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Driver Resources

The TLC and the City of New York have a full suite of resources for TLC-licensed drivers, vehicle owners, and businesses.

Use the links below to learn more about the resources available to you.

For the latest guidance from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and more COVID-19 resources from the City, visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.

Click here for TLC updates during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Driver Resources

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TLC Support

TLC Owner/Driver Resource Center

TLC Driver Protection Unit

The Driver Protection Unit protects the rights of all taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers. The unit investigates complaints submitted by TLC licensees that allege that they have been subjected to illegal conduct including:

  • failure to pay drivers what they earned by providing a trip
  • failure to return a driver’s security deposit
  • failure to provide drivers copies of documents required under TLC rules, including leases and receipts
  • overcharge of lease or vehicle purchase amounts
  • acts of identity theft
  • retaliation for filing a complaint with the TLC

The unit also reviews New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission rules to improve drivers’ rights and regularly provides drivers’ rights trainings throughout New York City. To date, the unit has helped drivers get back more than $3.2 million.

For more information call (718) 391-5539 or e-mail driverprotection@tlc.nyc.gov.

Related Information:

Business & Financial Support

Free Tax Prep Services

NYC Free Tax Prep offers trusted and professional tax preparation services to eligible New Yorkers. There are four ways to file.

  • In-Person Tax Prep
    Sit down with a knowledgeable IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer to complete an accurate tax return.
  • Drop-off Service
    Drop off your tax documents and pick up your completed return later.
  • Virtual Tax Prep
    Get assistance through video conferencing on your phone, computer, or tablet.
  • Assisted Self-Preparation
    Complete your taxes on your own and ask questions by phone or email.

NYC Tax prep sites are available in all five boroughs. Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/taxprep to check the eligibility requirements and choose the best filing option for you. Services are currently available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Russian with others available through phone interpretation.

Financial Assistance

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers provide free one-on-one professional financial counseling and coaching to support you in reaching your goals. To schedule a remote financial counseling appointment click here for NYC Consumer and Worker Protection . For more information about financial counseling appointments visit the NYC Consumer and Worker Protection’s website.


NYS Comptroller - Unclaimed Funds

Banks, insurance companies, corporations and the courts are among the many organizations required by law to report dormant accounts to the State Comptroller. These organizations must attempt to notify you by mail and publish the information in newspapers. Despite these efforts, many funds remain unclaimed and are turned over to the Office of the State Comptroller. To search for lost money, visit the State Comptroller’s website.

Website: Unclaimed Funds

Telephone: 1-800-221-9311

Email: contactus@osc.ny.gov

Workforce Development Opportunities

SBS Workforce1

Small Business Services (SBS) Workforce1 program helps New Yorkers prepare for and connect to jobs in every sector across the five boroughs. Through their virtual career center system, you can be connected by web or phone to one-on-one assistance from professionals who can help you:

  • Identify jobs that fit your experience and skills
  • Prepare for interviews
  • Access free job training
All services are free and do not require in-person visits. For more information or to sign up visit Virtual Workforce1 Career Center System.

Career Discovery NYC

Access training to discover a new career any time, any place, at no cost. Learn about specific careers and the skills needed to get a job in those occupations. If one of these careers interests you, you can access no-cost, online training for that career through Career Discovery NYC. Visit the Career Discovery NYC website or email cdnyc@sbs.nyc.gov for more information about training and employment.

Job Ready NYC

Job Ready is New York City’s front door to programs that help you prepare for and find a job. Find programs that are right for you, figure out if you’re eligible, and learn about the next steps. You can also browse a selection of early career jobs with the City of New York. Visit the Job Ready NYC website for more information about training and employment.

New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL)

NYSDOL has incredible resources to help you find a job, research careers, and learn about special programs for jobseekers. Visit the New York State Department of Labor’s Website or call (518) 457-9000 or (888) 4-NYSDOL (888-469-7365) for assistance.

Women.NYC

Powered by New York City Economic Development Corporation, Women.NYC is an initiative that connects women to jobs and businesses of the future. From education to training to entrepreneurial offerings, Women.NYC is your path to connect to a thriving career in an industry with a big future in New York City, no matter where you are now. And if you're already in tech, renewable energy, climate tech, or life sciences, Women.NYC is here to help you move forward. Visit Women.NYC’s website for more information.

