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Debt Collection Agency
Debt Collection Agency License Application Checklist
Who Must Have a Debt Collection Agency License?
Businesses whose principal purpose is to regularly collect or to attempt to collect personal or household debts from New York City residents must have a Debt Collection Agency license no matter where the agency is located, including outside of New York State. This licensing requirement includes:
- Attorneys and law firms who regularly engage in activities traditionally performed by
debt collectors. See Eric M. Berman P.C. v. City of New York, 09-cv-3017, slip op. at 1
(E.D.N.Y. February 3, 2016) (order dismissing the case) for more information. - “Debt buyers,” businesses that buy debt and then try to collect money directly or
through the services of another.
This description is only a general explanation of which businesses must have a Debt
Collection Agency license. You may refer to New York City Administrative Code Section 20-489 for a complete description.
License Requirements
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will deny your application if you fail to provide the required documents and information:
Basic License Application
Download Basic License Application
Apply Online! Review requirements and click the link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.
Debt Collection Agency Licensing & Renewal Supplement
Debt Collection/Child Support Form
Required to indicate whether your business will collect child support payment debts within New York City.
Download the Debt Collection/Child Support Form.
If your business will collect child support payment debts, you also must submit the following documents:
- Copy of the disclosure form used by the Debt Collection Agency in New York City
This form has all of the disclosure terms required under New York City Administrative Code § 20-494.1 (e). - Copy of the standard contract for child support payment debt collection services used by the Debt Collection Agency in New York City
This form has all of the contract terms required under New York City Administrative Code § 20-492 (c). - Copy of your $5,000 Surety Bond, properly signed
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.
Download a list of bonding companies. Note: The list on the DCWP website is not exhaustive, and DCWP does not endorse or recommend any particular bonding company.
Debt Collection Agency Non-Resident Form, if applicable
Required if your business is NOT located within New York City.
Granting Authority to Act Affirmation
Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application. The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms. Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
License Fee
License Period: 2 years
Expiration Date: January 31 in odd years
If You File Your Application Between These Dates:
- From February 1 in an odd year to July 31 in an odd year:
- Pay $150 for a license expiring January 31 of the next odd year. (Valid for at most 24 months.)
- From August 1 in an odd year to January 31 in an even year:
- Pay $113 for a license expiring January 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most
18 months.)
- Pay $113 for a license expiring January 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most
- From February 1 in an even year to July 31 in an even year:
- Pay $75 for a license expiring January 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most
12 months.)
- Pay $75 for a license expiring January 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most
- From August 1 in an even year to January 31 in an odd year:
- Option 1: Pay $38 for a license expiring January 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most 6 months.)
- Option 2: Pay $188 for a license expiring January 31 of the next odd year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)
Pay by:
- Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only) (Online or in person)
You will be charged a nonrefundable 2% Convenience Fee. - eCheck (Online)
- Check or money order payable to DCWP (In person or by mail)
Submit Your License Application to DCWP
You can submit your license application online or in person at the DCWP Licensing Center.
- ONLINE OPTION: After reviewing requirements above, click the Apply Online button below to login or create an account to start your online license application.
- IN-PERSON OPTION: Licensing appointments are available in hardship cases that require an in-person visit. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment for an in-person visit.
Questions? We’re here to help!
Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov
Phone: (212) 487-4060. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, visit our Accommodations page.
Additional Resources for Car Wash Businesses
- For the laws and rules that may affect your business, visit our Laws page.
- Anyone involved in debt collection with a New York City consumer must comply with all relevant laws, including New York State Laws and any updates to New York City Rules.
- Visit nyc.gov/BusinessToolbox and scroll down to "Additional Quick Links for Businesses."
- Visit Other Laws and New Laws & Rules.
- For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.
Get Voter Information
Note: Whether you apply to register to vote or not, it will not affect the assistance DCWP will provide to you.