Get an SHL Pilot Program License

Thank you for your interest in obtaining an SHL Pilot Program License. The Authorization Agreement form is now closed. All available application slots are currently being processed

Beginning May 16, 2023, at 10am, TLC licensed drivers may apply for an SHL Pilot Program Permit and the associated For-Hire Vehicle License on this page by filling out and submitting an Authorization Agreement. The vehicles attached to these licenses must be electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs). They may not accept street hails, and may only accept trips beginning outside the Pre-Arranged Exclusionary Zone.

These licenses will be non-transferable and available to individual TLC driver licensees in good standing (no outstanding parking, traffic, and/or TLC tickets). They are limited to one per applicant, and the applicants must not already possess an SHL (Green Taxi) Permit. Prior to applying, please visit the SHL Pilot Program page to learn more about the operating restrictions surrounding these licenses.

 Please be Aware of the Following Important Facts and Instructions Before You Begin the Application Process: 

• Pay any outstanding parking, traffic, and/or TLC tickets. 
• You must be the titled and registered Vehicle Owner and a TLC Driver License holder.  
• You must have a TLC Driver license in good standing. Confirm the status of your TLC Driver License and contact information using TLC UP.  
• Your vehicle must be a fully electric, or hybrid, or wheelchair accessible vehicle. 
• You may only hold one SHL Pilot Permit.  If you already own an SHL Permit, you will not be able to participate unless you place the existing SHL permit in storage. 

You may not transfer either the SHL Pilot Permit or the FHV License that is issued pursuant to this Pilot Program. 

Please visit the FAQ page for more information.

How to Apply for an SHL Pilot Program Vehicle License 

Step One: Apply for an SHL Pilot Permit by filling in the Authorization Agreement at the top of this page.

You will need:

• Name 
• Mailing Address 
• TLC Driver License number 
• Email address 
• Phone Number 

Once you complete the Authorization Agreement, TLC will verify your eligibility. If you are approved, TLC will notify you via DocuSign in an email and provide you with your SHL Pilot Permit Number in Exhibit B of the returned Authorization Agreement (on page 9).  

Substantive elements of the Agreement include: 

• Pilot Participants will not be allowed to pick up street hails anywhere in New York City. 
• The related SHL Permit and FHV License are non-transferrable. 
• There will be a fee of $550 for the FHV License. The license will be valid for two years from the date the vehicle passes its first inspection. 
• The vehicle must be a hybrid, a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle or an Electric Vehicle.  

Step Two: Apply for the License 

• Once you are assigned an SHL Pilot Permit number, you will have 30 days from that day to start your for-hire vehicle license application. You must:
• Purchase a hybrid, a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle or an Electric Vehicle. 
• You must choose a Base that is willing to work with you. This Base will need to submit a request to license your vehicle (a Base Affirmation) to begin the licensing process. For a list of Bases that are licensed by TLC, visit Current Bases. 
• You must begin the process within 30 days. 
• Your Base must submit a Base Affirmation for your vehicle using the SHL Pilot Permit number and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Once the affirmation is submitted online, you will receive an email confirming the submission. If you have not received the email confirmation, you will not be able to submit the application in LARS and must contact your Base. NOTE: When your Base is submitting a Base Affirmation, they must select Wheelchair Accessible to submit a Base Affirmation for WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE vehicle.  Bases will only be able to submit a Base Affirmation one time per Permit. 
  
• After the Base Affirmation, you have seven (7) days to submit your online license application and payment in LARS.
  
• Gather the following documents and complete the online application and make the application payment using LARS:
  
  
  • The name and TLC license number of the Base to which you will affiliate your vehicle. 
    
    
  • Vehicle information (VIN, insurance). 
    
    
  • Applicant information (name, address that is not a PO box). 
    
    
  • A valid Social Security Number (SSN) 
    
    
  • A checking account, debit card, or credit card to pay the application fee. If you pay by E-Check, you will not be charged a fee. The City of New York also accepts credit and debit cards, and you will be charged a fee of 2% of the payment amount. The application fee is not refundable. 
    
    
• Submit all required documents using TLC UP within 45 days of making the application payment in LARS. 
  
  
• Once TLC reviews and processes your vehicle license application, a DMV plate letter will be posted on TLC UP. You will also receive an email with the copy of the plate letter. 
  
  
• Take your plate letter/email to a NYS DMV office to receive “TC” (TLC) For-Hire plates and registration. 
  
  
• Notify TLC of your plate by filing the Plate Notification Form found on TLC UP. 
  
  
• TLC will email you and post on TLC UP your vehicle inspection appointment date. Visit Vehicle Inspections webpage for the For-Hire Vehicle inspection requirements. 
  
  
• Bring your vehicle to your scheduled inspection appointment. Once the vehicle passes inspection, your SHL Pilot Program license will be activated within 48 hours. 

Questions?  
Please email tlcpilots@tlc.nyc.gov with any questions.