Brooklyn Public Library’s (BPL) Business & Career Services

Brooklyn Public Library’s (BPL) Business & Career Services are for entrepreneurs, freelancers, job seekers, and anyone seeking a secure financial future. Services are designed to help you expand your horizons with workshops and programs, research emerging trends and market opportunities, learn marketable skills and digital tools, discover your career path or master your finances. Knowledgeable staff are available to answer your questions and assist you with research. Visit the Brooklyn Public Library’s website for more information.

New York Public Library (NYPL) Career Services

New York Public Library (NYPL) Career Services provides essential professional development support, resources, webinars, and events for job seekers and professionals, looking to craft an effective professional portfolio to enhance their career. NYPL offers free virtual and in-person support to help you achieve your career or employment goals, which include coaching, resume or cover letter writing, job application support, and career development events. Visit the New York Public Library’s website or email careerservices@nypl.org for more information.

Queens Public Library’s (QPL) Job & Business Academy

Queens Public Library (QPL) provides specialized training and learning opportunities to job seekers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and business owners. The library also helps English language learners build the language skills they need to have a successful career and offers technology training and online learning for 21st-century workforce success. Visit the Queens Public Library’s website for more information.

Bronx Small Business Development Center

The Bronx Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Lehman College provides free business consulting, information about licensing, permit guidance, and SBA coronavirus economic injury disaster loans. Visit the Bronx Small Business Development Center’s website, call (718) 960-8806, or email sbdc.bronx@lehman.cuny.edu for more information.

Midtown Manhattan Small Business Development Center

At Baruch’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located within the Lawrence N. Field Center for Entrepreneurship, faculty and staff work directly with entrepreneurs to refine their business plan. As part of the NYS-SBDC Research Network, advisors have access to the latest economic, demographic, and regulatory data impacting small business. The SBDC at Baruch offers small business owners and entrepreneurs free small business counseling with professional, academic, and private sector experts. Visit the Midtown Manhattan Small Business Development Center’s website, call (646) 312-4790, or email sbdc@baruch.cuny.edu for more information.

Queens – LaGuardia Small Business Development Center

The LaGuardia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides professional in-depth one-on-one business advisement, entrepreneurial training, research and business services for start-up and the small and medium enterprise community. Visit the LaGuardia Small Business Development Center’s website, call (718) 482-5303, or email sbdc@lagcc.cuny.edu for more information.

Queens – York Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at York College aspires to be recognized as a leading source of high-business counseling and training for aspiring entrepreneurs and owners. Since its start in 1988, the center has achieved over $207 Million in economic impact through loans they helped their clients obtain. The expert advisers have worked with 15,437 businesses and have created or saved 4,462 jobs. Visit the York College Small Business Development Center’s website, call (718) 262-2880, or email sbdc@york.cuny.edu for more information.

Staten Island Small Business Development Center

The Staten Island Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides customized solutions through advisement, education, research, and advocacy for entrepreneurs, innovations, and the small & medium enterprise community. Visit the Staten Island Small Business Development Center’s website, call (718) 982-2560, or email sbdc@csi.cuny.edu for more information.

Driving Resources

Car Buyer’s and Owner’s Resources

Federal Trade Commission

Buying and Owning a Car

  • Get advice on buying a new or used car, and on understanding warranties, maintenance, and repossession. Visit ftc.gov/cars for more information.

U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance

National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)

  • Visit the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) website, vehiclehistory.gov, to get a vehicle history report with title, insurance loss, and salvage information. This site lists NMVTIS-approved providers of vehicle history reports.

U.S. Department of Energy

Fuel Economy and Environment

  • FuelEconomy.gov is the federal government website that helps consumers make informed fuel economy choices when purchasing a vehicle and helps them achieve the best fuel economy possible from the cars they own. It is maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy with data provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For additional information email fueleconomy@ornl.gov.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Find a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Regulated Business

Let the Buyer be Aware

  • Visit https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/let-buyer-be-aware for important information about purchasing a vehicle from a dealer or private seller.
  • If you cannot resolve a problem with a dealer, write to: Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services, PO Box 2700-ESP, Albany, NY 12220-0700, email CSR@dmv.ny.gov, or call (518) 474-8943.

