DCWP - Process Serving Agency License Application Checklist

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Process Serving Agency


Process Serving Agency License Application Checklist

Who Must Have a Process Serving Agency License?

A person or business must have a Process Serving Agency license if the person or business assigns, distributes, or delivers process to another for actual service.

This description is only a general explanation of who must have a Process Serving Agency license.

Quick List of Requirements to Apply for a Process Serving Agency License

See Requirements section for detailed descriptions. Make sure you provide all requirements; otherwise, your application is incomplete. DCWP can only consider complete applications for license issuance.

Basic License Application

Process Serving Agency Background Information Form

Roster of Process Servers

Copy of your $100,000 Surety Bond, properly signed

Process Serving Agency Compliance Plan Affirmation

Process Serving Agency GPS Services Affirmation

Process Serving Agency Recordkeeping Certification

Fingerprints and Processing Fee

Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (if applicable)

License Fee

Submitting your application does not mean your license is automatically approved.

Important Message about Business Certificate

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

Requirements

DCWP will deny your application if you do not submit these required documents and information:

Basic License Application.
*Note: You must enter a regularly used email address. DCWP may send licensing documents and subpoenas, notices, requests, or other communications to your email address.
Online submission: After reviewing the requirements, please click the Apply Online link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.
In-person submission: Download the Basic License Application.

Process Serving Agency Background Information Form (download Form).

Roster of Process Servers (download Roster).

Copy of your $100,000 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 Surety Bond model template
Download a list of bonding companies. Note: The list is not exhaustive, and DCWP does not endorse or recommend any particular bonding company.

Process Serving Agency Compliance Plan Affirmation (download Affirmation).

Process Serving Agency GPS Services Affirmation (download Affirmation).

Process Serving Agency Recordkeeping Certification (download Certification).

Granting Authority to Act Affirmation, if applicable (download Affirmation).
Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application.
Note: The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.

Fingerprints and Processing Fee.
All sole proprietors, general partners, corporate officers, principals, directors, members, and all shareholders owning more than 10% of company stock must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to be fingerprinted:

Visit uenroll.identogo.com

Enter:

Service Code. Enter 1585J9

Agency ID. Enter numbers only from Application Number. Application Number is on your receipt or confirmation letter when you apply online. Example: For Application Number 1234567-2023-AHIC, enter only 12345672023 as Agency ID.

Follow the instructions and pay the required fee(s).

IMPORTANT: Anyone required to be fingerprinted should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to complete this requirement.

License Fee.
License Period: 2 years | Expiration Date: February 28, Even Years.

If You File Your Application Between These Dates:
License Fee Option 1
License Fee Option 2

From March 1* in an even year to August 31 in an even year
*Or February 29 in a leap year
Pay $340 for a license expiring February 28 of the next even year. (Valid for at most 24 months.)
N/A

From September 1 in an even year to February 28 in an odd year
Pay $255 for a license expiring February 28 of the next even year. (Valid for at most 18 months.)
N/A

From March 1 in an odd year to August 31 in an odd year
Pay $170 for a license expiring February 28 of the soonest even year. (Valid for at most 12 months.)
N/A

From September 1 in an odd year to February 28 in an even year
Pay $85 for a license expiring February 28 of the soonest even year. (Valid for at most 6 months.)
Pay $425 for a license expiring February 28 of the next even year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)

Pay by:

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

Application Filing Process

File Online

Review requirements and gather all materials.

Click the Apply Online button below to login or create an account to start your online license application.

Important: If you need to file another license application, return to the Apply for a DCWP License page to read requirements and proceed to the next online application.

OR

File In Person
Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center

DCWP LICENSING CENTER
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

NYC SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER
90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

By Email: LicensingAppointments@dcwp.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 onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov.

Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, visit our Accommodations page.

Additional Resources for Process Serving Agency

Educational Materials for Process Servers

For the laws and rules that may affect your business, visit our Laws page.

Updates to Roster of Process Servers

Process serving agencies must use DCWP’s Process Server Portal to submit an updated Roster of Process Servers to DCWP within five (5) days of assigning service to new process server individuals.

If a process server ceases to serve process exclusively for the agency as an employee, the agency must use DCWP’s Process Server Portal to notify DCWP within five (5) days of the change in writing. The notification must include the process server’s name, address, and DCWP license number. Agencies that do not provide updated information are subject to fines or other sanctions.

Electronic Records
Process server agencies must maintain electronic records by copying records to an electronic records management system or by submitting records to a third party contractor.
Records must be produced to DCWP using its template spreadsheet. Download the spreadsheet.

Electronic Devices
Download a list of software companies that sell electronic devices with GPS. The companies have represented that they provide software and services that comply with the Rules. The list must not be considered a recommendation of any company, or a complete listing. All applicants are advised to investigate and compare these and other companies. Companies are listed in alphabetical order.

Traverse Reports
Under New York City law, licensed process servers and process serving agencies must report a scheduled traverse hearing (hearing contesting service) to DCWP within 10 days of receiving oral or written notice. See Title 6, Rules of the City of New York § 2-236(c). You must use DCWP’s Process Server Portal to submit your Traverse Reports.

Visit nyc.gov/processserver for information on the process server industry

For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.

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