Get a license to drive a taxi or livery vehicle
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 driver license (CDL)
- Class B CDL
- Class C CDL
- Class E driver license
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. 1 Learn about Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard documents.
Change from a Class D to a Class E license
Step 1: Complete the
Step 2: Determine what identification you need to bring to the DMV
- if you want a REAL ID or Enhanced, complete this document guide to know what proofs of identity to bring to an office
- On the first page, select: Change my existing NY State license/ID to a REAL ID or Enhanced
- if you want a Standard that will display "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES", bring your current NY 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
We recommend you conduct your DMV business at the office or by mail in the County where you are a resident.
Step 4: Get your Class E license in the mail
Allow 2 weeks for your new license to arrive.
If you do not have 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.
- 1. Starting in October 2021, you will need an Enhanced or REAL ID to board a domestic flight (unless you have a passport).
If your license or permit was issued before October 30, 2017 and is not Enhanced, you have a Standard document.Newly issued Standard license and permits state: 'NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES'