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Before you submit your application
You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. More info
- Although DCWP does not require submission of your Business Certificate in order to process your application, DCWP may request this document under section 20-104 of the New York City Administrative Code.
- Sole proprietors operating under a name other than your own must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
- Partnerships must have a Partnership Certificate and, if applicable, an Assumed Name Certificate for your business.
- Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships must register and remain active with the New York State Division of Corporations. You can check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.
Complete the Basic License Application. More info
Complete the Debt Collection Agency - Licensing and Renewal Supplement.
Complete the Debt Collection / Child Support Form.
If the applicant will engage in the collection of child support payment debts within the City of New York, the applicant must submit a copy of the disclosure form used by the business, copy of the standard contract for child support payment debt collection services used by the business, and copy of a $5,000 surety bond, properly signed. More info
- The copy of the bond must name the City of New York as the Certificate Holder. Your corporate name, Doing-Business-As (DBA) name (if any), and premises address must be exactly the same on all documents. You must also submit a copy of the bond receipt showing that the bond has been paid in full and does not expire before the end of the licensing period.
If the applicant is not located within New York City, complete the Debt Collection Agency Non-Resident Form.
If the license application will be filed by someone other than the applicant, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
List of Fees. More info
- $150: License Fee for applicants who file for a new debt collection agency license from February 1 of years that end in an odd number to July 31 of years that end in an odd number.
- $113: License Fee for applicants who file for a new debt collection agency license from August 1 of years that end in an odd number to January 31 of years that end in an even number.
- $75: License Fee for applicants who file for a new debt collection agency license from February 1 of years that end in an even number to July 31 of years that end in an even number.
- $38: License Fee for applicants who file for a new debt collection agency license from August 1 of years that end in an odd number to January 31 of years that end in an even number.
- Non-Refundable Convenience Fee for paying with a credit card.
List of accepted payment methods. More info
- Check (Payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in person application submissions.)
- Money Order (Payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in person application submissions.)
- Credit card including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.
Ready to Apply?
Steps to apply online:
After submitting an application online, print a copy of the Confirmation Page. The Confirmation Page will list the additional steps and materials required to complete the application. These materials are also listed above and must be submitted within five business days of filing the application online if they were not uploaded as part of the online application submission.
Steps to apply in person:
Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment.