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Guidelines for Preparing and Submitting SIA Supporting Documents

Gather the supporting documents listed below. Be sure all supporting documents comply with the guidance provided below. Incomplete, incorrect and missing documents will delay the processing of your application.

Government-issued photo ID for Primary Director

Acceptable identification includes:

  • State ID
  • Driver’s License
  • Passport

Service of Process Guidelines (Address Requirements)

Accepted documents (chose an option):

  • Completed LIC 50 form (instructions) for agent for the acceptance of service
  • NYS Department of State, Corporation or Business Entity proof of filing. A printout from the NYS Department of State Corporation and Business Entity Database (link) will be accepted as proof of filing.  “Entity Name” on the printout must match the name used with the SIA registration.
  • Agencies with a NYC address must comply with §28-401.18.  Provide one of the following:
    • Utility bill (gas, electric, water only). Address on utility bill must match registration address. 
    • Business lease including business name, address and phone number matching Department registration records.  The lease must be signed properly executed. Post office boxes or virtual leases are not acceptable (see §28-401.18). 

§28-401.18 New York city location required. Except as otherwise noted for a particular license, the holder of a license, other than an employee of a city agency, shall have or be employed by a business entity that has an established place dedicated to the licensee’s business with an address within the city of New York at which such person can be contacted by the public and the department by mail, telephone, electronic mail or other modes of communication during usual business hours.   A post office box or virtual office is not acceptable.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

Accepted Forms

  • U26.3 – Certificate of Worker's Compensation Ins (NYS Insurance Fund only)
  • C105.2 (09/17) – Certificate of Worker's Compensation Insurance
  • GSI 105.2 (02/02) – Certificate of Participation in Worker's Compensation
  • CE-200 – Certificate of Attestation of Exemption from New York State Worker's Compensation and/or Disability Benefits Insurance Coverage. Submit original Attestation (not a copy). The Attestation must have an original signature and date. (This option is available if the agency has no employees).
  • NOT ACCEPTED:
    • Workers’ Compensation insurance cannot be included on the Professional Liability ACORD 25 form.
    • Artisan insurance certificates

IMPORTANT – All insurance certificates must include the following:

  • Your registration/tracking number.
  • The “Insured” box must include the agency's business name, address and phone number that matches Department records.
  • A "Entity Requesting Proof of Coverage" box that reads:

    NYC Department of Buildings
    Attn: Licensing & Exams Unit
    280 Broadway
    New York, NY  10007

  • Typed information ONLY; handwritten corrections will not be accepted.
  • A contact name and phone number/email address.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance is not required of agencies whose director is not a registered design professional and limited to performing inspections of fuel-oil storage & piping, fire alarm, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, emergency power systems, site storm drainage disposal & detention system installation, structure and small projects.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance policies Policy must be for a minimum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), claims-based, for the term of the registration.  Submit an original signed and notarized certification produced by Broker.

Accepted Forms

  • Acord 25 (2013/04) – Certificate of Liability Insurance
  • Acord 25 (2014/01) – Certificate of Liability Insurance
  • Acord 25 (2016/03) – Certificate of Liability Insurance
  • NOT ACCEPTED:
    • Artisan insurance certificates

IMPORTANT – All insurance certificates must include the following:

  • Your registration/tracking number.
  • The “Insured” box must include the agency’s business name, address and phone number that matches Department records.
  • A Certificate Holder box that reads:

    NYC Department of Buildings
    Attn: Licensing & Exams Unit
    280 Broadway
    New York, NY  10007

  • Typed information ONLY; handwritten corrections will not be accepted.
  • A contact name and phone number/email address.

  • Workers’ Compensation insurance cannot be included on the Professional Liability ACORD 25 form.
  • Artisan insurance certificates are not acceptable.

Professional Liability Insurance is not required of agencies whose director is not a registered design professional and limited to performing inspections of fuel-oil storage & piping, fire alarm, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, emergency power systems, site storm drainage disposal & detention system installation, structure and small projects.

Accreditation Certificate

Special inspection agencies performing Class 1 inspections must be accredited by an accreditation agency accrediting to ASTM E329-07. Please view the List of Recognized Accrediting Agencies. 

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