Process Serving Agency License
A Process Serving Agency License is required for a person or business that assigns, distributes, or delivers process to another for actual service. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) issues this license.
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 www.dos.ny.gov/corps.
Complete the Basic License Application.
The Basic License Application requires business information, including applicable identification numbers (such as EIN, SSN, or ITIN); contact information for the business location and business owner, history of criminal and / or civil charges for the business owners, partners, shareholders, and officers; and any DCWP license history for individuals named on the application and their relatives. 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.
Complete the Process Serving Agency Background Information Form.
Complete the Roster of Process Servers.
Submit a copy of a $100,000 surety bond, properly signed. The copy of the bond must name the City of New York as the Certificate Holder. The business name and address on the bond must match the information provided in the license application. The applicant 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.
Complete the Compliance Plan Affirmation.
Complete the Electronic Device Certification Form.
Complete the Recordkeeping Certification Form.
If the license application will be filed by someone other than the applicant, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
List of Fees.
- $340: License Fee for applicants who file for a new process server individual license from March 1 of years that end in an even number to August 31 of years that end in an even number.
- $255: License Fee for applicants who file for a new process server individual license from September 1 of years that end in an even number to February 28 of years that end in an odd number.
- $170: License Fee for applicants who file for a new process server individual license from March 1 of years that end in an odd number to August 31 of years that end in an odd number.
- $85: License Fee for applicants who file for a new process server individual license from September 1 of years that end in an odd number to February 28 of years that end in an even number.
- Fingerprint Processing Fee per person.
- Non-Refundable Convenience Fee for paying with a credit card.
List of accepted payment methods.
- Check (Payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in person application submissions.)
- Money Order (Payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in person application submissions.)
- Credit card including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.
- If the application is approved, DCWP will issue the applicant a license document.
- If the application requires additional information, DCWP will notify the applicant by mail with instructions on how to submit this information. If the applicant does not submit the requested materials to DCWP within 10 days of receiving this notification letter, the application will be denied.
- If the application is denied, DCWP will provide an explanation for the denial and information about the reapplication process.
Licensees must prepare and submit a monthly written report detailing the recordkeeping practices of each process server that serves process for the agency. Agencies may use the Monthly Compliance Report Template created by DCWP or agencies may use their own template that complies with Subchapter W of Chapter 2 of Title 6 of the Rules of the City of New York.
Licensees must maintain records in an electronic format that is resistant to tampering. Licensees may use the Electronic Records Template, use a third party document management system, or scan the required written log book into a PDF.
Licensees must report a scheduled traverse hearing, a hearing contesting service, to DCWP within 10 days of receiving oral or written notice. Licensees can report the hearing by completing the Traverse Report Form.
