Get a License to Drive a Taxi or Livery Vehicle
About
To drive taxis and other livery vehicles in New York State, you must be 18 years of age or older and you must have a driver license that is one of these classes
- Class A commercial license (CDL)
- Class B CDL
- Class C CDL
- Class E
If You Plan On Traveling
We recommend you come to the DMV now to get an Enhanced or REAL ID and avoid a second office visit later. Learn about Enhanced, REAL ID, and Standard documents.
Change From a Class D to a Class E License
Step 1: Complete the Application
Complete the Application for Standard Permit, Driver License for Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) (MV-44).
Step 2: Determine what identification you need to bring to the DMV
If you want an Enhanced or REAL ID, complete the Document Guide to know what proofs of identity to bring to an office. On the first page, select "Change my existing New York State license/ID to a REAL ID or Enhanced".
Find the documents you need to get a REAL ID or Enhanced license
If you want a Standard license that will display "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES", bring your current New York State license as proof of identity.
Step 3: Go to the DMV
- Surrender your Class D license
- Apply and pay for your Class E license
- The fee depends on the expiration date of your current driver license - we cannot calculate your fee until you apply
- Take the vision test or prove that you meet our vision requirements
See location, instructions and reservation information for your DMV
Step 4: Get your Class E license in the mail
Allow 2 weeks for your new license to arrive.
If You Do Not Have a New York State Driver License
If you do not have a driver license, learn how to apply for your first driver license. Apply for a Class E driver license instead of a Class D driver license. The Class D license and the Class E license both require the same vision, written, and road tests.
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (T&LC) regulates taxi drivers and livery drivers in New York City. If you plan to drive a taxi or livery vehicle in New York City, contact the Taxi and Limousine Commission.