Where to Check Your TLC License Status

The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) in New York maintains a public database where you can look up the status of any TLC-licensed driver or vehicle. You do not need to create an account or log in. The search tool is available on the TLC's official website at tlc.ny.gov, and it shows whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired.

To search, go to the TLC's License Status Lookup page and enter either your TLC license number or your name and date of birth. The system returns results within seconds and displays your current status, expiration date, and any restrictions or violations on record. This is the fastest way to confirm your standing if you drive for a yellow cab, green cab, or for-hire vehicle (Uber, Lyft, or similar services) in New York City.

You can also call the TLC directly at 311 (from within New York City) or 212-639-0675 (from outside the city). A representative can look up your status over the phone, though wait times vary depending on call volume. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Key Takeaways

  • The TLC License Status Lookup tool on tlc.ny.gov is free, requires no login, and shows your license status in seconds.
  • You can search by TLC license number or by your name and date of birth.
  • The database displays whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired, plus any violations or restrictions.
  • If you prefer to speak with someone, call 311 (in NYC) or 212-639-0675 (outside NYC) during business hours Monday through Friday.

What Information the Status Lookup Shows

When you search the TLC database, you receive specific details about your license. The results page displays your license number, license type (yellow cab, green cab, or for-hire vehicle), the date your license was issued, and your expiration date. If your license is not active, the system tells you why—whether it is suspended, revoked, expired, or in another status.

The lookup also shows any violations, fines, or restrictions attached to your record. For example, if you have unpaid TLC fines, a medical suspension, or a disciplinary action pending, that information appears in the results. This helps you understand what steps you need to take next, whether that is paying outstanding fines, renewing your license, or addressing a medical issue.

Reasons Your TLC License May Not Be Active

A TLC license can be inactive for several reasons. Expiration is the most common: TLC licenses for drivers expire every three years, and you must renew before the expiration date or your license becomes invalid. Suspension occurs when you have unpaid fines, fail a medical exam, or violate TLC rules; a suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue.

Revocation is permanent removal of your license, usually due to serious violations such as criminal convictions, repeated safety violations, or fraud. Medical suspension happens if you fail the required medical examination or do not submit proof of a current medical certificate. Some drivers also have their licenses placed on hold while the TLC investigates a complaint or pending disciplinary action.

If your status shows anything other than "Active," the lookup page typically provides a brief explanation. If you need more detail about why your license is not active or what you must do to restore it, contact the TLC directly at 311 or 212-639-0675.

How to Renew an Expired TLC License

If your license has expired, you must renew it through the TLC's licensing process. Start by visiting tlc.ny.gov and downloading the renewal process for your license type (yellow cab, green cab, or for-hire vehicle). You will need to submit the completed process, pay the renewal fee (which varies by license type), and provide proof of a current medical certificate from a TLC-approved physician.

The TLC also requires you to pass a background check and drug screening as part of renewal. Processing times vary, but the TLC typically issues a decision within two to four weeks of receiving a complete process. During that time, you cannot legally drive for hire in New York City. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to retake the TLC written exam in addition to the standard renewal steps.

Resolving a Suspended or Revoked License

If your license is suspended, the first step is to find out why. The status lookup may provide a brief reason, but you should contact the TLC to understand the exact issue and what you must do to lift the suspension. Common reasons include unpaid fines, a failed medical exam, or a violation of TLC rules. Once you resolve the underlying problem—paying fines, obtaining a new medical certificate, or completing a required training—you can request that the TLC reinstate your license.

If your license has been revoked, reinstatement is much more difficult and sometimes impossible. Revocation is typically permanent, especially if it resulted from a criminal conviction or serious safety violation. However, in some cases the TLC may consider a petition for reinstatement after a set period of time. Contact the TLC directly to ask whether your situation qualifies for reconsideration.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your License in the Database

If you search the TLC database and your license does not appear, it may mean your license number or personal information was entered incorrectly. Try searching again with different variations of your name or double-check your TLC license number. If you do not have your license number, search by your full name and date of birth instead.

If you still cannot find your record after multiple searches, your license may never have been issued, or your record may have been removed from the active database. This can happen if your license expired years ago and was not renewed, or if it was revoked. Call the TLC at 311 or 212-639-0675 to confirm whether you hold a valid TLC license and to ask about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's TLC license status?

Yes. The TLC License Status Lookup is public, so you can search for any driver or vehicle licensed by the TLC. This is useful if you want to verify that a driver you are hiring is currently licensed, or if you are a fleet owner checking the status of drivers on your roster.

How often is the TLC database updated?

The TLC updates its database regularly, but changes may not appear when ready. If you recently paid a fine or submitted a renewal process, allow a few business days for the update to show in the lookup tool. If you need when ready confirmation that a change has been processed, call the TLC directly.

What should I do if my license status is wrong?

If the database shows incorrect information—for example, if it says your license is suspended when you believe you have resolved the issue—contact the TLC at 311 or 212-639-0675 with documentation of what you have done (proof of payment, medical certificate, etc.). A representative can investigate and correct the record if an error has been made.

Do I need to renew my TLC license before it expires?

Yes. You must submit your renewal process before your expiration date. The TLC recommends explore at least 30 days before expiration to allow time for processing. If your license expires before your renewal is approved, you cannot legally drive for hire in New York City, even if your process is pending.

Can I check my TLC status on a mobile phone?

Yes. The TLC License Status Lookup works on any device with a web browser, including smartphones and tablets. straightforward visit tlc.ny.gov on your phone and use the search tool the same way you would on a computer.