The COVID-19 pandemic forced thousands of for-hire vehicle (FHV) drivers off the road in New York City. With fewer rides and overwhelming economic challenges, many livery drivers let their TLC vehicle licenses expire between March 2020 and September 2022. Now, there’s good news: the COVID-19 Livery Vehicle Recovery Act gives eligible drivers a full year—from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2026—to reinstate their expired licenses.
If your TLC livery license expired during that time, this is your opportunity to legally get back on the road. And at Mega Insurance Brokerage, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
🛑 Who Qualifies?
You may be eligible to reinstate your license if:
– Your FHV license expired between March 7, 2020, and September 12, 2022
– Your license was affiliated with a Livery base at the time it expired
– You use the same Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) that was on file
– Your license was not suspended or revoked when it expired
– You’re willing to maintain any existing restrictions (e.g., electric vehicle or wheelchair-accessible vehicle rules)
📌 Key Rules & Limitations
– Licenses can be affiliated with livery, black car, or luxury bases
– Licenses CANNOT be affiliated with high-volume bases like Uber or Lyft
– Any existing restrictions remain in place (e.g., if it was electric-only, it must remain electric-only)
– If your license was suspended or revoked at the time it expired, you are not eligible
– Corporation dissolved? You must reinstate it with the same EIN to be eligible
💻 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
✅ Step 1: Check Your Eligibility on TLCUP
Visit TLCUP and enter:
– Your TLC Vehicle License Number
– The Zip Code on file
– Your valid SSN or EIN
> This will show your expiration date — required for the next step.
✅ Step 2: Pay the License Renewal Fee on LARS
Log in to LARS and pay the $625 fee, which includes renewal and inspection.
✅ Step 3: Upload the Required Documents
On TLCUP, upload:
– A Completed FHV License Application
– Valid FHV Insurance (We can help you with this at Mega Insurance Brokerage)
– Proof of Vehicle Ownership (e.g., DMV registration, Bill of Sale, Certificate of Title)
– Government-Issued Photo ID
✅ Step 4: Receive Plate Letter
Once your documents are reviewed and approved, TLC will email you a DMV Plate Letter.
> Already have out-of-state FHV plates from outside NY, NJ, CT, or PA? Skip to Step 7.
✅ Step 5: Visit the DMV
Bring your TLC Plate Letter to a NYS DMV office to receive your TC (For-Hire) plates and registration.
✅ Step 6: Notify TLC of Your New Plate
Use TLCUP to file a Plate Notification using TLC’s instructions.
✅ Step 7: Receive Your Inspection Date
TLC will email and post your inspection appointment date on TLCUP.
> Visit the Vehicle Inspections page to prepare.
✅ Step 8: Vehicle Inspection
Bring your vehicle to the scheduled inspection. Once it passes, your vehicle license will be reactivated within 48 hours.
❓ FAQs
What if I don’t remember my EIN?
Contact the IRS for a CP575 or 147C letter for EIN proof.
> Note: You cannot change your EIN.
What if my corporation was dissolved?
You must reinstate it with the original EIN to qualify.
Why am I not eligible?
Check if your license was suspended/revoked or if you’re using the same SSN/EIN as on record.
Still confused about base affiliations?
While you can’t use Uber or Lyft, you can find a list of approved bases on the TLC website.
Who do I contact for TLC questions?
📧 Email: licensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov mailto:licensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov
Subject Line: COVID-19 Recovery
💡 Need Help? Mega Insurance Brokerage Has Your Back
We know this process can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
At Mega Insurance Brokerage, we’ll help you:
✅ Check eligibility and guide you through TLCUP and LARS
✅ Update your insurance so your application isn’t delayed
✅ Prepare all documentation correctly the first time
✅ Speed up your TLC approval by helping you stay on track
📞 Call us at +1 212–721–0001
📍 Visit us at 32–47 57th St, Woodside, NY 11377
📣 Final Reminder
You only have until April 15, 2026 to apply under the COVID-19 Livery Vehicle Recovery Act.
If your license expired during the pandemic and you’re ready to return to work, don’t delay. This is a rare second chance — and Mega Insurance Brokerage is here to help you every mile of the way.
Let’s get you back on the road. 🚖
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