Department of Motor Vehicles

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

• 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 a REAL ID or Enhanced, complete this document guide to know what proofs of identity to bring to an office 

   

  Find the documents you need to get a REAL ID or Enhanced license

• 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
  

Office procedures have changed due to COVID-19.

We recommend you conduct your DMV business at the office or by mail in the County where you are a resident.

See instructions and reservation information for your county

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.