Commuter Van Base

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) gives licenses to businesses to run commuter vans. These vans drive people around New York City. They can carry between 9 and 20 passengers. The vans follow a set schedule. They travel between homes and places such as work, transit stations, shopping centers or recreation areas.

• Check requirements: Make sure you meet all the requirements listed below before visiting a TLC facility.

• Active status proof: Show proof that your business is active with the New York Department of State. You can check your status on the NYS Department of State website. Print and attach a copy.

• Business status proof:

  • Corporation: Provide a Certificate of Incorporation and a filing receipt.
  • Partnership: Provide a Partnership Certificate.
  • Sole proprietor: Provide a Business Certificate.
    Get original copies from the NYS Division of Corporations.

• Business records: Submit statements and business records showing all individuals, partners, officers, principals and stockholders. Include the number of shares per person. Notarized meeting minutes are acceptable.

• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Submit a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance. You can get this from the New York State Insurance Fund.

• Permit fees:

  • Fingerprinting fee: $75. Anyone with 10 percent or more shares must be fingerprinted.
  • Licenses cannot be transferred. Fees are nonrefundable.

• Payment methods:

  • Money order (payable to NYC TLC)
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover

• License renewal payments: You can pay to renew your license online. Use the LARS (License Applications, Renewals and Summonses) system.

• Other license types: The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) gives out other types of licenses. Each type has its own rules. For more information, visit the NYC Business Express Index. You can also visit a TLC Licensing Center in person.

• Meet all requirements: Make sure you meet all the necessary requirements and process steps listed below.
• Complete application: Submit a completed Application to Operate a Commuter Van Authority License. Refer to the provided links for the application, checklist and instructions.
• Identification: Present two forms of ID for each person listed on the application (one government-issued ID and a Social Security card).
• Social Security card: Present a valid and original Social Security card. Copies are not accepted.
• Mailing address proof: Submit proof of mailing address for the Commuter Van Authority. This can be a lease, landlord statement or utility bill.
• Phone bill: Submit a copy of the most recent phone bill for the van authority. Make sure the address on the bill matches the one listed for the van authority.
• DOT Application: Submit a completed DOT Application for a New Commuter Van Authority License.
• Maps and rates: Submit maps showing the area where the van will operate. Include a Zone Rate Schedule Map or Rate of Fare Book. Get maps from the Department of City Planning.
• Approval statements: Submit approval statements from your City Council Member, Community Board and Local Police Precinct or provide copies of letters sent to these agencies seeking approval. Include return receipts or certified mail receipts for each letter.
  Note: The letters sent to the City Council Member and Community Board must also include a copy of a completed application form. In addition, the letter must inform them that if they want additional documents (such as a copy of a lease), they can request them.

• Public support statements: Submit statements from the public supporting your application. These should explain why current mass transit does not meet their needs.

• Wheelchair accessible van agreement: Submit a copy of an agreement with a wheelchair accessible van operator. Describe how your service will help persons with disabilities.

• Submit fees: Submit all required fees with the application.

• Document submission: TLC will submit your documents to the DOT for review and approval.

• Fingerprinting and background check: TLC will take your fingerprints and conduct a background check.

• Public hearing: DOT will hold a public hearing. You can speak at the hearing if you want. The hearing will be in the borough where your van will operate.

  • Queens: Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd., RM 213, Part 2 Kew Gardens, NY 11424
  • Brooklyn: 209 Joralemon Street Community Room, Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Bronx: 851 Grand Concourse Veterans Memorial Hall, 1st Floor, Bronx, NY 10451
  • Manhattan: One Centre Street, 19th Floor, South Bronx, NY 10007

• Vehicle registration: After DOT approval, register at least one vehicle with the TLC.

• Renewal: Renew your approval status with the DOT every six years.

• License issuance: TLC will issue a two-year license, which needs to be renewed after two years.

• Form E submission: Submit Form E, Uniform Motor Carrier Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Certificate of Insurance. Contact DOT for a copy.

• Disability service description: Describe how your service will help people with disabilities. Identify any wheelchair accessible vehicles used.

• Internet affidavit: Submit a completed Internet Affidavit with a working email address. TLC will provide a password to access business information online.