a TLC license? Read do I need a TLC license to drive for Uber in NYC or try which TLC license do I need.

This page explains TLC's process. It isn't legal advice about your child support order; for that, talk to OCSS or a family law lawyer.