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If a base, vehicle owner or taxi garage won't pay you for trips you completed, collect your records, ask for the money in writing, and then file a complaint with TLC's Driver Protection Unit (DPU). The DPU investigates "failure to pay drivers what they earned by providing a trip" (TLC). Call (718) 391-5539 or email driverprotection@tlc.nyc.gov. It is free.
Who owes you, and the rule they broke
The rule depends on who collects your money:
Deadlines in more detail, and the franchise/co-op exception: how fast must my base pay me?
If the owner gave the job of paying you to someone else and that person didn't pay, the taxi owner is still responsible, as long as you report the non-payment to the owner within 90 days (58-21(f)(1)(i)). Don't wait.
Records to gather
Before you call anyone, put these together:
- Trip list: dates, times, pickup and drop-off, and the fare for each unpaid trip. Use your app history, trip sheets or screenshots.
- Your lease or base agreement. The rules only allow deductions that are written there.
- Receipts and pay statements. Owners must give you a written receipt for every payment or deduction. If you never got them, that is a separate violation the DPU also handles.
- Messages: texts, WhatsApp chats or emails where you asked to be paid, and their replies.
- Your TLC license number and the vehicle's license or medallion number.
Steps
The Owner/Driver Resource Center portal describes its Driver Protection Services with this exact example: a "driver making a complaint against a Base for non-payment of earnings" (portal). It does not handle summonses or licensing questions.
Small claims option
You can also try to recover the money in court. TLC's driver resources page lists NYPIRG's Small Claims Court Action Center at (800) 566-5020 and other free legal help such as Legal Aid Society (212) 577-3300. Small claims court has a dollar limit and its own forms; check with the court or NYPIRG before you file. This page is not legal advice.
Retaliation rule
You can complain without fear of punishment, at least under TLC rules. FHV owners (59A-13(m)), bases (59B-13(n)), Uber and Lyft (59D-10(l)) and taxi owners (58-21(j)) must not retaliate against a driver for a good-faith complaint. "Retaliation" is read broadly: cutting your shifts, taking away a car or withholding a benefit can count. The fine is $1,000 plus restitution, and $10,000 plus restitution for a second violation within five years. More: can my owner or base retaliate?
What to do next
- Deposit not returned? See fleet won't return my security deposit and garage won't return my E-ZPass deposit.
- Being charged for the owner's ticket? See can my base make me pay a summons?
- Keep your records after you are paid; they also help at tax time. See taxes on Uber income without a 1099.
- A passenger who won't pay is a different problem: can I lock the doors if a passenger won't pay?
Frequently asked questions
Who do I complain to if my base or car owner won't pay me?
TLC's Driver Protection Unit (DPU): call (718) 391-5539 or email driverprotection@tlc.nyc.gov. It investigates failure to pay drivers what they earned for a trip.
How long can a base or FHV owner wait to pay me?
TLC rules say drivers must be paid earnings within one week of a trip's completion (59A-21(d)(2) for vehicle lessors and 59B-18(f)(4)(ii) for bases, with a narrow franchise/co-op exception that does not cover Uber or Lyft).
My taxi owner hasn't paid my credit card fares. Is that allowed?
No. For daily taxi leases the owner must pay you all non-cash payments every day, and weekly drivers may choose weekly payment. If the owner gave this job to someone else who didn't pay, the owner is still responsible if you report it within 90 days (58-21(f)).
Can I sue in small claims court instead?
Small claims court is a separate option for money owed. TLC's driver resources page lists NYPIRG's Small Claims Court Action Center at (800) 566-5020 for help. A DPU complaint and a court case are different processes; ask a lawyer if you are unsure which to use.
Can my base punish me for complaining to TLC?
No. Bases, vehicle owners and Uber/Lyft must not retaliate against a driver for a good-faith complaint. The fine is $1,000 plus restitution, and $10,000 plus restitution for a second violation within five years.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC: Driver Protection Unit nyc.gov
- TLC: Driver Resources (DPU phone, NYPIRG Small Claims Court Action Center) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules, Chapter 59 (59A-21(d), 59A-13(m), 59B-18(f)(4), 59B-13(n), 59D-10(l)) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules, Chapter 58 (58-21(f), 58-21(j)) nyc.gov
- TLC Owner/Driver Resource Center portal (Driver Protection Services) portal.driverresourcecenter.tlc.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.