About
State
Banking Department
Businesses that cash checks in New York State must be licensed by the NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS).
Check cashers cash checks, drafts, or money orders for a fee. Licenses are not required for businesses that do this occasionally for a fee of less than $1.
Businesses need additional applications to change control of the business.
All employees and owners of the business must be registered with DFS. Registration includes the taking of fingerprints. Locations and fees are heavily regulated by DFS. Some businesses that only provide certain services may wish to register as a limited station. Requirements for limited stations are fewer than full-service check cashers.
Additional resources
NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS)
Address
Licensed Financial Services
One State Street
New York NY 10004-1417
Licensed Financial Services
One State Street
New York NY 10004-1417
Website
http://www.dfs.ny.gov/
Phone
(212) 709-5507
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