How to Book Your TLC Appointment in New York City

Where to book your TLC appointment online

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission runs a single online booking system for all TLC appointments. You book directly through the TLC's website at tlc.nyc.gov — there is no phone line for scheduling, and you cannot book through a third party or a driving school.

Go to the TLC website, find the appointment scheduling section, and select the type of license you need: for-hire vehicle (Uber, Lyft, other apps), yellow taxi, or green taxi. The system will show you available dates and times at the Manhattan office, which is the only location where TLC conducts appointments. You choose your slot, enter your information, and receive a confirmation email with your appointment number and date.

The system accepts appointments up to 60 days in advance. If you do not see open slots, the calendar is full — check back the next day, as cancellations open up regularly. Appointment availability changes daily and varies by license type.

Key Takeaways

• Book your TLC appointment only through tlc.nyc.gov; there is no phone booking or alternative system.
• All TLC appointments happen at the Manhattan office, regardless of where you live or work.
• You can schedule up to 60 days ahead, and slots fill quickly — check back daily if your preferred date is full.
• Bring your confirmation email and appointment number to your appointment, along with the documents listed in your license type requirements.
• If you miss your appointment, you must reschedule through the website; there is no grace period or phone option to reschedule.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The documents you need depend on which license you are seeking, but all appointments require a valid government-issued photo ID and your appointment confirmation email. Bring the physical confirmation or have it on your phone — the TLC staff will scan or photograph it when you arrive.

For a for-hire vehicle license, bring your driver's license, proof of New York State vehicle registration, proof of commercial auto insurance, and your TLC application form (which you fill out online before your appointment). If you are applying for a yellow or green taxi license, requirements are more extensive and include a medical certificate, a defensive driving course completion certificate, and a background check authorization form. The TLC website lists the full document checklist for each license type before you book.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If a document is not in English, bring the original and a certified English translation. Missing even one required document will result in your appointment being rescheduled, so review the checklist twice before you go.

What happens during your appointment

Your appointment is a document review and submission meeting, not a test or interview. You arrive at the TLC office in lower Manhattan at your scheduled time. Staff will verify your documents, check that your application is complete, and answer questions about the process. The appointment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.

If all documents are in order, the TLC will accept your application and give you a receipt with a reference number. You will not receive your license that day — the TLC processes applications after your appointment and mails the license to your address. Processing time varies but typically takes two to four weeks. You can track your application status on the TLC website using your reference number.

If documents are missing or incomplete, staff will tell you what you need to provide. You will have to reschedule a new appointment after you gather the missing items. This is why the document checklist matters: one missing form can add weeks to your timeline.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment date or time, you must cancel it through the TLC website and book a new slot. There is no phone line to reschedule, and you cannot email the TLC to move your appointment. Log into the scheduling system with your confirmation number, cancel the existing appointment, and book a new one.

Cancellations are processed immediately, and your slot opens up for other applicants. If you cancel and do not rebook within a few days, you may find that available slots are limited again — the calendar fills quickly, especially for popular times like early mornings and Fridays.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you lose that slot and must book again from scratch. The TLC does not offer makeup appointments or exceptions for no-shows. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to account for traffic or security lines.

Getting to the TLC office in Manhattan

The TLC office is located at 33 Beaver Street in lower Manhattan, near the Financial District. It is accessible by subway: the 4, 5, and 2 trains stop at Bowling Green, about a two-minute walk away. The 1 train stops at Whitehall Terminal, also nearby. Street parking is limited and expensive; public transit is the fastest and most reliable option.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and city holidays. Appointments are only available during these hours. If you live outside Manhattan or have difficulty traveling to lower Manhattan, you still must go to this location — the TLC does not offer appointments at other boroughs or remote options.

Common reasons appointments are delayed or canceled

The most common reason for delay is missing or incomplete documents. Review the checklist for your specific license type before your appointment — do not assume all license types need the same paperwork. The second most common issue is bringing photocopies instead of originals; the TLC will not accept them.

Background check delays can also push back your appointment. If you have a criminal history, the TLC may request additional information or documentation before your appointment date. You will be notified by email if this happens. Some applicants are asked to reschedule after their appointment if the background check is not yet complete.

Vehicle registration or insurance issues can also cause problems. Make sure your vehicle registration is current and your commercial auto insurance is active and in your name. If your insurance lapses between when you book and when you arrive, bring proof that you have renewed it.

After your appointment: tracking your license

Once your appointment is complete and your application is accepted, the TLC will mail your license to the address you provided. You can track the status of your application on the TLC website using your reference number. The tracking system updates as your application moves through review and approval.

If you do not receive your license within four to five weeks, contact the TLC through their website contact form. Do not call — the TLC does not have a general phone line for applicants. Include your reference number and appointment date in your message. Response times vary, but the TLC typically replies within one to two weeks.

Once you receive your license, it is valid for one year from the date of issue. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to continue driving for a TLC-licensed service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book my appointment by phone?

No. The TLC only accepts appointments through their website at tlc.nyc.gov. There is no phone line for scheduling. If you have trouble using the website, you can contact the TLC through their website contact form, but they will direct you back to the online system to book.

What if I cannot get to Manhattan for my appointment?

All TLC appointments are held at the Manhattan office. There are no remote appointments, no appointments at other boroughs, and no exceptions. If you cannot travel to lower Manhattan on your scheduled date, you must reschedule through the website for a different date.

How long does the appointment actually take?

Most appointments take 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to completion. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If documents are missing or incomplete, your appointment may be longer while staff explain what you need to provide, or it may be cut short and rescheduled.

What if my appointment confirmation email goes to spam?

Check your spam and promotions folders. If you cannot find it, log back into the TLC scheduling system with your confirmation number and print or screenshot your appointment details. Bring that to your appointment instead of the email. The TLC staff can look up your appointment by your confirmation number.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes, but only you need to be present. A friend or family member can accompany you, but they cannot speak on your behalf or handle your documents. The TLC staff will speak directly with you about your application and documents.