Debt Collection Agency License

Before you submit your application

Businesses must obtain applicable business certificates, based on their legal structure as described below. Although DCWP does not require hardcopy submission of business certificates, DCWP reserves the right to request and examine the documents under section 20.104 of the New York City Administrative Code.
Sole Proprietorships operating under a trade or Doing-Business-As (DBA) name must file a Doing-Business-As / Assumed Name Certificate with the clerk of the county in which the business is conducted. Sole Proprietors doing business under their own name - and not under a trade or DBA name - do not need a Business Certificate.
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Sole Proprietorships operating under a trade or Doing-Business-As (DBA) name and General / Business Partnerships must file a Business Certificate with the clerk of the county in which the business is conducted.
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Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships must register and remain active with the New York State Department of State (NYS DOS). Active status will be verified by DCWP prior to license issuance. Note: If operating under an Assumed or Doing-Business-As (DBA) Name, an Assumed Name Certificate must also be filed.
Visit DOS to check status
Businesses incorporated outside of New York State must obtain a Certificate of Doing Business in Good Standing from the Secretary of State from the business' home state, and file it with an application for Authority to Conduct Business in New York with the New York State Secretary of State.
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Complete the Basic License Application.
More info
Download Basic License Application (PDF)
Complete the Debt Collection Agency - Licensing and Renewal Supplement.
DOWNLOAD THE SUPPLEMENT (PDF)
Complete the Debt Collection / Child Support Form.
Download Form (PDF)
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
Download list of bonding companies (PDF)
If the applicant is not located within New York City, complete the Debt Collection Agency Non-Resident Form.
Download Form (PDF)
Sole proprietorships, general partnerships and limited partnerships must submit a Child Support Certification Form for each proprietor or individual general partner.
Download Child Support Certification Form (PDF)
If the license application will be filed by someone other than the applicant, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (PDF)
List of Fees.
More info
List of accepted payment methods.
More info

Apply Online
Apply in Person

Steps to apply online:

1.

Review the requirements for the license and gather all materials before clicking the Apply Online button. Note: You will be redirected to a new web page where you will need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application.

Apply Online

2.

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:

1.

Complete the required application forms and gather all necessary documentation identified in the section above.
2.

File all documentation and pay the required fees at the DCWP Licensing Center. The DCWP Licensing Center is open between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and between 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
Licensing Center
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004
onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov

Disclaimer

The City has tried to provide you with correct information on this website. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, errors are still possible. The information provided is not legal advice. You may need additional information to meet the legal requirements for starting or operating your business.

Debt Collection Agency License

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Before you submit your application

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Steps to apply online:

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Steps to apply in person:

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Debt Collection Agency License

Apply

Before you submit your application

Ready to Apply?

Steps to apply online:

Apply Online

Steps to apply in person:

Learn More

Get Help

Contact Us

Stay Connected