Storage Warehouse License

You need a Storage Warehouse License if your business stores people's household goods for a fee. You need a separate license for each place that your stores these goods. Self-storage businesses do not need this license. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gives out this license.

• Business certificate:
  You need the right Business Certificate for your business type.
  You do not need to submit this document with your application, but DCWP may ask for it.

  • Sole proprietors using a name other than your own need a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Partnerships need a Partnership Certificate and, if needed, an Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies or limited liability partnerships must register and stay active with the New York State Division of Corporations. Check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.

• Basic license application:
  Complete the Basic License Application. This application needs:

  • Business information and ID numbers (EIN, SSN or ITIN)

  • Contact information for the business location and owner

  • History of criminal and/or civil charges for business owners, partners, shareholders and officers

  • Any DCWP license history for individuals named on the application and their relatives
    Download Basic License Application (PDF)

• Sales tax identification number:
  Provide your New York State Sales Tax Identification Number or Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation Number on the Basic License Application.
  Learn more about the Sales Tax Vendor Registration (Certificate of Authority.

• Rate schedule:
  Submit a rate schedule listing all rates for storage and handling of property. The rate schedule must be on your business letterhead.

• Surety bond:
  Submit a copy of a $10,000 surety bond (or third-party bond), properly signed. The bond must:

  • Name the City of New York as the Certificate Holder.

  • Match the business name and address on the license application.
    Include a copy of the bond receipt showing full payment and that the bond does not expire before the end of the license period.
    List of bonding companies

• Certificate of occupancy:
  Submit a copy of the Certificate of Occupancy, Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (expiring no less than 30 days after submission) or Letter of No Objection from the Department of Buildings (DOB) stating the business location is suitable.
  
  If submitting a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, it must be the most current version and show approval for "Use Group 16" or "Storage Warehouse."
  Learn more about the temporary certificate of occupancy.

• Sample contracts:
  Submit samples of all contracts that you will use. Each contract must include these statements:

  • The warehouse operator provides, without cost to the consumer, legal liability coverage for loss or damage to the consumer's property caused by negligence, at the minimum value of $0.30 per pound per item up to $2,000.
  • The consumer may purchase through the storage warehouse operator additional liability coverage to cover either specific items or all of the household goods at additional cost.

• Insurance certificate:
  Submit a copy of your business' Insurance Certificate that protects consumers against loss or damage due to negligence.

  • The Insurance Certificate must name the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection as the Certificate Holder.
  • Legal liability coverage must be at least $0.30 per pound per item up to $2,000.
  • The insurance policy must meet all requirements of the Storage Warehouse Law, Section 20-480 (B32-536) and regulations.

• Granting authority to act affirmation:
  If someone other than you will file the license application, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.

• List of fees:

  • $590: License fee for the first warehouse for new applications from April 2 of odd-numbered years to September 30 of odd-numbered years; $300 for each additional warehouse
  • $443: License fee for the first warehouse for new applications from October 1 of odd-numbered years to April 1 of even-numbered years; $225 for each additional warehouse
  • $295: License fee for the first warehouse for new applications from April 2 of even-numbered years to September 30 of even-numbered years; $150 for each additional warehouse
  • $148: License fee for the first warehouse for new applications from October 1 of even-numbered years to April 1 of odd-numbered years; $75 for each additional warehouse
  • Nonrefundable convenience 2 percent fee for paying with a credit card

• 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

Notification by mail: You will get a letter within two weeks after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all your papers.

• If your application is approved: DCWP will send you a license.
• If your application needs more information: DCWP will send you a letter with instructions. You must send the requested material to DCWP within 10 days. If you do not, your application will be denied.
• If your application is denied: DCWP will explain why and tell you how to apply again.

• License validity: Licenses last for up to two years. They expire on April 1 of odd-numbered years.

• Information changes: If your approved application information changes, tell the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Call 311 or visit the DCWP Licensing Center. Call 311 to check if you need to visit the center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Insurance notification: Tell DCWP within 14 days if your insurance is canceled, expired or ended. You must do this in writing. Submit it in person or by mail to the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Compliance with laws: You must follow all laws and rules of New York City, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules, which are available through the Public Access Portal.

• Review requirements and gather materials:
  Review the requirements for the license and gather all materials before clicking the Apply online button. Note: You will be redirected to a new web page where you will need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application.

• Print the confirmation page:
  After submitting your application online, print a copy of the Confirmation Page. This page lists the additional steps and materials needed to complete your application. These materials are also listed above and must be submitted within five business days of filing the application online if they were not uploaded as part of the online application submission.

• Complete forms and gather documents:
  Complete the required application forms and gather all necessary documentation identified in the section above.

• Schedule an appointment:
  Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.
  Learn how to schedule an appointment.

• Renewal notification: DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires. If you plan to keep operating, submit your renewal application at least 15 days before your license expires.

• Renewal notification: DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires. If you plan to keep operating, submit your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires. You must make an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Renewal notification: DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires. If you plan to keep operating, submit your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires. Mail your materials using the orange return envelope to the DCWP Licensing Center.
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov