Limousine drivers in New York City must be licensed through the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. Candidates for a New York City limousine driver's license must be at least 19 years old. Candidates must have a Social Security card, a valid chauffeur's license and documents for proof of residence. To become a licensed limousine driver in the city, applicants must also attend a defensive driving training course, complete a criminal background check and pass a physical exam.

Visit the website for the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission and access the downloadable driver application (see Resources). The application packet has a detailed instruction bulletin and other important documents that are important for completion of the limousine driver's application.

Contact the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to apply for a grade of driver's license which is acceptable to the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (see Resources). New York State license types A, B, C or E are approved by the commission for licensing. Also, equivalent licenses issued in the states of New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania are also accepted by the Taxi and Limousine Commission. A valid license of the above-listed types must be presented at the time the application is turned in.

Take care of any outstanding judgements owed to the DMV, NYC Traffic Violations Bureau or the Taxi and Limousine Commission. If any outstanding judgements are found for parking tickets or traffic violations at the time the limousine driver application is submitted, the application will be automatically denied.

Attend a defensive driving course that has been approved by the Taxi and Limousine Commission. There are commission-approved schools listed on the license application. The required course is a six-hour class and the official certificate of completion must be turned in with the application. Applicants are responsible for payment of all defensive driving course fees and fee amounts will vary between the schools.

Schedule an appointment with a physician for a standard physical exam. Tell the doctor that the exam is sought in conjunction with a limousine driver's license application so that the exam can be conducted appropriately. A medical form is included in the application packet that must be completed by a doctor. By signing the medical form, the physician certifies that based on the examination, an applicant is in general good health an is physically capable of performing the duties of a limousine driver. This form must also be presented to the commission with the application.

Submit the limousine driver license application to the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, in person, at either of the these two locations:

Licensing & Standards Division 32-02 Queens Blvd. Long Island, New York 11101-2324

Licensing & Standards Division 1893 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, New York 10302

It is important to note that applications may be taken to the Long Island location on a drop-in basis, however, appointments are necessary at the Staten Island location. Appointments can be scheduled at the Staten Island office by calling 718-815-3734. Also, a social security card must be presented with the other credentials, such as a New York State driver's license, when the application is turned in.

Pay all application fees to the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission at the time the limousine driver's application is submitted. All fees may be paid by credit card or money order. An individual money order must be submitted for each fee. The respective fees are:

Fingerprint processing fee: $75--made payable to the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission License fee: $60--made payable to the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission Drug test fee: $25.50--made payable to LabCorp