Know Your Rights in Auto Repair

Office of the New York State Attorney General

Lemon Law Program

  • The "lemon laws" for new cars, used cars, wheelchairs, and farm equipment provide a legal remedy for buyers or lessees of vehicles and equipment that turn out to be defective ("lemons"). If your car does not conform to the terms of the written warranty and the manufacturer or its authorized dealer is unable to repair the item after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a full refund. In addition, at the end your lease of a new or used cars, a related law provides a legal remedy to challenge charges for excess wear and damages.
  • For additional information, visit the Office of the New York State Attorney General’s website, email LemonLaw@ag.ny.gov or call their helpline at 1 (800) 771-7755.

Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

Buying a Used Car?

  • Buying a used car can be one of the largest financial commitments you make. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) offers tips to help you at each phase of purchasing a used car, which you can read by clicking here. You should also read their Used Car Consumer Bill of Rights.
  • All used car dealerships must be licensed by DCWP. You can search for a licensee online at nyc.gov/consumers.
  • If you have an issue with a used car dealer, you can file a complaint online with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection or by calling 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) from outside of New York City.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Credits for New Clean Vehicles

Used Clean Vehicle Credit

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

Drive Clean Rebate for Electric Cars

  • The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is offering electric car buyers a Drive Clean Rebate of up to $2,000 for new car purchases or leases. The Drive Clean Rebate amount will depend on the EPA all-electric range of the car that is purchased, and there are over 60 models to choose from. The Drive Clean Rebate is available to NYS residents and businesses that buy or lease new eligible cars through participating new car dealerships. Only dealerships that have registered with the Drive Clean Rebate can offer this point-of-sale rebate.
  • You can find a list of participating dealerships and Clean Drive Rebate eligible models on NYSERDA’s website.
  • If you have additional questions about this program, you can call (866) 595-7917 or email: NYDriveClean@energycenter.org. Additional information is also available on NYSERDA’s website.

New York State Department of Transportation

Clean Pass

New York City Department of Transportation

Municipal Charging Discount

  • TLC licensees can receive discounted electric vehicle charging at three municipal fast charging hubs. TLC drivers will pay 30¢ per kW, a discount of 5¢ per kW. The cost of the first hour of parking will be deducted from the charging transaction. This discount is only available at the following locations:

    • Court Square Municipal Garage: 45-40 Court Square, Long Island City, NY 11101
    • Delancey and Essex Municipal Parking Garage:105-113 Essex Street and 112-120 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002
    • Queens Borough Hall Municipal Parking Garage: 80-25 126th Street, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
  • In order to receive this discount, licensees must sign up using this web form and use the same email address to sign up for the EV Connect App (available on Android and iOS).
  • For a map of additional electric vehicle charging stations, click here.

Con Edison

Smart Charge New York

  • SmartCharge is a residential EV charging program offered by ConEdison for its customers. You can earn cash incentives for charging your electric vehicle at off-peak times from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 8:00 a.m. Charging during off-peak times reduces stress on the energy grid, which helps ensure more reliable service for everyone.
  • You can learn more about incentives and enroll by visiting ConEdison’s website. If you have additional questions, you can email EVprograms@conEd.com.

To learn about time of use incentives outside of New York City, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s website.

E-Z Pass

E-ZPass® is an electronic toll collection system that allows you to prepay your tolls, eliminating the need to stop at the toll plaza. The system has three components: a toll tag, which is placed inside your vehicle; an overhead antenna, which reads the toll tag and collects the toll; and video cameras to identify toll evaders.

Enroll in Mobile Alerts so that you may receive text messages regarding your account balance. 

Download the Tolls NY app, the only officially authorized app for E-ZPass customers, to view and edit vehicles associated with your E-ZPass, as well as add funds to your account.  

If you have additional questions, you may contact the NY E-ZPass Customer Service Center (CSC) by phone at 1 (800) 333-8655 or online at www.e-zpassNY.com. CSC can provide assistance with translation services, account information, payments, and other services.  

Website: www.e-zpassNY.com

Telephone: (800) 333-8655

Tolls By Mail

An E-ZPass customer may receive a Tolls by Mail Toll Bill instead of the toll transaction posting to an E-ZPass account if:

  1. A valid E-ZPass tag was not detected in the vehicle. This can occur when the tag is placed on the vehicle dashboard, is held by the customer, or the customer forgets the tag.

and

  1. The license plate number that received the toll bill was not listed on the E-ZPass account at the time of the toll transaction. In most cases had the license plate number been listed on the E-ZPass account, the toll would have been posted to the E-ZPass account. It is important that all vehicles using an E-ZPass tag are listed on an E-ZPass account.

