The TLC requires all applicants to have either a New York State Class E license, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL - Class A, B or C), or an out-of-state license abstract in order to get a TLC license.
You can upgrade your existing license from any state, but if you have a license that is not from New York state, you’ll need to request a certified abstract from your state’s DMV showing six months of driving history.
If your license is from New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania, you DO NOT need to switch your driver’s license to New York Class E. You will fulfill the “upgrade your DMV license” requirement by completing the steps listed below. If your license is from any other state or country, you DO need to switch your driver’s license to New York Class E.
See below for instructions:
**New York State **
- Fill out the NY DMV Class E driver’s license form
- Visit a New York DMV and switch to a Class E license
- Send a copy of your Class E license to the TLC
Connecticut
- Request a certified abstract and an F endorsement from a Connecticut DMV
- Send copies of your Connecticut license, certified abstract, and F endorsement to the TLC
New Jersey
- Request a certified abstract from a New Jersey DMV
- Send copies of your New Jersey license and certified abstract to the TLC
Pennsylvania
- Request a certified abstract from a Pennsylvania DMV
- Send copies of your Pennsylvania DMV license and certified abstract to the TLC
Other States or Countries
- Request a certified abstract from your state or country’s DMV (or equivalent)
- Visit a New York DMV and switch to a Class E license
- Send copies of your Class E license and certified abstract to the TLC
- Send a copy of your upgraded license to the TLC, plus a copy of your certified abstract if your license is from outside of New York State.