Debt Collection Agency License

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gives the Debt Collection Agency License. If your business collects or tries to collect personal or household debts from New York City residents, you need this license. This rule applies even if your business is outside New York State.

This requirement includes attorneys and law firms that often act as debt collectors and "debt buyers," which are businesses that buy debt and then try to collect it.

• Get your business certificate: You need the right Business Certificate for your business type. This depends on your business type. You do not need to submit this document with your application, but DCWP may ask for it.

  • Sole proprietors using a name other than your own need a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Partnerships need a Partnership Certificate and, if needed, an Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies or limited liability partnerships must register and stay active with the New York State Division of Corporations. Check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.

• Complete the basic license application: You must complete the Basic License Application. This application needs:

  • Business information and ID numbers (EIN, SSN or ITIN)
  • Contact information for the business location and owner
  • History of criminal and/or civil charges for business owners, partners, shareholders and officers
  • Any DCWP license history for individuals named on the application and their relatives

• Complete the Debt Collection Agency New & Renewal License Application Supplement.

• Complete the Debt Collection/Child Support Form.

• Submit child support documents (if needed): If you will collect child support payments, submit a copy of the disclosure form used by the business, standard contract for child support payment debt collection services used by the business and a $5,000 surety bond, properly signed. The bond must:

  • Name the City of New York as the Certificate Holder

  • Match the business name and address on the license application

  • Include a copy of the bond receipt showing full payment and that the bond does not expire before the end of the license period
    Download list of bonding companies

• Complete the Debt Collection Agency Non-NYC Resident Form (if needed): If you are not in New York City, complete this form.

• Complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (if needed): If someone else will file the application for you, complete this form.

• Pay the fees:

  • $150: License fee for new applications from February 1 of odd-numbered years to July 31 of odd-numbered years
  • $113: License fee for new applications from August 1 of odd-numbered years to January 31 of even-numbered years
  • $75: License fee for new applications from February 1 of even-numbered years to July 31 of even-numbered years.
  • $38: License fee for new applications from August 1 of odd-numbered years to January 31 of even-numbered years.
  • Nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee for credit card payments

• Accepted payment methods:

  • Check (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person submissions)
  • Money order (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person submissions)
  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)

• Notification by mail: You will get a letter within two weeks after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all your papers.

  • If your application is approved: DCWP will send you a license.
  • If your application needs more information: DCWP will send you a letter with instructions. You must submit the requested material to DCWP within 10 days. If you do not, your application will be denied.
  • If your application is denied: DCWP will explain why and tell you how to apply again.

• If any information in your approved application changes: You must tell the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). You can do this by:

  • Calling 311

  • Visiting the DCWP Licensing Center

    It is a good idea to call 311 first to check if you need to visit a center for any specific change. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Find all the laws and rules of New York City, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules, on the Public Access Portal.

• Review requirements and gather materials: Before clicking the Apply Online button, make sure you have all the required materials. 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.
• Print the confirmation page: After submitting your application online, print the confirmation page. This page lists the additional steps and materials needed to complete your 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.

• Complete forms and gather documents: Complete the required forms and gather all necessary documents identified in the section above.

• Schedule an appointment: Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Before your license expires: DCWP will mail you a license renewal application and instructions.

• If you plan to keep operating: You must send your renewal application at least 15 days before your license expires.

• Before your license expires: DCWP will send you a license renewal application and instructions.

• If you plan to keep operating: You must send your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires.

• You must make an appointment: You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Before your license expires: DCWP will send you a license renewal application and instructions.

• If you plan to keep operating: You must send your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires.

• Mail these materials: You can mail these materials using the orange return envelope to the DCWP Licensing Center.
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov