Garage License

You need a Garage License if your business holds five or more vehicles in a closed space. You must charge a fee, either directly or indirectly. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gives out this license.

• Business certificate: You need the right Business Certificate for 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 must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Partnerships must have 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.

• 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

• Self-certification: The owner (e.g., sole proprietor, general partner, director, corporate officer or shareholder owning 10 percent or more of the company) must complete the Garage and/or Parking Lot Self-Certification.

• Sales tax identification number: Provide your New York State Sales Tax Identification Number or Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation Number on the Basic License Application.

• Rate information form: Submit two copies of the Rate Information form for vehicles.

• Bicycle parking proof: If your business can hold 51 or more vehicles, submit proof of bicycle parking. Acceptable documents include:

  • Two copies of a completed Rate Information form for bicycles
  • A completed Certification of Exemption from Compliance with DCWP Bicycle Parking Requirements
  • An approved Bicycle Parking Spaces Waiver from the Department of Buildings

• Insurance certificate: Submit a copy of the insurance certificate for your business premises.
  The certificate must name the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection as the Certificate Holder.
  Minimum coverage amounts:

  • $300,000 per occurrence on a per location basis, for commercial general liability insurance
  • $25,000 for garagekeepers legal liability insurance

• Granting authority to act affirmation: If someone else will file the application for you, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.

• License fees: Fees depend on when you file and the number of vehicles your business will accommodate. Here is a table to help you understand the fees.

• Accepted payment methods:

  • Check (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person applications)
  • Money order (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person applications)
  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) Note: Nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee applies

• 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 send the needed materials 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.

• License validity: Licenses last for up to two years. They expire on March 31 of odd-numbered years.

• Information changes: If your information 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 to check if you need to visit a center for a 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.

• Insurance notification: Tell DCWP within 14 days if your insurance is canceled, expired, or ended. You must do this in writing. Submit it in person or by mail to 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.

• Compliance with laws: Follow all New York City laws and rules. This includes the Consumer Protection Law and Rules. You can find them on the Public Access Portal.

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

• Print confirmation page: After submitting an application online, print a copy of the confirmation page. This page lists the additional steps and materials needed 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.

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

• Schedule 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 mail you a 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 mail you a 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 mail you a 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