New York Special Licenses

For-Hire / Uber / Taxi / Chauffeur Driver's License

As of May 2016, there are no state-wide requirements for these kinds of drivers.  Therefore, there isn't a special state license or endorsement.  However, your local munical government (town or city) may have requirements, licenses or fees.  Check with your local government before starting such a business or work. All for-hire drivers do need particular For-Hire vehicle insurance. You can read more about the insurance requirements here. 

Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL)

The Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a special type of license that you may apply for to transport interstate or intrastate commerce.  In addition, to having the CDL, you may be required to specific endorsements on your license depending on the type of vehicle or what you are transporting.

To apply for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), you must have a NYS driver license (Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL C). A CDL from another state also qualifies you. 

When Applying for NYS CDL:

• You must state any other licenses you have held outside of New York State in the past ten years. 
• You must also meet the Medical Certification Requirements.
• You must have a valid form of identity to proof your legal presence. If you are not a U.S. citizen, your CDL will list "Temporary Visitor" and an expiration date. 
• Your license must be free of all revocations or suspensions.

How Do I Get a CDL?

• Look over the CDL-10 NYS Commercial Driver's Manual.
• Apply for a Commercial Learner's Permit at your local DMV office. You must pass the test. Bring payment for the $10 application fee and a $40 fee to take the CDL road test. You must pay this fee before you can take the road test. 
• There are certain CDL restrictions that may affect your test based on your vehicle.
  • E - No Manual Transmission Equipped CMV
  • L - No Airbrake Equipped CMV
  • Z - No Full Airbrake Equipped CMV restrictions
• After you pass, you must wait 1 business day before visiting a DMV to obtain the official CDL document. 
• The fee for a CDL will vary depending on the expiration date and class of your current license, as well as the date you obtain your Commercial Driver's License. 
• There are special endorsements for CDLs. For example, some drivers may need to apply for a hazardous materials endorsement, which requires a specific knowledge test.
• You can view the license class descriptions here. 

What if I Have an Out-of-State CDL?

To get a NYS CDL, you must apply at your local DMV Office and turn in your out-of-state CDL. You will also be asked to provide fingerprints for federal and NYS background checks for criminal violations.