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Look for a DCA Registration Plate on Pedicabs
Before You Hail a Pedicab, Look for Its DCA Registration Plate
Pedicabs must now have a DCA registration plate to operate in NYC. A plate indicates that a pedicab passed inspection for required safety equipment and signage. Also, all pedicab drivers must hold a separate Pedicab Driver license issued by the Department. By law, DCA can no longer accept Pedicab Business license applications.
Get Pedicab Driver license requirements
Read updated FAQs about new pedicab law (in PDF)


Scales at NYC Airports Reach 99.7% Accuracy after DCA Enforcement Sweep
Scales at NYC Airports Reach 99.7% Accuracy after DCA Enforcement Sweep
DCA inspectors checked all 741 scales used by airlines at the JFK and LaGuardia airports during a three-week sweep to protect holiday travelers from luggage overcharges. Initial inspections led to 57 Stop-Use Orders for faulty scales. Fifty-five scales passed reinspection. DCA condemned two scales. Travelers should look for the DCA seal which indicates a scale passed inspection.
Read the press release


DCA Moves to Shut Down Queens Auto Mall for Illegal Business Practices

DCA Moves to Shut Down Queens Auto Mall for Illegal Business Practices
Agency Seeks $700,000 in Consumer Restitution and Fines
DCA is seeking to revoke Queens Auto Mall’s Used Car Dealer and Auction House licenses for a pattern of deception, including charging illegal fees, failing to refund deposits, and false advertising. DCA also issued car shopping tips to help consumers get a fair deal and protect their money.

Read the press release and get tips
Check that a used car dealer is licensed
Download Used Car Sales Consumer Guide (in PDF)
Download False Advertising: How to Spot It and Read the Fine Print (in PDF)
Learn more about auto loans


Business Education Day

DCA Goes Door-to-Door to Educate Businesses—Not Write Violations—During Its 7th Annual Business Education Day
DCA blanketed more than 30 neighborhoods Citywide to help businesses understand City laws by pointing out violations without penalty, answering questions, and distributing business guides in multiple languages. Representatives from Small Business Services, community organizations, business associations, and elected officials joined DCA inspectors and staff. DCA routinely inspects businesses; compliance with the City's Consumer Protection Law was 94% last year.
Read the press release
Read about the laws DCA enforces
Read 10 Things Every Business Should Know in English, Chinese, and Spanish and Russian (in PDF)

Get ID Theft Prevention Tips for Businesses (in PDF)


Submit Your New License Application Online

Submit Your New License Application Online!
It's easier than ever to get started with your business. New applicants for select DCA licenses can now submit their applications online at a time and from a computer convenient to them. This service will be expanded to include additional industries in the months ahead.
Learn how to apply online


$aveNYC Account: Innovation in Asset Building

New Yorkers with Low Incomes Save $73,000 in $aveNYC Accounts
DCA Releases First-Year Results of Innovative Pilot Program
Individuals with low and very low incomes can and will save when offered simple and safe banking products at the right moment, according to key findings in the report $aveNYC Account: Innovation in Asset Building. The City's $aveNYC Account encouraged savings through a match program—50 cents for every dollar saved from a tax refund up to a maximum match amount of $250. Participants had to keep the account open for one year to receive match money, which came from private funding raised with the help of the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City.

Read the press release
Download the report (in PDF)
Learn more about the $aveNYC Account


Consumer Alert

DCA's Crackdown of the Employment Agency Industry Leads to Closure of Dalia's Service Agency and Agreements Totaling More Than $120,000
DCA secured $83,000 in fines and consumer restitution and shut down Dalia's Service Agency for repeatedly charging illegal fees after entering a settlement agreement to stop illegal practices. Job seekers dating back to 2005 who believe Dalia's Service Agency owes them money must file a complaint with DCA. DCA is also mailing notification to consumers who may be eligible for refunds from approximately 20 other employment agencies that entered into agreements totaling more than $40,000 to settle violations. If DCA contacts you, please complete the complaint form and return it to us so we can help you get back money you might be owed.
Read the 7/15 press release about Dalia's Service Agency
Read the 7/2 press release about other settlement agreements
Download What You Need to Know About Employment Agencies (in PDF)
Check to see if an employment agency is licensed
Check the list of employment agencies which owe consumers refunds
File a complaint against an employment agency


DCA OFE Advocacy

DCA Urges Federal and State Reforms for Greater Consumer Protections in the Financial Services Industry and Better Consumer Banking Products
In recent comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Commissioner Mintz recommended banning both up-front fee and fee-for-service foreclosure assistance services, and also encouraging the use of municipal 311 and 211 systems as one-stop and tamperproof public referrals to legitimate providers. The FTC comments are the latest in DCA's ongoing state and federal advocacy efforts to secure better financial products and services for consumers and stronger protections in that marketplace.
Read all testimony and comments


Financial Empowerment Centers

Mayor Bloomberg Opens Three New Financial Empowerment Centers to Help New Yorkers with Money Worries
New Yorkers can now access free financial counseling at the City's Financial Empowerment Centers in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens in addition to the Bronx. Services are provided by professional counselors, in English and Spanish, in person or by phone. Opening additional Centers is one of Mayor Bloomberg's 18 initiatives to help New Yorkers face current economic challenges.
Read the press release
Find a Financial Empowerment Center near you


Online Renewal Service

Online License Renewal Service
Offered to business categories as licenses come due for renewal, DCA's Online License Renewal Service is making it faster and more convenient than ever for businesses to renew their licenses online, from anywhere and at any time.
DCA's Online License Renewal Service

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