If you have any questions, please call Tolls By Mail at 1-844-TBM-8400 (1-844-826-8400) or visit the Tolls By Mail website.

MTA Office of the Toll Payer Advocate

The Office of the Toll Payer Advocate an independent office within the MTA committed to balancing toll payer assistance efforts against enforcement efforts.

If you have a toll problem that you have been unsuccessful in resolving using the E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail service center, the MTA Office of the Toll Payer Advocate may be able to assist you. To request assistance, please click here or visit the website of the MTA’s Office of the Toll Payer Advocate. Please allow 7-14 days for a response.

PANYNJ Office of The Toll Payer Advocate

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) Toll Payer Advocate investigates and addresses E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail toll issues that the New York Customer Service Center is unable to resolve. They work directly with the registered owner of the vehicle experiencing tolling related issues.

If you have a toll problem that you have been unsuccessful in resolving using the E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail service center, the PANYNJ Office of the Toll Payer Advocate may be able to assist you. To request assistance, please click here or visit the website of the PANYNJ’s Office of the Toll Payer Advocate.

Drivers Benefits paid for by The Black Car Fund

The Black Car Fund (BCF) is a non-profit organization created by New York State to provide workers' compensation insurance to drivers of New York black car services including Lyft, Uber, and the more traditional black car bases in the industry.

BCF also provides valuable health and wellness benefits at no cost to eligible drivers. These benefits include dental insurance, vision coverage, telemedicine, IDG mental health & wellness benefits, as well as discounts on urgent care, diagnostic imaging and prescriptions. These benefits are funded entirely by the small surcharge that is paid by passengers on each ride. More details about these benefits can be found  on the Black Car Fund Drivers Benefits website .

If you are not already a drivers benefits member, then you can activate your membership for free here on Activate Your Benefits.

If you are already a drivers benefits member, then visit and bookmark the Member Guide for quick access to your benefits, info on how to book your dental, vision and telemedicine appointments, and much more.

For help activating or accessing your benefits, please call (888) 814-8590 and speak with one of Black Car Fund’s multilingual member services representatives.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Recall Look Up

Enter a VIN number on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website to learn if a specific vehicle needs to be repaired as part of a recall.

Download NHTSA's free SaferCar app for Apple or Android. When SaferCar discovers a safety recall for the vehicle or equipment you entered, it will send you an alert on your phone.

You can also sign up for general recall alerts via email.

Website: NHTSA

Telephone: 888-327-4236

E-mail: nhtsa.webmaster@dot.gov

NYC Comptroller - Vehicular Property Damage Claim

Property owners who believe that the City caused damage to their property can file a claim. If the Comptroller’s Office’s investigation of the claim indicates that the City may be legally liable to the property owner for their losses, the Comptroller’s Office may offer a settlement for the reasonable damages incurred by a claimant. You can use the Vehicular Property Damage Claim Form on the Comptroller’s website if your claim involves damage to your motor vehicle.

Website: NYC Comptroller

Telephone: (212) 669-3916

E-Mail: action@comptroller.nyc.gov

NYPD Crime Prevention

Crime prevention officers provide valuable information about a number of topics, including safeguarding businesses, homes, vehicles, and personal property, as well as protecting oneself in the subway, while shopping or on the street, and against identity theft and bogus solicitations. Officers also conduct free confidential security surveys for businesses and provide VIN etching for vehicles and etching on personal property.

Website: NYPD

Telephone: 646-610-5323

E-mail: communityaffairs@nypd.org

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles

Representatives from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles’s (DMV) Call Center can take your call Monday – Friday (except state holidays), 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 518-486-9786 or 1-800-698-2931

Call Center Representatives cannot process transactions. If you need to process a transaction, do it online now. 

Website: Department of Motor Vehicles

Telephone: 1-518-486-9786 or 1-800-698-2931

Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) Help Center

If you do not have a lawyer or a paid, professional, registered representative, Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) will provide you with the opportunity to speak with an OATH Procedural Justice Coordinator who can provide you with legal information and resources to help you prepare for your case. These individuals can provide you with information about the hearing process, the options available to you, and answer questions that you may have. These individuals cannot provide you with legal advice. All appointments must be conducted prior to the day of your hearing. Free foreign language services are available upon request.

