Get a Paratransit License

Documents Needed

  • Applicant Identification: Government Issued photo I.D. of applicant.
  • Social Security Card
  • Proof of Vehicle Ownership - One of the following in the applicant’s name: Current DMV registration, Bill of Sale, or Leasing Agreement, Certificate of Origin or Certificate of Title (Front and Back). Note: Vehicles licensed outside of NYC must provide DMV registration showing seating capacity.
  • Insurance Certificate - Current For-Hire Insurance Certificate (FH-1) in the applicant’s name.
  • Insurance Certificate of Liability - Current Insurance Certificate of Liability directly from your insurance company showing levels of insurance coverage. Coverage must meet the minimum Insurance Requirements (PDF).
  • NYS Department of Transportation Carrier Authority or exemption letter
  • NYS Department of Transportation Inspection report (MC300) with front and back page (defect report). Form cannot be more than one year old.

How to Apply

Start your TLC vehicle application online by visiting LARS.

  1. Pay any outstanding parking, traffic, or TLC tickets.
  2. Your Base must submit a Base Affirmation for your vehicle.

    Once the affirmation is submitted online, you and your Base will receive an email confirming the submission. If you have not received the email confirmation you will not be able to submit the application and must contact your Base.

  3. Gather the following documentation and complete the online application using LARS:
    • The name and license number of the Base to which you will affiliate your vehicle
    • The Vehicle information (VIN, Insurance)
    • Applicant information (Name, Address that is not a PO Box)
    • A working Email address for TLC to send plate letter, appointment & request information
    • A valid Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
    • A Checking Account, Debit Card or Credit Card. If you pay by E-Check, you will not be charged a fee. The City of New York also accepts credit and debit cards and you will be charged a fee of 2% of the payment amount. This fee is nonrefundable.
  4. Submit additional documents (if necessary) If you did not attach all of your documents when submitting your application, you may submit them by using TLC UP within 45 days of making your payment.
  5. TLC will post your plate letter on TLC UP (If you already have for-hire plates from outside of the NYC area, skip to step 7)
    Once TLC reviews and processes your application a DMV plate letter will be posted on TLC UP.
  6. Get your DMV “TC” Plates. Take your plate letter/email to a NYS DMV office to receive your “TC” For-Hire plates and registration.
  7. Notifying TLC of your Plate by filing the Plate Notification Form using TLC UP.
  8. TLC will email, and post on TLC UP the vehicle inspection appointment date.

    Visit Vehicle Inspections to find the For-Hire Vehicle inspection requirements.

  9. Bring your vehicle to your scheduled appointment.

    The final step is for your vehicle to pass inspection, view Vehicle Inspections to see the requirements. Once you pass inspection your vehicle license will be activated within 48 hours.

NOTE: You must complete all these steps within 45 days from the date of your application, or your application will be denied.

Costs

  • $550 New application Fee for a two year license
  • $800 CMVT Tax for vehicles registered outside of New York City

Vehicle Insurance Requirements

Please visit the New York State Department of Transportation website to review minimum paratransit vehicle insurance requirements.

Related Information: