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DOB NOW: Public Portal FAQs

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Does the DOB NOW Public Portal replace the Buildings Information System (BIS)?

The Public Portal will at some point replace Buildings Information System (BIS) but not until all transactions have fully transitioned to DOB NOW. Currently, all BIS data is being maintained and continues to be available. While DOB NOW is being implemented, only DOB NOW filings can be found in the DOB NOW Public Portal and filings made in eFiling or a borough office are available in BIS. You can view all filings related to an address on the City’s Open Data Portal.

Does the Public Portal display filings that are in BIS?

No, the Public Portal only reflects DOB NOW filings.

Can violations be viewed in the Public Portal?

The public portal contains violations for the following Compliance Types issued in DOB NOW: Safety:

  • Boilers
  • Elevators
  • Emergency Power
  • Energy Grade
  • Facades
  • Gas Piping
  • Parking Structures
  • Photoluminescent Materials
  • Retaining Walls
  • Retro-Commissioning
  • Sprinklers
  • Structurally Compromised Buildings

These violations can be searched by Violation Number, Device Number, Address, or BIN. For all violation types except boilers, elevators, facades and energy grade, DOB NOW will only show new violations issued after November 2024. For a complete list of the violations on a property, also search the Buildings Information System (BIS). OATH/ECB violations and some DOB violations are only in BIS and are not found in DOB NOW.

Can complaints be viewed in the Public Portal?

No, complaints (generated from 311 calls) are in the Buildings Information System (BIS).

What are compliance violations?

Compliance Violations are issued for not submitting required periodic building inspection reports and other violations that are not the result of an enforcement action. For a complete list of the violations on a property, also search the Buildings Information System (BIS). OATH/ECB violations and some DOB violations are only in BIS and are not found in DOB NOW.

How frequently is the building profile status updated on the Public Portal?

The Public Portal data is updated in real-time.

Where can I find information on the filings and permits for an address?

Search the Public Portal for DOB NOW filings and BIS for filings made in eFiling or at a borough office. Another alternative is to check the City’s Open Data Portal to view all filings for the address.

Can I export information from the Public Portal?

Currently, only violation information can be exported to a PDF. Use the Violation tool in the Search the Public Portal section to filter and export violation information. On the Search Results page, click the View PDF button to print or save a PDF of the results list.

Are jobs in pre-filing status displayed in the Public Portal?

No, jobs in pre-filing status are not displayed in the Public Portal. To see jobs in pre-filing status, log into DOB NOW and use the Job Number Search function.

Are plans visible in the Public Portal?

No, plans cannot be viewed in the Public Portal. Use DOB NOW: BIS Options to request drawings, plans or documents for properties located in New York City. For step-by-step directions, see the Record Requests in DOB NOW guide.

What kinds of DOB public records can be found in the Public Portal?

The Public Portal (nyc.gov/dobnow) has two main sections: Search the Public Portal and Additional Tools. These sections are accessible without needing to create an account and log in.

Search the Public Portal: This section has eight tools:

  1. Using these tools, you can find the Property Profile and view details such as Civil Penalties Owed, Certificate of Occupancy, Tenant Protection Plan for buildings in New Your City by:
    • Address
    • Borough, Block, Lot (BBL)
    • BIN (Building Information Number)
    • Job Number
  2. Using these tools, you can search for:
    • Device (Boilers, Elevators, Crane Prototypes/Devices)
    • Licensee (DOB NOW and BIS)
    • Violation (Compliance)
    • Application (for a permit or license)

Additional Tools: This section includes:

  • Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label (owners can print the label and view ratings in the Property Profile)
  • Building on My Block / Zoning Challenge
  • License Exam Application/Payment

What type of Licensees can be found in the Public Portal?

The Public Portal currently contains information about all licensees and registrants in DOB NOW and BIS other than those with New York State issued licenses. You may search by Last Name, Business Name, License Number, or Construction Superintendent’s License Number (for Associated Jobs). You can also View All/Active Licenses. To search for license information for Registered Architects, Professional Engineers, Registered Landscape Architects, NYS Boiler Inspectors, or other state issued licensees go to the New York State: Online License Verifications website.

How do I lookup DOB Issued Licenses?

Use the Public Portal Licensee tool to search for licensees/registrants by last name, business name, or license number, plus the license type for all DOB NOW and BIS records. You can also use the Application Search tool to search for permits associated with an applicant’s license/tracking number and find the status of a DOB NOW Licensing application by providing the Application Number.

Where do I go to search for a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer license information?

To search for state issued licenses go to the New York State: Online License Verifications website.

What type of devices can I search for in the Public Portal?

You can search for registered boilers, elevators, crane prototypes and crane devices for which a filing has been submitted in DOB NOW. The Buildings Information System maintains historical data of Elevator filings prior to December 11, 2017, Boiler device filings that were submitted prior to September 3, 2019 and Crane Device/Crane Prototypes filings prior to March 30, 2020. For more information, see our Boilers FAQs, Elevators FAQs, Resolve Elevator Violation webpage and our Cranes and Derricks webpage.