Apply

Process Serving Agency

Print

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.

License Requirements

Expand AllCollapse All

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will deny your application if you fail to provide the required documents and information:

Basic License Application

Download Basic License Application

Apply Online! Review requirements and click the link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.

Process Serving Agency Background Information Form

Roster of Process Servers

In addition to submitting this information with your application, you must also upload your Roster of Process Servers to DCWP's Process Server Portal.

Download the Roster of Process Servers.

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 on the DCWP website is not exhaustive, and DCWP does not endorse or recommend any particular bonding company.

Process Serving Agency Compliance Plan Affirmation

Process Serving Agency GPS Services Affirmation

Process Serving Agency Recordkeeping Certification

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 https://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 12345-2023-AHIC, enter only
      123452023 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.

Granting Authority to Act Affirmation

Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application. The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms. Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.

License Fee

License Period: 2 years

Expiration Date: February 28 in even years

If You File Your Application Between These Dates:

  • 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.)
  • 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.)
  • 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.)
  • From September 1 in an odd year to February 28 in an even year:
    • Option 1: Pay $85 for a license expiring February 28 of the soonest even year. (Valid for at most 6 months.)
    • Option 2: Pay $425 for a license expiring February 28 of the next even year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)

Pay by:

  • Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only) (Online or in person)
    You will be charged a nonrefundable 2% Convenience Fee.
  • eCheck (Online)
  • Check or money order payable to DCWP (In person or by mail)

Submit Your License Application to DCWP

You can submit your license application online or in person at the DCWP Licensing Center.

  • ONLINE OPTION: After reviewing requirements above, click the Apply Online button below to login or create an account to start your online license application.

Apply Online Button. You will be redirected to a new page

Questions? We’re here to help!

Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov 

Phone: (212) 487-4060. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

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

Additional Resources for Process Serving Agencies

  • Visit 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.

Get Voter Information
Note: Whether you apply to register to vote or not, it will not affect the assistance DCWP will provide to you.