New TLC Mandate for Out-of-State Drivers: The ID-5 Form Guide



 Effective Date: October 1, 2025

Attention all for-hire vehicle drivers: If you hold an out-of-state driver's license and drive in New York City, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has announced a new mandatory procedure that affects you.

Starting October 1, 2025, all out-of-state applicants and current license holders must complete a new verification step with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain or maintain their TLC Driver's License. This process is mandatory for new applications, renewals, and even replacement licenses.

Who Is Affected by This New Rule?

This change applies to you if you are applying for a TLC Driver's License and your primary driver's license was issued by a state other than New York. Specifically:

  • New applicants with an out-of-state driver's license
  • Current TLC drivers with out-of-state licenses who are renewing their TLC license
  • Any licensee with an out-of-state license requesting a replacement TLC Driver's License

The 4-Step Mandatory Process

To comply with the new rule, you must follow these four steps outlined by the TLC.

Step 1: Download the ID-5 Form

Action: Download the official ID-5 Form from the TLC's provided link: Download the ID-5 Form Here

Important: Do not fill out this form yourself. Your role is to bring the blank form to the DMV. The DMV staff will complete it for you during your visit.

Step 2: Visit a New York State DMV Office

Action: Take the blank ID-5 form to any New York State DMV office.

Appointment: No appointment is necessary. You can walk in.

Documents: You must present your original identity documents for verification. This includes original proofs of your name, date of birth, and signature.

At the DMV: The DMV staff will verify your documents, complete the ID-5 form on your behalf, and take your photograph.

Cost: There is no charge for this specific service.

This step is crucial as it allows the NYS DMV to generate or validate your unique Client ID number, which the TLC requires to process your application.

Step 3: Receive and Secure Your FS-6T Receipt

Action: Once the DMV has finished the process, they will issue you a receipt called an FS-6T.

Important: Keep this receipt safe. It is your physical proof that you have completed the mandatory DMV step. We recommend taking a photo of it as a backup.

Step 4: Upload the Receipt to TLCUP

Action: Log in to your TLCUP account (the TLC's online application portal).

Action: Upload a clear copy of your FS-6T receipt.

Final Requirement: Your TLC Driver's License application will not move forward until this upload is complete. This receipt confirms to the TLC that you have fulfilled the new Client ID requirement.

Critical Deadline and Reminder

The TLC has issued a firm reminder: Any application submitted on or after October 1, 2025, will not be processed until the FS-6T receipt has been successfully uploaded to TLCUP.

Failure to complete this process will result in an incomplete application, halting your ability to get a new, renewed, or replacement TLC license.

Why Is This Change Being Implemented?

This new procedure streamlines and secures the licensing process. By ensuring every driver has a verified NYS DMV Client ID number, the TLC can:

  • Improve the accuracy of driver records
  • Strengthen identity verification protocols
  • Better align its system with New York State's official databases

Final Checklist for Drivers

To ensure a smooth process, make sure you:

  • Download the ID-5 Form from the official TLC website
  • Visit a NYS DMV office (no appointment needed) with your original documents
  • Securely store the FS-6T receipt you receive from the DMV
  • Upload the FS-6T receipt to your TLCUP account promptly

Official Source: For complete and authoritative information, always refer to the official TLC website: TLC - Renew a TLC Driver's License

This information is current as of the effective date and is based on official TLC documentation.

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