How to learn about your TLC license is suspended right now
You can check the status of your TLC (Taxi and Limousine Commission) license through the TLC's official website or by calling their office directly. The TLC maintains a public database where you can search by your license number or name to see whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked. This takes about five minutes and gives you a definitive answer.
If you drive for a TLC-licensed company (yellow cab, green cab, or for-hire vehicle), your dispatcher or fleet manager can also tell you when ready whether your license is flagged in the system. Many drivers find out this way first — the company's system will not let them log in or accept rides if a suspension is active.
The TLC operates in New York City only. If you hold a TLC license and drive outside the city, or if you are asking about a different state's taxi or commercial driver license, the process and agency are different.
Key Takeaways
- Check your TLC license status on the TLC website (tlc.ny.gov) using your license number, or call the TLC at 311 or (212) 676-1000.
- A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue; a revocation is permanent and requires reapplying for a new license.
- The most common reasons for suspension are unpaid fines, failure to renew your license on time, medical certification lapses, and violations of TLC rules.
- If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive a TLC vehicle until the suspension is lifted, and doing so can result in additional fines and criminal charges.
- You have the right to a hearing before the TLC if you dispute the suspension, and you can request a hearing in writing within 30 days of the notice.
The difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privileges. Once you fix the problem that caused it — pay outstanding fines, renew your medical certificate, or complete a required course — you can petition the TLC to lift the suspension and return to work. The TLC will specify what you need to do and by when.
A revocation is permanent. The TLC cancels your license entirely, and you cannot drive a TLC vehicle again unless you reapply from the beginning, pass all tests and background checks, and pay all fees as if you were a new applicant. Revocations are issued for serious violations: criminal convictions, multiple safety violations, or repeated rule-breaking after warnings.
Most drivers who contact the TLC about their status have a suspension, not a revocation. Knowing which one applies to you determines what your next step is.
Common reasons your TLC license gets suspended
The TLC suspends licenses for specific, documented reasons. The most frequent are unpaid fines or penalties, failure to renew your license before the expiration date, a lapsed medical certificate (required every two years), and violations of TLC safety or conduct rules. You should have received a notice in the mail before the suspension took effect, though not all drivers check their mail regularly.
Other reasons include failure to complete a required defensive driving course after an accident, not maintaining the required insurance, or not passing a required drug or alcohol screening. If you drive for a company and that company loses its TLC license, your individual license may also be suspended until you transfer to another licensed company.
Suspensions can also result from criminal charges or convictions related to driving — even if the charge is pending and not yet resolved. The TLC can suspend your license while a case is ongoing.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, get the specific reason from the TLC. Call 311 or (212) 676-1000, or visit tlc.ny.gov and use the license status search. Write down the exact reason and any important date mentioned. The TLC will tell you what you must do to lift the suspension.
Second, take action on that specific issue. If it is unpaid fines, you will need to pay them — the TLC can tell you the amount and payment methods. If it is a lapsed medical certificate, schedule an exam with a TLC-approved physician and submit the completed form to the TLC. If it is a defensive driving course, register for one approved by the TLC and provide proof of completion.
Third, submit your proof to the TLC in writing or through their online portal. Keep copies of everything you send. The TLC typically responds within two to four weeks, though this varies depending on how busy they are. Do not drive a TLC vehicle while your license is suspended — the penalty is a fine of up to $500 per day and possible criminal charges.
How to request a hearing if you disagree with the suspension
You have the right to a hearing before an administrative judge if you believe the suspension is wrong or unfair. You must request the hearing in writing within 30 days of receiving the TLC's notice of suspension. Send your request to the TLC's Office of Trials and Hearings with a brief explanation of why you disagree.
At the hearing, you can present evidence and witnesses to challenge the TLC's reason for the suspension. You can represent yourself or bring a lawyer. The judge will decide whether the suspension should stand, be lifted, or be modified. This process usually takes four to eight weeks from your request to the hearing date.
Requesting a hearing does not automatically lift your suspension while you wait. Your license remains suspended unless the judge orders otherwise. However, if you win the hearing, the suspension is removed when ready and you can return to work.
Steps to take while your license is suspended
Do not work as a TLC driver. Driving while suspended is illegal and will result in fines, criminal charges, and a longer or permanent revocation of your license. If you need income while your license is suspended, seek other work temporarily.
Stay in contact with the TLC. If the important date to fix the problem is approaching and you need more time, contact the TLC in advance to ask about an extension. Some issues, like medical exams, can take time to schedule, and the TLC may grant a brief extension if you show you are working on it.
If you work for a TLC company, notify your dispatcher or manager that your license is suspended and when you expect it to be lifted. Many companies have policies about how long they will hold your position or whether they will reassign you to office work temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber or Lyft if my TLC license is suspended?
No. Uber and Lyft operate under TLC rules in New York City and require an active TLC license. A suspended TLC license disqualifies you from all TLC-regulated driving in the city. You could drive for services outside New York City, but not within the five boroughs.
How long does a suspension usually last?
It depends on the reason. If you pay fines or submit a medical certificate within 30 days, the suspension can be lifted in two to four weeks. If you need to complete a course or resolve a more complex issue, it may take two to three months. The TLC will tell you the timeline when you contact them.
Will a suspension show up on a background check?
A current suspension will appear on background checks run by employers or other agencies. Once the suspension is lifted, it typically no longer appears on most background checks, though some employers may retain records of it. A revocation is permanent and will always appear.
What if I lost the notice the TLC sent me?
Call the TLC at 311 or (212) 676-1000 and ask them to resend the notice or explain the suspension over the phone. You can also visit a TLC office in person to request a copy. You do not need the original notice to resolve the suspension — the TLC's records are what matter.
Can I appeal a revocation?
You can request a hearing to challenge a revocation, just as you can with a suspension. However, revocations are issued only for serious violations, and judges rarely overturn them. If your revocation is upheld, your only option is to reapply for a new TLC license after a waiting period, which varies by the reason for revocation.