TLC License Not Received in the Mail: What to Do

Wait ten business days from the date TLC mailed your license, and check that date in TLC UP. If the card still hasn't come, book a "Driver License Replacement" appointment at TLC's Long Island City office and bring a signed Credentials Form. That is the process in TLC's driver FAQs. With a New York State DMV license you leave with a temporary license. With an out-of-state DMV license you get the replacement card the same day.

This page is only about a new or renewed card that never arrived. If you had the card and lost it, or it was stolen, use lost or stolen TLC license, which also covers the 72-hour reporting rule.

Step by step

Temporary license vs replacement card

The two outcomes are different, and TLC's FAQ explains why:

• New York State DMV license holders get a temporary license at the appointment. The replacement card is mailed later, because TLC now builds the card from your NYS DMV photo. In the FAQ answer about lost or stolen licenses, TLC says this temporary license is valid for ten business days. Keep an eye on the mail, and on TLC UP, for the new card.
• Out-of-state DMV license holders get the replacement card at the office on the day of the appointment. Since October 1, 2025, TLC also requires out-of-state licensees to get an FS-6T receipt from a NYS DMV office (via the ID-5 form). For a replacement, TLC says to email the FS-6T to licensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov (Get a TLC Driver License). Do this before your appointment.

The fee

The Credential Replacement form normally charges $25 to replace a card. But its instructions add an exception for a card that was not received or possibly "lost in the mail." That replacement is free if:

• at least 10 days have passed since TLC mailed the license, and
• not more than 60 days have passed since TLC mailed it.

So don't wait too long. Check the mailing date in TLC UP, and book your appointment so you go before day 60. After that, expect the $25 fee. The form says fees are paid by debit or credit card or by money order to "NYC TLC"; cash is not accepted.

Why cards go missing, and how to prevent it next time

• Old mailing address. Rule 80-12(i)(3) requires you to report a new mailing address and email within ten days. The rules treat TLC communications sent to the last address you gave as properly sent. See your TLC mailing address.
• Your name isn't on the mailbox. If you rent a room or share a building, make sure your name is on the box.
• The card was never mailed. If TLC UP shows no mailing date, TLC may still be reviewing your file. TLC's FAQ says applicants either get the license in the mail or are contacted by text, email, letter or TLC UP for more information. See how long it takes to get a TLC license.

Not sure which license you're waiting for? See every TLC license type explained. A missing summons is a different problem: see what if I never received my TLC summons. Visit details are in the Long Island City office guide. More on the licensing hub.

General information, not legal advice. Based on TLC's driver FAQs and the Credential Replacement form, checked October 12, 2026.