On this page (7)
Usually not on its own. A Green Light Law license is a standard, non-commercial New York license, and TLC needs two things it doesn't give you: a chauffeur class (Class E or a commercial A, B or C) and a valid Social Security number. CDLs are not available under the Green Light Law at all. Whether the DMV will issue you a Class E is a DMV question — and even with Class E, TLC's SSN rule still applies.
What the Green Light Law allows (plain definition)
The Green Light Law (New York's Driver's License Access and Privacy Act) lets New Yorkers 16 and older apply for a standard, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of citizenship or immigration status. According to the DMV:
- Applicants show documents proving name, date of birth and New York residency.
- People who were never issued an SSN can apply by signing a sworn affidavit saying so.
- Standard licenses all look the same and carry the marking "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES". They don't meet REAL ID standards, so they can't be used to board domestic flights or enter some federal buildings.
- Commercial licenses (CDLs) are not available under the law.
- The law limits DMV data sharing, including with agencies that mainly enforce immigration law, and the DMV must notify you when such an agency asks for your data.
- The DMV lists license fees from $64.50 to $107.50 (read October 12, 2026). Licenses issued without SSN proof must be renewed by mail or in person.
How it fits TLC's rules
| TLC requirement | Source | Green Light standard license |
|---|---|---|
| Age 19+ | Rule 80-04(a) | Doesn't change this |
| Valid chauffeur's license (Class E or CDL A/B/C) | Rule 80-04(c); TLC licensing page | A standard license is not a chauffeur class; CDLs are excluded; Class E — ask the DMV |
| Valid government photo ID and valid SSN | Rule 80-04(b) | No SSN is needed for the DMV license, but TLC still needs one |
The DMV's taxi and livery page says you need Class A, B, C (CDL) or Class E to drive a taxi or livery vehicle, and points New York City drivers to TLC. Class E is the non-commercial for-hire class, and the DMV's Green Light page does not say whether a Class E can be issued without an SSN. Ask at a DMV office before you count on it.
Check your situation
Why it matters for TLC drivers
Many NYC drivers are immigrants: TLC's 2024 Language Access Plan says 93% of TLC licensees were born outside the U.S. Some people get a Green Light license expecting it to open the door to Uber or taxi work. It is a real New York driver license, so you can drive legally for personal use — but driving passengers for hire in NYC needs a TLC license, and that needs an SSN. Driving for hire without one is unlicensed activity.
Your protections don't depend on the type of DMV license. The NYC Human Rights Law protects against discrimination based on immigration or citizenship status (see NYC Human Rights Law for drivers). For deactivation rules that apply once you drive for an app, see NYC driver deactivation law.
Related pages
- Does the DMV share data with immigration
- Class E chauffeur license
- Immigrant drivers' guide to TLC
- Can a paratransit driver drive a green cab — paratransit needs a CDL, which Green Light doesn't offer.
- Camera tickets on any license can still affect you: do camera tickets give TLC points.
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Green Light Law?
New York's Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, enacted June 17, 2019 and in effect since December 16, 2019. It lets New Yorkers 16 and older apply for a standard, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Can I use a Green Light license to apply to TLC?
Only if it is a chauffeur class TLC accepts (Class E or a CDL) and you also have a valid Social Security number. CDLs are not available under the Green Light Law, and TLC requires a valid SSN for every driver license type.
Can I get a Class E license under the Green Light Law?
The DMV's Green Light page covers standard, non-commercial licenses and doesn't address Class E directly. Class E is a non-commercial for-hire class, so ask the DMV. Even with Class E, TLC's SSN requirement still applies.
What does NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES mean?
The DMV says standard licenses carry that marking and don't meet REAL ID standards, so they can't be used to board domestic flights or enter some federal buildings. It is still a valid New York driver license for driving.
Does the DMV share Green Light data with immigration agencies?
The DMV says the law limits data sharing, including with agencies that primarily enforce immigration law, and requires the DMV to notify license holders when such agencies request their data.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- NYS DMV: Driver licenses and the Green Light Law dmv.ny.gov
- NYS DMV: Get a license to drive a taxi or livery vehicle dmv.ny.gov
- TLC: Get a TLC Driver License nyc.gov
- TLC Rules, Chapter 80 (Drivers) — §80-04(b), (c) 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.