When You Shouldn't Apply for a TLC License Yet

On this page (7)

Quick self-check
The one-year and three-year bars
The points rule
Other reasons to wait
What to do next
FAQ
Sources

Wait before applying if your history matches one of TLC's bans, if you have too many DMV points, if a criminal case is still open, or if you owe the DMV, TLC or the city. TLC fees are non-refundable — the $252 application fee (as of 2026-10-12) is lost if you're denied. TLC's own Fitness Rules Notice (dated February 25, 2020) says: "An applicant should not submit an application if the applicant's TLC or DMV history matches the description listed." This page is the check to do before you pay. The full ban rules are in TLC application bans.

Quick self-check

Should I apply now or wait?

Answer a few questions · general information, not legal advice

Question 1In the last 3 years, was a TLC license of yours revoked, or did one expire or get surrendered while revocation charges were pending?

In the last 3 years, was a TLC license of yours revoked, or did one expire or get surrendered while revocation charges were pending?

Yes
Important: What this means for you
Wait. This can bring a 3-year ban (80-08(c)(1)(iv)). If the revocation came from the Persistent Violator Program, you may be able to ask for a waiver after 1 year. Read the bans guide before paying.
No
In the last year: more than 3 crashes, a conviction for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a failed TLC drug test, or a denial for not being 'fit to hold a license'?
- Yes
  Important: What this means for you
  Wait until the year has passed. Each 1-year ban has its own start date: the last crash, the violation, the failed test, or when the earlier application was submitted.
- No
  Do you have 6 or more DMV points in the 15 months up to your most recent conviction?
  - Yes
    Important: What this means for you
    Wait. TLC's Fitness Rules Notice says your application will be denied. Points drop out of the 15-month window over time; get your DMV abstract to see dates.
  - No / not sure
    Is a criminal case still open that may not end within 90 days?
    Yes
    Watch out: What this means for you
    Probably wait. TLC defers the application and denies it if the charges aren't resolved within 90 days of submission.
    No
    Do you owe TLC, the DMV, parking tickets or red-light camera tickets, or is your DMV license suspended?
    Yes
    Watch out: What this means for you
    Pay or clear these first. Rule 80-04(n) requires proof of payment, and a suspended DMV license must be cleared. Doing it before you file keeps your 90 days free.
    No
    Good to know: What this means for you
    No bar found in this quick check. Make sure you also meet the basics (age 19, SSN, chauffeur's license) and can finish everything within 90 days.

The one-year and three-year bars

TLC's application guide has a box called "Do Not Apply If." It and rule 80-08(c) list:

In the last year:

more than three crashes (counted from the date of the last one);
a conviction for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle;
an application denied because you were found not fit to hold a license (counted from when that application was submitted);
a failed TLC drug test (counted from the test date).

In the last three years:

a TLC license revoked;
a license that expired or was surrendered while revocation charges were pending;
certain conduct under TLC rules: driving a TLC vehicle while impaired, bribery, fraud, material misrepresentation, theft, threats, harassment, abuse or force, or a weapon in a licensed vehicle;
being disqualified from the TLC exam (counted from the exam date).

Rule 80-08(c) also says that if TLC spots a ban when you submit, it rejects the application and doesn't take the fee. If it accepts the application for processing, no fee is refunded.

The points rule

TLC's license page says you may have "no more than 5 points on your DMV license within a 15 month period back from your most recent conviction date." The Fitness Rules Notice says the same thing the other way round: 6 or more points in that window means denial, because you'd be subject to suspension or revocation as soon as you were licensed. The application guide words the window as 15 months back from your application date, and rule 80-08(c)(3)(ii) looks at points from no earlier than 15 months before the application. Count your points both ways. If either count reaches 6, wait until older points fall out of the window. Points rules for licensed drivers are in TLC license and DMV points.

Other reasons to wait

Clear these before you pay $252

0 of 9 done

You are at least 19Rule 80-04(a).
You have a valid Social Security numberAn ITIN or Green Light license doesn't replace it.
Your DMV license is a chauffeur's class (NY Class E, or CDL A/B/C) and not suspendedUpgrade first. The DMV says to allow about 2 weeks for the new card.
No unpaid TLC summonses, NYC parking or red-light camera tickets, or NYS traffic ticketsRule 80-04(n) requires proof of payment.
Child support record is currentIf not, you'll need a clearance letter that is valid for only 30 days.
No open criminal case that could run past 90 days
Your name is identical on all documents
You can take a 3-day course, WAV training and the exam within 90 days
Your old TLC license didn't expire less than 180 days agoIf it did, you may be able to renew late instead of applying new.

Saved on this device only.

Upgrading your DMV license is covered in the Class E chauffeur license guide. Child support issues are explained in child support clearance for a TLC license. If you have no SSN, read TLC license with an ITIN. Out-of-state drivers should check TLC license with an out-of-state license.

What to do next

If nothing on this page applies, follow how to get a TLC license. If you already applied and were turned down, see why TLC denies applications.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get my $252 back if TLC denies me?

No. TLC says all fees are non-refundable, no exceptions, and rule 80-07(c) says TLC won't refund fees if it denies the application. That is why TLC's Fitness Rules Notice tells applicants not to apply if their history matches a ban.

How many DMV points are too many for a TLC license?

TLC's license page says no more than 5 points within a 15-month period back from your most recent conviction date. TLC's Fitness Rules Notice says 6 or more points in that period means your application will be denied.

I have a criminal case still open. Should I apply?

Think carefully. TLC defers applications with pending criminal charges and denies them if the charges aren't resolved within 90 days after you submit (rule 80-08(c)(3)(iii)). If your case won't end soon, waiting can save the fee.

I had 4 accidents last year. When can I apply?

More than three collisions within a single year can bring a one-year ban, counted from the date of the last collision (rule 80-08(c)(2)(i)). Apply after that date.

Sources

Last reviewed against the official sources on Oct 12, 2026.

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.