Booting Company License

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) issues a booting company license. This is needed for any business that will put a device on a parked car to stop it from moving.

• Get business certificates: You need to get the right business certificates for your business type.

  • If you are a sole proprietorship:

    • If you are using a trade name or Doing-Business-As (DBA), you need to file a DBA or Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk.
    • If you are using your own name, a business certificate is not needed. Learn more about business certificates.

  • If you are part of a general or business partnership: You need to file a business certificate with the county clerk. You can check here for more details.

  • If you are part of a Corporation, Limited Partnership (LP), Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): You need to register and remain active with the New York State Department of State (NYS DOS):

    • Your status will be verified by Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) prior to giving license.

    • If you are using a DBA, you need to file an Assumed Name Certificate. You can review DOS to check status.

• If you own an out-of-state business: If your business is located outside of New York State, you must get a certificate of doing business in good standing from your home state:

  • This is issued by the Secretary of State.

  • You need to file it with an application for authority to conduct business in New York. You can check here for more details.

• You need to complete the basic license application: You need to fill out the Basic License Application. You will need:

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

• You must provide your sales tax identification details:

  • You need to provide your New York State Sales Tax Identification Number or Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation Number. You can check here for more details.

• You need to provide business information: You need to fill out the Business Information Form (PDF).

• You need to provide a surety bond: You need to submit a copy of a $5,000 surety bond. The bond must:

  • Name the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection as the certificate holder
  • Match the business name and address on the license application
  • Include a receipt showing the bond is paid in full and valid through the licensing period
    
    You can check List of bonding companies (PDF).

• If working on private streets: If you are booting vehicles on private streets, you need to submit a list of fees on your business letterhead:

  • Private streets are streets used exclusively by property owners or other individuals with owner's permission.

  • They are not open to the public.

• You need to provide photos: You must submit three current passport-size photos of yourself.

• If someone else will prepare and submit the application: You need to fill out the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (PDF).

• Fingerprinting: All key business members (sole proprietors, general partners, corporate officers, principals, directors, members and shareholders) owning 10 percent or more of company stock must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO for fingerprinting. You need to:

  • Visit uenroll.identogo.com.

  • Use service code 1585SN and your application number as the Agency ID.
    Application number is on your receipt or confirmation letter when you apply online.

  • Follow the instructions and pay the required fees.

• You need to pay the license fee: The fee details are as follows:

  • $340 new license fee from January 1 to June 30 of even-numbered years
  • $255 new license fee from July 1 to December 31 of even-numbered years
  • $170 new license fee from January 1 to June 30 of odd-numbered years
  • $85 new license fee from July 1 to December 31 of odd-numbered years
    
    You need to pay a fingerprint processing fee per person.
    
    You need to pay a nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee for credit card payments.

• You can pay by:

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

Two weeks after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all your papers, they will send a letter. The letter will have the following details:

• If your application is approved: DCWP will send you a license.
• If more information is needed: The letter will explain what documents to send. Your application will be denied if you do not send the documents within 10 days.
• If your application is denied: DCWP will tell you why your application was denied. They will also tell you how to reapply.

• License validity: Licenses are valid up to two years. They expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years.

• Informing DCWP of changes:

  • If any information in your approved application changes, you must inform the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

  • You can call 311 or visit the DCWP Licensing Center. It is good to call 311 to check if you need to visit a center for any specific change.

  • You need an appointment to visit in person. Licensing appointments are only available if you have a physical disability or other impairment that requires an in-person visit. Learn how to schedule an appointment.

• Follow all laws and rules: You must follow all New York City laws and rules, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules. You can review the Public Access Portal.

• Review the requirements: You must review and gather all materials before selecting Apply Online. You will need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application.
• Submit online: You must print the confirmation page after submitting. It will list the additional steps and materials required to complete the application. You must submit these materials within five business days if they were not uploaded online.

• Complete the required forms: You must complete the forms and gather all necessary documents.

• Schedule an appointment: You need to schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. Licensing appointments are only available if you have a physical disability or other impairment that requires an in-person visit. You can review this flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment.

• Before the license expires: Select Renew Online. DCWP will send you a renewal form and instructions. To keep operating, you must send your renewal form at least 15 days before the license expires.

Before the license expires: DCWP will send you a renewal form and instructions: To keep operating, you must send your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before the license expires. You need an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. Licensing appointments are only available if you have a physical disability or other impairment that requires an in-person visit. Learn how to schedule an appointment.

• Before the license expires: DCWP will send you a renewal form and instructions:

  • To keep operating, send your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before the license expires.

  • You can mail these materials using the orange return envelope to the DCWP Licensing Center.

  • Contact information: The address and email information for DCWP Licensing Center are as follows:
    
    NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
    Licensing Center
    42 Broadway
    New York, NY 10004
    Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov