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Pedicab Business

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COVID-19 ALERT

For health and safety reasons, the DCA Licensing Center and NYC Small Business Support Center cannot serve walk-ins, but you can schedule an appointment to submit your license application in person. See Application Filing Process section.

Note: As in-person service is limited, we encourage you to use our online service which is available 24/7 at nyc.gov/BusinessToolbox.


Pedicab Business License Application Checklist


IMPORTANT:

Pedicabs MAY NOT operate in New York City without a DCA-issued pedicab registration plate. By law, the City can only issue new pedicab registration plates when the number of registered pedicabs falls below 840. You should submit this application if:
  • A licensed pedicab business has agreed to transfer a pedicab registration plate to you and you are a new business or a licensed pedicab business with fewer than 30 registered pedicabs.
  • There is a Pedicab Registration Plate Lottery, and you receive an offer to be issued a pedicab registration plate after applying for the lottery.

Who Must Have a Pedicab Business License?

You must have a Pedicab Business license if you are a pedicab owner (you own, lease, or otherwise control a pedicab or pedicabs) and operate or authorize the operation of one or more pedicabs for hire to passengers within the City of New York.

This description is only a general explanation of which businesses must have a Pedicab Business license

Quick List of Requirements to Apply for a Pedicab Business License

See Requirements section for detailed descriptions. Make sure you provide all requirements; otherwise, your application is incomplete. DCA can only consider complete applications for license issuance.
  • Basic License Application
  • Roster of Pedicabs
  • Proof of Sale or Transfer of Pedicab Registration Plates Affirmation
  • Pedicab Business Ownership and Family Disclosure Form
  • Personal and Property Liability Insurance
  • Pedicab Business Insurance Affirmation
  • Pedicab Business License Application Affirmation
  • Records of All Summonses, Complaints, or Notices of Violation and Hearing
  • Pedicab Policies, Procedures, and Instructional Materials
  • Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (if applicable)
  • License Fee
  • Pedicab Inspection
Submitting your application does not mean your license is automatically approved.

Additional City or State Permits/Licenses/Clearances You May Need

If you drive or propel a pedicab for hire to passengers within the City of New York, you must also obtain a Pedicab Driver license.

Note: Anyone who drives a pedicab for hire to passengers within the City of New York for your pedicab business must obtain a Pedicab Driver license. This includes employees or independent contractors.

Important Message about Business Certificate

You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. Although DCA does not require submission of your Business Certificate in order to process your application, DCA 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.

Requirements

DCA will deny your application if you do not submit these required documents and information:
  • Roster of Pedicabs (download)
    Pedicab Business applicants can apply for no more than 30 pedicabs.
  • Proof of Sale or Transfer of Pedicab Registration Plates Affirmation
    Proof of Sale
    (required for licensed pedicab businesses with fewer than 30 registered pedicabs)
    Submit a copy of your bill of sale, sales receipt, or sales contract as proof that you purchased the pedicab(s) from a DCA-licensed pedicab business. The proof must include the DCA Registration Plate Number found on each pedicab.

    Transfer of Pedicab Registration Plates Affirmation
    (required for new Pedicab Business license applicants)
    The transferor pedicab business (the business transferring pedicabs to you) must complete the Transfer of Pedicab Registration Plates Affirmation.

    Note: If you apply for a pedicab registration plate lottery and receive an offer to be issued a pedicab registration plate, you do not need to submit this requirement.
  • Pedicab Business Ownership and Family Disclosure Form (download)
    Note: If you apply for a pedicab registration plate lottery and receive an offer to be issued a pedicab registration plate, you do not need to resubmit this requirement.
  • Personal and Property Liability Insurance
    You must submit a copy of the Insurance Certificate for your pedicabs and a copy of the entire insurance policy that is in full force and effect. The certificate must list each of the insured pedicabs by Pedicab Identifying Number (PID) or DCA Registration Plate Number. The insurance policy must cover all drivers and must name the City of New York as an insured party.

    Download Insurance Agent List
    The companies on this list have issued, or certify that they will issue, pedicab liability insurance policies that comply with New York City law and rules. The list must not be considered a recommendation of any insurance agent, or a complete listing. All applicants are advised to investigate and compare these and other companies. Companies are listed in alphabetical order.

    If you obtain insurance covering the entire pedicab business, the minimum insurance amount is $2,000,000 combined single limit for injury or death of one or more persons, and damage to or destruction of property, with a maximum of $1,000,000 for each accident.

    If you insure each pedicab individually, the minimum insurance amounts for each pedicab are:
    • $100,000 for personal injury or death of any one person resulting from any one accident
    • $300,000 for personal injury or death of two or more persons resulting from any one accident, with a $100,000 maximum coverage per person
    • $50,000 for property damage

    Please Note: You are required to notify DCA within 14 days if your insurance policy is cancelled, expired, or was terminated for any reason. Notification must be in writing and submitted in person OR by mail to:

    Attn: Special Applications Unit
    New York City Department of Consumer Affairs
    42 Broadway
    New York, NY 10004

    If your insurance policy lapses for any reason, your Pedicab Business license will become void.
  • Pedicab Business Insurance Affirmation (download)
  • Pedicab Business License Application Affirmation (download)
  • Records of All Summonses, Complaints, or Notices of Violation and Hearing
    Submit records of all summonses, complaints, or Notices of Violation and Hearing received by a pedicab driver while operating a pedicab registered to your business. DCA will verify this information. Failure to submit records can constitute grounds for the denial of your application.
  • Pedicab Policies, Procedures, and Instructional Materials
    Submit a copy of the policies and procedures and instructional materials you use to train your pedicab drivers. Note: It is unlawful for pedicab businesses to fail to train pedicab drivers about the provisions of State and Local Law governing the operation of pedicabs.
  • Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (download)
    Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit application.

    Note: The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.
  • License Fee
    License term: 1 year. Expiration Date: November 1.

 License Fee:
If You File Your Application Between These Dates: Includes One
Registration Plate		 Additional Registration Plates Fee per Timer Inspection
From November 2 to May 2 Pay $110 for a license expiring November 1
of the following or same year.
(Valid for at most
12 months.)
 $60 each $10 each
From May 3 to November 1 Pay $55 for a license expiring November 1
of the same year.
(Valid for at most
6 months.)

OR

Pay $165 for a license expiring November 1
of the next year.
(Valid for at most
18 months.)
 $60 each $10 each

Pay by:

  • Check or money order payable to DCA. (In person)
  • Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only). You will be charged a nonrefundable Convenience Fee. (In person or online)

After You File Your DCA License Application:

Below is information you need to know after submitting your license application.

  • Pedicab Inspection
    DCA will contact you to schedule an appointment to inspect your pedicab(s) at a designated location. Registration plates will be issued only to pedicabs that are on-site and that pass inspection during your scheduled appointment.

    Note: Fee is $10 per pedicab timer inspection. DCA will bill you for the fee after the inspection.

    Prior to your inspection, be sure to review the Pedicab Inspection Process and Inspection Checklist: Pedicab Businesses and Drivers.
  • Signage Posting and Pedicab Information Card
    Pedicab businesses must post required signs and distribute to passengers a Pedicab Information Card. Download templates below:
  • Pedicab Accident Report
    You must submit a written accident report of every accident relating to a pedicab within 24 hours after the occurrence. If the accident results in death or a person sustaining an injury that requires medical treatment, you must notify the Department of Consumer Affairs immediately via phone, fax, and/or email as provided on the Pedicab Accident Report.

Application Filing Process

File in person
Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCA Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center.
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS (DCA) LICENSING CENTER
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004		 NYC SMALL BUSINESS
SUPPORT CENTER
90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435

By Email: LicensingAppointments@dca.nyc.gov
By Phone*: Call (212) 436-0441. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

*This number is to schedule an appointment for in-person service only. For general questions, email specialapps@dca.nyc.gov.

Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, please email DCA's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at humancapital@dca.nyc.gov or visit our Accommodations page.
File Online
  1. Please review requirements for the license and gather all materials before clicking the button below.
  2. If you haven’t registered an account with the City of New York, you will need to register an account before you can proceed to the online application.
  3. After you submit the online application, follow the instructions on the confirmation page. DCA cannot process incomplete applications.
  4. Important: If you need to file another license application, return to the DCA Business Toolbox to read requirements and proceed to the online application.


Additional Resources for Pedicab Business

    Get Voter Information
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    Page updated 10/2020.