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If TLC asks for a probation or parole letter, you need a status letter from your officer, on official letterhead, saying that you are complying with the terms of your probation or parole. Upload a copy in TLC UP. That is the whole requirement as TLC's Licensing Requirements Checklist states it. TLC may also ask for court dispositions for the convictions behind it.
What TLC's checklist says
TLC's page lists two items under "Legal Documents":
- Probation Officer Status Letter — "You must upload on TLC Up a copy of a probation status letter (on official letterhead) from your probation officer. This letter should state that you are complying with the terms of your probation."
- Parole Officer Status Letter — the same, from your parole officer, stating that you are complying with the terms of your parole.
What to ask your officer for
Tell the officer the letter is for a TLC driver license application and that TLC asked for a status letter confirming compliance. Ask early: your application has a 90-day deadline (rule 80-08(d)(1)) and the fee isn't refunded if it's denied.
Upload it in TLC UP
Log in to TLC UP and upload the letter against your application, the same way you upload other missing items. Keep the original and a screenshot of the upload. If the item stays on your list after a few days, email LicensingInquiries@tlc.nyc.gov with your application number.
Court dispositions may also be needed
A probation or parole letter shows your current status. TLC may separately ask for a court disposition for each crime you were convicted of. For New York cases, TLC says to contact the court where your case was heard. If your fingerprints flagged a federal or out-of-state record, you get the disposition from that court. The fingerprints and background check guide explains how these requests come about.
How TLC uses it: the Article 23-A review
Rule 80-04(h)(3) says TLC reviews criminal history "in a manner consistent with Article 23-A" of the Correction Law. Correction Law §753 lists the factors, including the time since the offense, your age then, how serious it was, how it relates to the job, and "any information produced by the person, or produced on his behalf, in regard to his rehabilitation and good conduct." A certificate of relief from disabilities or certificate of good conduct creates a presumption of rehabilitation for the offenses it covers; if you have one, upload it too.
Related letters and next steps
- Child support issues need a different letter: child support clearance for TLC.
- Paratransit or commuter van applicant? TLC may also text about 19-A status.
- Track every item against your 90 days with the 90-day application planner.
- Denied anyway? See why TLC denies applications and TLC application bans.
Frequently asked questions
What must the probation letter say?
TLC's Licensing Requirements Checklist says it must be a probation status letter on official letterhead from your probation officer, stating that you are complying with the terms of your probation. The parole letter works the same way, from your parole officer.
Where do I send the letter?
Upload a copy in TLC UP. If you need help, TLC's checklist page gives LicensingInquiries@tlc.nyc.gov.
Can I get a TLC license while on probation?
Being on probation or parole is not listed as an automatic bar. TLC reviews criminal history under Article 23-A of the Correction Law, which requires it to consider evidence of rehabilitation and good conduct. A conviction for a 'serious criminal offense' under VTL §498 leads to denial.
Will TLC also want court papers?
It may. TLC can also ask for a court disposition for each conviction. TLC's checklist says to get it from the court where the case was heard and upload it in TLC UP.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC: Licensing Requirements Checklist (text notification) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules, Chapter 80 (Drivers) — §80-04(h), §80-08(d) nyc.gov
- NY Correction Law §753 (factors, certificates) nysenate.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.