In order to schedule an appointment with one of these individuals, please email us using this Online Contact Form or call us at (212) 436-0845.

Telephone: (212) 436-0845

E-Mail: Manhelpcenter@oath.nyc.gov

Office of the Parking Summons Advocate

The mission of the Office of the Parking Summons Advocate is to independently assist unrepresented and underrepresented members of the public with parking and camera violation issues and complaints that cannot be resolved through normal Department of Finance (DOF) channels.

You may now schedule a video appointment to meet with a representative from the Office of the Parking Summons Advocate. We encourage you to schedule a video appointment online for the following services:

  • Assistance with document review before a hearing or appeal
  • Parking ticket dispute guidance
  • Parking ticket appeal guidance
  • Guidance on avoiding future parking issues

In-person appointments are also available online.We encourage you to complete your transaction online. If you are not able to complete your transaction online, you can now schedule an appointment to visit one of our business centers.

Website:Office of the Parking Summons Advocate

E-Mail: parkingadvocate@finance.nyc.gov

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country, through air, land, rail, and sea.

  • Port Authority Alerts is a free subscription service that notifies customers of incidents or events that may delay their trip across facilities operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Click here to sign up for Port Authority Alerts.

Email: AirportDrivers@panynj.gov

Telephone: (212) 435-7000

Website: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Public Restrooms

Throughout New York City, there are restroom facilities you can use:

Health and Wellness

COVID-19: General Guidance for Vehicle Operators

Monitor your health closely for COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell. For the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidance, please go to the NYC Health website.

Food Resources

Free food is available to all New Yorkers in need. For more information, visit: NYC311

Health Care and Medical Insurance

NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals. Visit NYC CARE or call 1 (646) NYC-CARE (1-646-692- 2273).

New York State of Health is New York State’s Official Health Plan Marketplace. Individuals, families, and small businesses can use it to buy health insurance. It lets you shop and compare many health plans. Visit New York State of Health or call 1 (855) 355-5777.

MetroPlus is the plan of choice for over half a million New Yorkers. In addition to Medicaid Managed Care, MetroPlus offers dozens of quality health plans, including Child Health Plus; several Medicare Plans, and a Medicaid Special Needs Plan (SNP). Check eligibility online or call 1 (855) 809-4073.

My Health Finder Tool from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services gives you personalized recommendations for screenings, vaccines, and other preventive services to keep you and your family is up to date on preventive services.

If you need help finding a health care provider, visit 311 Online, or call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212) 639-9675 from outside of New York.

Mental Health

NYC 988 is a free confidential support, crisis intervention, and referral program offered by New York City for anyone seeking help for mental health and substance abuse services. NYC Well counselors are available to listen and help with problems like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol misuse. The program is for all New Yorkers, whether that is you or someone you care about.   
 
A counselor can provide short-term counseling, access to other mental health services, and assistance scheduling appointments in more than 200 languages.    
 
To receive free confidential mental health and substance use support:


Vaccinations and Diagnostic Testing

Vaccines

Immunizations are the vaccines that protect you from serious diseases. There are vaccination sites in all five boroughs where you can walk-in and receive a vaccine without an appointment. You can also use the City’s Vaccine Finder to locate the site closest to you, including those that take appointments. For information about the COVID-19 Vaccine, visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website.

Testing

The COVID-19 diagnostic test is safe, free, and easy. A nasal swab, oral swab or saliva sample may be used. There are over 100 convenient COVID-19 diagnostic testing sites across the city. Find a testing site near you.

You can make an appointment for a free COVID-19 test at the Health Department's COVID Express sites throughout the city. 

Vaccine Records

The NYC Health Department's Citywide Immunization Registry (CIR) collects New Yorkers' vaccine records to help ensure that people receive life-saving immunizations, to monitor vaccination rates and to protect public health.

Individuals, parents and legal guardians can get their CIR immunization record and also check which vaccines they may need. You can search for your or your child's immunization record by visiting My Vaccine Record. To learn how to access records, click on that site’s “Accessing Records” tab.

Public Services

IDNYC

IDNYC is a card for all New Yorkers, from all backgrounds, and from all five boroughs. Your immigration status does not matter. The free, municipal identification card for New York City residents, ages 10 and up, provides access to a wide variety of services and programs offered by the City. IDNYC cardholders enjoy benefits and discounts offered by businesses and cultural institutions across the five boroughs. To schedule an appointment to apply for IDNYC, click here. 

