Please visit our 'How To' page (opens in new tab)  to learn more about operating your own TNC in Massachusetts, including the permit application.

If you are a driver for a permitted TNC in Massachusetts like Uber, Lyft, or Via, you DO NOT need to get your own TNC permit.  Please choose another form option above for questions about background checks, certificates, or appealing.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) oversees TNC vehicle inspections. Information about Massachusetts TNC vehicle inspections can be found here (opens in new tab).

Information about operating at Logan Airport can be found here (opens in new tab).

The statute and regulations governing the operations of TNCs and the TNC in Massachusetts can be found here. (opens in new tab).

You cannot apply to us for a Background Check Clearance Certificate.  Each TNC acts as your sponsor and sends us your information, which we then review to determine whether you’re eligible for a Background Check Clearance Certificate.  So, you must first apply to a TNC and, if you pass their requirements, they will send us your information for review.

A list of permitted TNCs operating in Massachusetts can be found here (opens in new tab). 

Your Background Check Clearance Certificate does not expire, but it can be suspended or revoked for criminal offenses, driving infractions, or other suitability reasons.

If your Background Check Clearance Certificate is resent to you, it will contain the same date of issuance.  

TNC background checks for Massachusetts have two (2) steps.  In step one (1), your TNC does a nationwide background check of your criminal and driving records.  Once this check is done, you will receive a report by email from a company called Checkr.  If you clear the Checkr background check, then step two (2) begins and the Division receives your information from the TNC.  The Division does a second background check for Massachusetts requirements.  You must clear both checks before you can drive for any TNC in Massachusetts.

Generally, the Division completes a background check within three (3) to five (5) business days.  If your background check is taking longer, one or more of the following may be happening:

• We are taking a more detailed review of your information.
• There is an issue with the information that the TNC sent to us that we are trying to resolve.
• The TNC has not sent us your information yet.

If you have not received your background report from Checkr, they can be reached on their website (opens in new tab).  The Division background check and the Checkr background check are separate.  The Division cannot help with the Checkr background check.  Contact your TNC for more information.

If thirty (30) days have passed after receiving your Checkr background report in your email, please click the below box and fill out the form.  A member of our staff will review the issue and respond to you by email.  If you do not have your Checkr background report, you need to contact Checkr or your TNC for assistance.

Please fill out the form below.  If you are eligible, the Division will re-send your Background Check Clearance Certificate to the same email address that you used to apply to the TNC.

Once you submit your appeal, you will receive an automatic response so you have a record that we received it.

Please check your email (including your junk or spam folder) for an appeal response including a notice to appear for a hearing.

Please note:

• All appeals are reviewed in the order they are received.
• The Division cannot guarantee or estimate a review time.
• The Division does not accept documents in person at the office.
• Appeals cannot be filed in person.
• Appeals cannot be filed on the phone.
• Appeals cannot be submitted using this form.  

Generally, we process an appeal within thirty (30) business days.  If more than thirty (30) days have passed since you submitted your appeal, please check the box below and fill out the form.  A member of our staff will review the information and contact you if necessary.

Do you have a question about more than one TNC?  Please complete this form then return and fill out this form again for your other TNC.

The Division is not able to update your personal information.  All personal information updates, including driver license changes and email address updates, need to be sent to the TNC first and then the TNC will send the Division the new information.  You can find contact information for all permitted TNCs in Massachusetts here. (opens in new tab)

Click the blue Submit button below to submit your inquiry to the Division.  Please note:

• If you currently hold a Background Check Clearance Certificate, a copy will be sent to the email address you provided to the TNC.
• The Division is unable to forward your Certificate to another email address.
• The Division is unable to print Certificates for pickup or mailing.
• The Division only issues Background Check Clearance Certificates, not Driver Certificates.
  • For information about Driver Certificates, contact your TNC.

The Division will review your records against its Suitability Standard, which can be found here (opens in new tab). This document answers many driver questions.

Some of the important driver license requirements are as follows:

• You must have a valid and active United States driver license
• If you are over the age of 23, you may drive for a TNC if you've had your license for over 1 year.
• If you are under the age of 23, you may drive for a TNC if you've had your license for over 3 years.
• If you move to Massachusetts, you must obtain a Massachusetts driver license within 30 calendar days and then contact your TNC to update your driver license information.  You must tell your TNC to resubmit your application to the Division.
• Your driver license does not need to be issued by Massachusetts, but it must be active in the state it was issued in.  It must also not be under suspension in Massachusetts.  You may be required to send a copy of your complete certified out of state driver history to the Division for verification.
• If you do not update your license after moving to Massachusetts, the Division may suspend your clearance certificate.

Instructions on how to appeal can be found under “How to appeal” on our Appeals page (opens in new tab).  Importantly, the denial email notice that we sent you contains information about appealing, including the reason(s) you were denied.

Please note:

• The Division does not accept documents in person at the office.
• Appeals cannot be filed in person.
• Appeals cannot be filed on the phone.
• Appeals cannot be submitted using this form.

You must contact the state(s) you previously held a driver license from and request your certified complete driving history from each state.  You must go to our Appeals Page (opens in new tab), file an appeal, and submit this information to us.

The Division cannot correct an error on your criminal record or driving record.

If you think that there is an error on your Massachusetts criminal record, you must contact the court that charged you (opens in new tab).

If you think that there is an error on your Massachusetts driving record, you must contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles (opens in new tab) (RMV).

If you would like to get a copy of your CORI, which are name-based court arraignment records (opens in new tab), or RMV driving records, please follow the instructions on the CORI (opens in new tab) and driving record (opens in new tab) pages.

Please contact DPU Public Records (opens in new tab) with your request.

DPU Public Records does not have information about the status of your background check.  DPU Public Records can not send you a copy of your BCCC.  Contacting DPU Public Records will result in a slower response to your question.  Please choose a different form option above if you have a question about your background check or BCCC.

Please contact EEA Press with your request:

• Maria Hardiman, Communications Director: maria.b.hardiman@mass.gov

 You will find frequently asked questions regarding the AGO settlement here: Uber and Lyft Settlement Information and Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)