How to Renew Your For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) License in New York City

If you drive for Uber, Lyft, or any other TLC base in New York City, keeping your For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) License active is essential.
 Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) requires every for-hire vehicle owner to renew their license before it expires — and missing deadlines can cost you time, money, and even your ability to stay on the road.  
Here's a complete guide on how to renew your TLC vehicle license step-by-step.

🕒 When to Apply for Renewal

You should apply for your vehicle license renewal at least 30 days before your current license expires.
  • Apply early: Submitting on time ensures you stay active without any interruption.
  • Grace period: If your license expires, you still have 60 extra days to finish the renewal.
  • Late renewals: During this 60-day period, your license remains expired until TLC processes and approves your renewal. Once approved, you'll owe a $25 late fee.

📋 Documents You'll Need

Before applying, make sure you have all the required documents ready. Missing paperwork can delay the process.
  1. Current Insurance Certificate (FH-1) – The insurance must be active and meet TLC's minimum requirements.
  2. DMV Registration (for out-of-state vehicles) – If your vehicle is registered outside of New York, submit a copy of your current registration through TLC UP.
  3. NYS Department of Transportation Inspection Report (MC300) – Your vehicle must pass inspection, and the report must be valid within one year.
  4. Stretch Limousines – Must include operating authority from the NYS Department of Transportation and can only be operated by drivers with active 19A status.

🧾 Vehicle Insurance Information

Your vehicle cannot be renewed without valid insurance. TLC requires all for-hire vehicles to maintain a current policy that meets the city's insurance standards.
  • If your FH-1 certificate on file is expired, renewal will not be processed until a new one is submitted.
  • Vehicle owners can check their insurance details online anytime using the TLC UP self-service portal.
  • For first-time users, visit the TLC Upload Portal to verify your email and set up your account.
  • Once logged in, your Licensee Snapshot will show your insurance policy number, coverage period, and license status.

💻 How to Apply for Renewal

Here's the step-by-step process to renew your TLC vehicle license:
  1. Pay all outstanding fines or fees owed to TLC or the Department of Finance (including parking, traffic, or red-light violations).
  2. Pay the renewal fee online using your TLC vehicle license number through LARS.
  3. Upload required documents using TLC UP.
  4. Wait for approval: Once TLC receives your payment and all documents, they will schedule your vehicle for inspection.
  5. Inspection appointment: You'll receive an email with the date and time of your inspection — or you can check the date directly in TLC UP.
  6. Pass the inspection: Once your vehicle passes, your license will be renewed.
For detailed inspection guidelines, visit the official TLC Vehicle Inspections page.

💰 Renewal Costs

The total renewal cost varies depending on your vehicle type and registration status.
For Non-WAV (Non–Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles)
Fee Type Amount
Vehicle Renewal Fee $550
Inspection Fee (for vehicles with 500+ miles) $75
CMVT Tax (if registered outside NYC) $800
Total $550 – $1,425
For WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles)
$0 – $875 depending on eligibility and registration
⚠️ Note: All TLC fees are non-refundable, so double-check all your documents before submitting.

🚗 Keep Your Vehicle Road-Ready

Renewing your TLC vehicle license on time helps you avoid penalties and downtime. Make sure your insurance is always up to date — it's one of the most important parts of the process.

Need TLC Insurance?

At Mega Insurance Brokerage, we help TLC drivers stay fully insured and compliant. If your need help getting new TLC insurance for your rideshare or livery vehicle, our team is here to assist you.

👉 Visit our Queens office or call us at +1 (212) 721-0001 to get started.

keep updating with TLC news, advice, Tips and Tricks with #AskMegaTLCgenius and Visit megainsurance.nyc  website.. Read Trending TLC Blog


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