Paratransit Base License

If you want to help people in wheelchairs, you need a Paratransit Base License. Paratransit vehicles are wheelchair-accessible vans. These vans help people who use wheelchairs or need special help in New York City. They have lifts or ramps to help people get in and out.

Make sure you have all the required documents and fees ready.

• Identification: You need two forms of ID for each person listed. One must be a government-issued photo ID.

• Proof of business status:

  • If you own a corporation, provide a Certificate of Incorporation and a filing receipt.
  • If you are in a partnership, provide a Partnership Certificate.
  • If you are a sole proprietor, provide a Business Certificate.
    To get these documents, contact the NYS Division of Corporations.

• Certificate of Occupancy: If you dispatch five or more vehicles, submit a Certificate of Occupancy stamped by the NYC Department of Buildings within the last two years or provide a Letter of Permissible Use from the NYC Department of Buildings.

• Proof of active status: Show proof that your business is registered with the NY Department of State and is active. Verify your status on the NYS Department of State website. Attach a copy of the on-screen printout.

• Proof of address: If you have four or fewer vehicles, submit two different forms of proof of address, like utility bills.

• Certificate of Convenience: Provide a Certificate of Convenience from the New York State Department of Transportation. Check their website for more information.

• Affidavit: Fill out, notarize and sign an affidavit. This is part of the TLC application, available on the TLC website.

• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Provide a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance or proof of exemption. Check the New York State Workers' Compensation Board website for more information.

• Schedule of rates: Provide a schedule of rates for repairs, installations and calibrations of taxi meters.

• Permit fees:

  • Base License Application: $1,000 for two years.
  • Fingerprinting fee: $75 per person.
    All licenses are non-transferable and all fees are non-refundable.

• Accepted payment methods:

  • Money order (payable to NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission)
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover card

• Renew your license online
  You can pay to renew your license online. Use the LARS (License Applications, Renewals and Summonses) System.

• Other vehicle types need different licensesThe City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) issues separate operating licenses for other vehicle types, including:

  • For-Hire Vehicles
  • Commuter Vans
  • Paratransit Vehicles

• For more information, visit:

  • The NYC Business Express Index
  • The TLC website
  • A TLC Licensing Center in person

1. Submit documents: Submit all required documents and a completed application form. You can submit these at the Long Island City or Staten Island License Facilities. Visits to the Staten Island facility are by appointment only. For locations, phone numbers and office hours, visit the TLC Locations listed below.
   
   NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)
   Licensing and Standards Division
   32-02 Queens Boulevard, 2nd Floor
   Long Island City, NY, 11101-2324
   
   NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)
   1139 Hylan Boulevard
   Staten Island, NY, 10305

2. Submit fees: Submit all fees with the application form. All fees are non-refundable.

3. File in person: File the license application, required documents and fees in person at a TLC Licensing Center from Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.