Horse Drawn Cab Driver License

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) offers a license for horse-drawn cabs. You need this license to drive a horse-drawn cab in New York City.

• You need to complete the basic individual license application: You need to fill out the Basic Individual License Application (PDF)

• You need to submit a photo of yourself: You need to submit a current color passport-size photo:

  • You can get your photo taken at the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Licensing Center for free

  • You can also upload your photo online

• You need to complete the horse-drawn cab operator's course: You need to complete this course from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:

  • You need to submit a copy of the completion certificate.
  • You can check the Carriage Handling Course page for details

• You must submit a certificate recommending for the license:

  • This must be signed by a DCWP-licensed horse-drawn cab driver.

  • You need to fill out the Certificate Recommending an Applicant for a Horse Drawn Cab Driver License (PDF)

• You need to submit proof of age: You need to submit proof that you are at least 18 years old. These are the acceptable documents:

  • U.S.-issued driver's license or non-driver's license ID
  • License or permit from a government agency
  • Passport
  • Alien card or green card
  • City, State or federal employee ID card
  • Municipal ID card

• You need to submit character and fitness certification: You need to fill out the
  Horse Drawn Cab Driver Character and Fitness Certification

• If someone else will prepare and submit the application: You need to fill out the
  Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (PDF)

• You need to pay license fees: The fee details are as follows:

  • $30 license fee for new applications from June 1 of even-numbered years to November 30 of odd-numbered years
  • $23 license fee for new applications from December 1 of even-numbered years to May 31 of odd-numbered years
  • $15 license fee for new applications from June 1 of odd-numbered years to November 30 of odd-numbered years
  • $8 license fee for new applications from December 1 of odd-numbered years to May 31 of even-numbered years
  • You have to pay a nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee for credit card payments

• You can pay by:

  • Check payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person application submissions
  • Money order payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person application submissions
  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover)

• Notification by mail: Two weeks after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all your papers, they will send a letter. The letter will have the following details:

  • If your application is approved: DCWP will send you a license
  • If your application needs more information: The letter will explain what documents to send. Your application will be denied If you do not send the documents within 10 days
  • If your application is denied: DCWP will provide you with the reason. They will ask you to apply again

• License validity: Licenses are valid up to two years. They expire on May 31 of even-numbered years

• Informing DCWP of changes:

  • If any information in your approved application changes, you must inform the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

  • You can call 311 or visit the DCWP Licensing Center. It is good to call 311 to check if you need to visit a center for any specific change.

  • You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Follow all laws and rules: You must follow all New York City laws and rules, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules. You can review the Public Access Portal.

• Review the requirements: You must review and gather all materials before selecting Apply Online.
  You will need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application

• Submit online: You must print the confirmation page after submitting.
  It will list the additional steps and materials required to complete your application. You must submit these materials within five business days if not uploaded online

• Complete the required forms: You must complete the forms and gather all necessary documents

• Schedule an appointment: You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• To renew your application: Select Renew Online. DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires. To keep operating, you must send your renewal application at least 15 days before your license expires.

• To renew your application: DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires:

  • To keep operating, you must send your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires

  • You need an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• To renew your application: DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires:

  • To keep operating, you must send your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires

  • You can mail these materials using the orange return envelope to the DCWP Licensing Center.

  • Contact information: The address and email information for DCWP Licensing Center are as follows:
    
    NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
    Licensing Center
    42 Broadway
    New York, NY 10004
    Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov