How to Check a Connecticut Limo or Black Car Company Is Licensed and Insured

Short answer: In Connecticut, a limo or black car company needs a livery permit from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), not just a business registration. You can confirm it yourself in a few minutes: look the company up in the state's eLicense system or CTDOT's permit-holder lists, check its USDOT number in the federal FMCSA SAFER database if it crosses state lines, check its NYC TLC base if it picks up in New York City, and ask for its insurance details in writing. A legitimate operator will hand you every number without hesitation. Absolute Transportation's are CT Livery Permit 3117 and USDOT 1567094, and we're NYC TLC licensed.

Step 1: Confirm the Connecticut livery permit (CTDOT)

Connecticut livery service is permitted by CTDOT's Regulatory and Compliance Unit. There are two ways to check:

  • eLicense lookup. Go to the state's eLicense license lookup and search by company name or permit number. Use credential code RCGL for intrastate general livery (trips inside Connecticut) or RCFH for interstate livery. Some companies hold both.
  • Permit-holder lists. CTDOT also publishes lists of current livery permit holders on its Regulatory and Compliance Unit page, one for trips inside Connecticut and one for interstate-only operators.

What to look for: the legal company name and address should match what the company tells you. As an example, Absolute Transportation, LLC appears on CTDOT's general livery list at 341 Washington Avenue, North Haven, with permit number 3117.

A note on older advice: many guides say limo companies are licensed by the Connecticut DMV. The DMV handles driver licenses and endorsements, but the company's livery permit comes from CTDOT, so that's the record to check.

Step 2: Check the USDOT number for trips across state lines

If you're riding from Connecticut to JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Manhattan or Boston, the company is doing interstate passenger work. Enter its USDOT number in the federal FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot and look for three things:

  • USDOT Status: ACTIVE
  • Operating authority authorized as a motor carrier of passengers
  • The Licensing and Insurance link, which shows the insurance the carrier keeps on file with FMCSA

Absolute's USDOT number is 1567094, and you can run that exact check yourself.

Step 3: For New York City pickups, check the TLC base

A Connecticut company that picks passengers up in New York City (not just drops them off) needs New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) licensing. The TLC publishes its active bases and for-hire vehicles on NYC Open Data. Ask the company for its TLC base number (it starts with "B") and look it up in the TLC's current licensee lists. Absolute is NYC TLC licensed, which is why we can pick you up at JFK, LaGuardia or a Manhattan hotel for the ride home.

Step 4: Ask how the ride is insured

Rides should run in commercially insured vehicles, not a personal car with personal insurance. Ask the company to confirm, in writing, that your trip is covered by its commercial policy. For interstate carriers, the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance record from Step 2 is a good independent cross-check.

Step 5: Ask the questions that separate pros from pop-ups

  • Who is the chauffeur and how will they reach me? You should know how pickup contact works. For prom bookings, for example, Absolute's chauffeurs text the parent contact at pickup, at venue drop-off, and on the return.
  • Is the quote all-in? Ask what's included. At Absolute, tolls are included in the quote and gratuity is applied, so the number you approve is the number you pay.
  • What happens if my flight is late? A real airport service tracks your flight and adjusts the pickup.
  • Which vehicle am I getting? Confirm the vehicle type and that your passenger count and luggage actually fit.
  • Can I call someone at 3 a.m.? Absolute answers 24/7 at (203) 938-0000.

Red flags that a car service may not be legitimate

  • It won't share a permit, USDOT or TLC number, or the number doesn't match the company name.
  • The only contact is a cell number and a social media page, with no business address.
  • It asks for cash only, or a large payment through an app with no written confirmation.
  • The vehicle shows up with ordinary passenger plates for a paid livery ride.
  • The website lists no company name, address or credentials anywhere.

Quick checklist before you book

Check Where What "good" looks like
CT livery permit CTDOT eLicense (RCGL / RCFH) or permit lists Company name and permit number listed
Federal registration FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot USDOT status ACTIVE, authorized for passengers
NYC pickups YC TLC current licensee lists Active TLC base
Insurance Company, plus FMCSA L&I record Commercial coverage confirmed in writing
Booking terms Written quote and confirmation Vehicle, times and what's included spelled out

Absolute Transportation's credentials

  • Absolute Transportation, LLC, 341 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT 06473
  • Connecticut Livery Permit 3117 (CTDOT)
  • USDOT 1567094, authorized for passenger carriage
  • NYC TLC licensed
  • Available 24/7 at (203) 938-0000

See how we run black car and chauffeur service on our Connecticut black car service page, or call (203) 938-0000 to book.

Absolute Transportation