Wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) guide for TLC owners
The TLC rules that change when your vehicle is wheelchair accessible: licensing, dispatch, programs, fees, retirement and training. Each section links to its TLC source.
Get a FREE Quote Now!What counts as a WAV
TLC defines what counts as a wheelchair accessible vehicle on its accessible vehicle requirements page. Check it before you buy or convert a vehicle.
Source: NYC TLC: accessible vehicle requirements · checked 2026-10-26
New for-hire vehicle licenses
Only owners of wheelchair accessible vehicles, and drivers in lease-to-own agreements, may apply for a new TLC for-hire vehicle license. EV applications stopped on November 13, 2023 under a court order.
The application steps are in the vehicle inspection checklist.
Sources: NYC TLC: get a for hire vehicle license · NYC TLC: fhv accessibility owner driver · checked 2026-10-26
Dispatch and fares
Bases may not add a surcharge for WAV trips. Any class of base may dispatch trips to a WAV without a formal agreement.
Find a base in the TLC base directory.
Source: NYC TLC: fhv accessibility owner driver · checked 2026-10-26
Incentives and programs
TLC says it provides no financial incentives to own or drive a for-hire WAV.
Street hail liveries (green cabs) may be eligible for incentives. The TIF and ATLAS programs are for medallion owners. We do not list amounts or terms; check the TLC pages below.
Sources: NYC TLC: fhv accessibility owner driver · NYC TLC: tif owner program · checked 2026-10-26
Renewal fees
TLC lists for-hire vehicle renewal totals of $0 to $875 for WAVs, compared with $550 to $1,425 for non-WAVs.
Check your dates with the renewal deadline checker.
Source: NYC TLC: renew a for hire vehicle license · checked 2026-10-26
Yellow taxi retirement
A wheelchair accessible taxicab has no fixed retirement date while it keeps passing inspections.
For non-accessible taxis, use the vehicle retirement calculator.
Source: NYC TLC: rule book current chapter 67 · checked 2026-10-26
Driver training
TLC driver education includes a WAV course.
TLC publishes its list of WAV passenger assistance training providers on NYC Open Data: TLC WAV Passenger Assistance Training Providers.
Source: NYC TLC: driver education · checked 2026-10-26
Insurance
TLC liability limits by vehicle type, and how to keep an FH-1 on file, are on the insurance minimums and FH-1 page. Use the quote link above to compare TLC insurance for your vehicle.
Questions about WAVs
Email TLC at fhvaccessibility@tlc.nyc.gov.
Sources: NYC TLC: drug testing requirements · NYC TLC: fhv accessibility owner driver · checked 2026-10-26
More TLC resources
- TLC and OATH office locationsAddresses, hours, and what each TLC and OATH office handles, with map links.
- TLC summons guideHow a TLC summons works, and how to pay, settle, or fight it at OATH.
- Renewal deadline checkerEnter an expiration date to see TLC renewal dates and steps for a driver or vehicle license.
- TLC insurance minimums and the FH-1Required TLC liability limits by vehicle type and how to keep an FH-1 on file.
- TLC points calculatorEnter your TLC and DMV points to see where you stand under the Persistent Violator Program.
- Vehicle inspection checklistTLC inspection steps, the Woodside facility, reinspections, and new FHV steps.
- Vehicle retirement calculatorWhen a yellow taxi must retire under TLC rules, from its hack-up date.
- Accident checklistWhat a TLC driver or owner does after a crash: the owner report, NYPD and the DMV MV-104.
- TLC base directorySearch every licensed TLC base by name, base number, type or ZIP, from NYC Open Data.
Facts on this page come from official NYC and New York State pages, checked 2026-10-26. Agencies change pages without notice, so confirm with TLC or OATH before you act. TLC Insurance Quotes is not a government office, and this is not legal advice.