Website: IDNYC

Telephone: 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675)

Immigration Resources

Action NYC

The City of New York offers New Yorkers free, safe immigration legal help in a network of trusted community-based organizations at community sites, public health facilities, public schools, and libraries. Services are provided in your language. Your immigration status does not matter.

Website: Immigration Legal Services

Telephone: 800-354-0365 or call 311 and say "ActionNYC"

CUNY Citizenship Now!

Citizenship Now!offers high quality and confidential immigration law services to help you and your family on your path to U.S. citizenship. Attorneys and paralegals will assess your eligibility for legal benefits and help you apply if you qualify.

Email: citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu

Telephone: (646) 664-9400 or (212) 652-2071

Text: (929) 334-3784

Website: www1.cuny.edu/site/citizenship-now/

New York State Office for New Americans

The New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) was created in 2012 to welcome immigrants and to help them in achieving their American Dream. Through its statewide network of community-based providers, ONA assists all new Americans in accessing and navigating a variety of free services and supports their inclusion as an integral part of New York State’s diverse cultural fabric.

Email: newamericans@dos.ny.gov

Telephone: 1 (800) 566-7636

Website: https://dos.ny.gov/office-new-americans

Legal Services






Mediation

If you are experiencing a conflict in any area of your life, you can get free and confidential assistance from a professional mediator.

Mediation does not waive anyone’s right to go to court and is: 

  • Free
  • Confidential
  • Voluntary
  • Available to everyone, regardless of immigration status

Visit 311 Online to learn which services are available in your borough.

Telephone: 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675)

Notify NYC

As part of New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), Notify NYC is the City of New York's official source for information about emergency events and important City services.

To Register online for Notify NYC click here You will be asked for basic contact and location information, so messages can be tailored to your area of interest and delivered by the methods you select, such as email, phone, or SMS/text. You must then check your email inbox for a confirmation email from Notify NYC and follow the instructions to finalize your enrollment.

To register by phone if you do not have an email address, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) and ask to register for Notify NYC. You will then be connected to an automated registration system that will guide you through the registration.

Download the mobile app from Google Play Store for Android devices and from the Apple Store for Apple devices.

Follow us on Twitter by visiting our Twitter handle @NotifyNYC , and selecting “Follow” on the top right-hand side of the screen. Every Notify NYC message is available on our Twitter page. To ensure you are receiving our most critical Tweets, select “Be Prepared” and activate Twitter alerts.

Website: Notify NYC

E-Mail: notifynyc@oem.nyc.gov


Victim Services

Driver safety is a top priority of the TLC. TLC provides assistance and advocacy for drivers who have been the victim of verbal or physical attack.  If you are a victim, please report this to inclusion@tlc.nyc.gov.  If you ever feel in danger – CALL 911.

TLC staff assist drivers by providing the following support:

  • connecting victims to the New York State Office of Victim Services, which can help with medical bills and counseling expenses, lost wages, and other types of assistance.
  • helping victims file police reports or lodge a hate crime complaints with the NYPD.
  • helping victims file discrimination complaints with the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
  • assisting the NYPD in gathering evidence in their criminal investigation.

The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) is a groundbreaking initiative, developed by the NYPD and staffed by Safe Horizon, the nation's largest and most comprehensive victim services provider. CVAP places two victim advocates in each of the NYPD precincts: one specializes in working with victims of domestic violence, the other serves victims of all other crimes. Visit the NYPD’s website to learn how to contact your local victim advocate.

Voter Registration and Civic Engagement

Board of Elections in the City of New York

To Register to Vote or Check your Voter Registration Status with the Board of Elections in the City of New York visit the NYC's Board of Election website.

NYC Votes

NYC Votes is an initiative of the New York City Campaign Finance Board, the independent city agency that ensures local elections are fair, inclusive, and open. The agency equips New Yorkers with information about the candidates on their ballot and about how our elections work. For more information, visit the NYC Votes website, email nycvotes@nyccfb.info, or call (212) 409-1800.

The People’s Money

The People's Money is New York City's annual citywide Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiative where community members decide how to spend part of the city's budget. This democratic process is open to all New Yorkers, ages 11 and up, regardless of immigration status. For more information, visit participate.nyc.gov or email participate@civicengagement.nyc.org.