TLC PLATES for Sale
Get your TLC plate and a TLC-ready vehicle in one package. Corporate and private plates available. Start driving and earning this week.
- Corporate & Private Plates
- Car + Plate Bundles
- Start Earning This Week
Understanding TLC Plates
A TLC plate — officially known as an FHV (For-Hire Vehicle) license plate — is required for any vehicle that accepts passengers for pay through a licensed transportation app or dispatch service in New York City. You cannot legally pick up passengers on Uber, Lyft, Via, or any black car service without it. The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) oversees the issuance, transfer, and revocation of all FHV plates in the five boroughs.
There are two ways to operate under a TLC plate: corporate plate and private plate. A corporate plate is issued to a TLC-registered corporation, which then employs or contracts drivers. A private plate is registered to an individual driver (or their personal corporation) and gives the driver full ownership and control. Both types are recognized by Uber, Lyft, and all major platforms — but they come with different costs, timelines, and responsibilities.
For new drivers entering the TLC system, the most common question is: "Which plate type should I start with?" The answer for the vast majority of new TLC drivers is a corporate plate package. It requires no large upfront investment in the plate itself, includes commercial insurance as part of the package, and can get you on the road in days rather than weeks. Many experienced TLC drivers who now own private plates started exactly this way.
Corporate vs Private TLC Plates
Choosing the right plate type depends on your goals, budget, and how quickly you need to start earning. Here is exactly how they compare.
| Feature | Corporate Plate | Private Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to Acquire | Included in lease/rental package | $500–$3,000+ (market rate) |
| Ownership | Plate belongs to the corporation | Plate is yours personally |
| Insurance | Covered under fleet policy | Individual TLC commercial policy required |
| Flexibility | Must drive for the corp that holds it | Use with any TLC-compliant vehicle |
| Best For | New drivers — fastest path to earning | Experienced drivers building a business |
| Timeline to Start | Start within 1–3 days | 2–4 weeks (application + processing) |
| LimeCars Package | Car + Corp Plate from $450/wk — ready to go | Available with purchase — ask our team |
Corporate plate timelines reflect packages where the base vehicle is already TLC-registered. Private plate timelines assume a new application.
Key Takeaway
Car + Plate Bundle Packages
Every package includes a TLC-registered vehicle, corporate plate, commercial insurance, and all DMV paperwork — handled by our team. You just need your TLC license.
Economy
Toyota Camry Hybrid
- 50+ MPG city driving
- Most popular Uber/Lyft vehicle in NYC
- TLC-registered from day one
- AAR dispatch eligible
Standard
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- SUV comfort for UberXL
- Higher per-ride earnings potential
- TLC-registered, FHV plate included
- Perfect for airport runs
Premium
Toyota Sienna Hybrid
- 7-passenger minivan
- UberXL, Lyft XL, and black car
- TLC-registered, AAR priority
- Earn up to $750/day
WAV
Chrysler Voyager WAV
- Wheelchair accessible — TLC WAV certified
- Access-A-Ride (AAR) eligible
- Earn up to $850/day with AAR priority
- Highest demand vehicle in our fleet
Prices are estimates and may vary based on credit approval and vehicle availability. All packages are subject to TLC license verification.
Get Your Car + Plate Package Today
Call us or schedule an appointment. We handle the paperwork — you start driving.
How to Get a TLC Plate
Four steps from TLC license to first trip. LimeCars handles steps 3 and 4 completely — all you need to bring is your TLC license and ID.
Get Your TLC License
You must have an active TLC FHV (For-Hire Vehicle) license before you can drive under any TLC plate. If you have not started yet, visit our TLC license guide for the full step-by-step process.
Choose a Package
Select a vehicle and plate bundle that fits your budget and goals. Our team will walk you through the options — economy Camry, XL RAV4, or WAV Voyager — each ready for Uber, Lyft, or Access-A-Ride from day one.
Complete the Application
We handle all TLC paperwork and insurance requirements. Bring your TLC license, a valid government ID, and your latest utility bill or lease. We file all TLC documentation and arrange FHV commercial insurance coverage.
Start Earning
Pick up your car and TLC plate. You are now fully licensed and insured to accept rides on Uber, Lyft, Via, or black car dispatch platforms. Most drivers complete their first trip within 24 hours of pickup.
Need your TLC license first? Read our complete TLC license guide →
What You Need to Know
Important realities about TLC plates in 2026. Know what you are getting into before you make any decisions.
TLC Plate Cap Is Still in Effect
New York City's TLC plate cap — implemented in 2018 and extended indefinitely — limits the total number of new FHV licenses issued for app-based rideshare vehicles. However, corporate plates that are transferred (not new issuances) are still available. LimeCars works with corporations that have existing TLC registrations to get you on the road legally and quickly. Do not let the cap discourage you — the path exists if you work with the right people.
Insurance Comes With Every Package
Every LimeCars car + plate package includes TLC-compliant commercial insurance. The NYC TLC requires a minimum liability coverage of $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence for FHV vehicles. Our fleet policy covers all drivers under our corporate plates. You do not need to source your own policy — we handle it.
Private Plates Require a TLC Corporation
If you want to own your own TLC plate, you must form a TLC-registered corporation (not just an LLC — it must be specifically recognized by the NYC TLC). This process involves forming a company, registering with the TLC, finding a plate to transfer, and getting individual commercial insurance. It typically costs $2,000–$5,000 upfront. LimeCars can guide you through this process if that is your long-term goal.
Buying Through a Dealer vs. Private Party
Buying a TLC plate and vehicle through a licensed dealer like LimeCars provides protections that private sales do not. We verify that the plate is legitimately registered, clear of violations, and properly transferred. Private plate sales have resulted in drivers paying for plates that were suspended, revoked, or tied to unresolved TLC summonses. The risk is not worth the potential savings.
TLC Plate Questions
TLC Plates — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about TLC plates, corporate vs private, and how to get one fast.
Also Helpful for TLC Drivers
Explore more resources to help you start or grow your TLC career.