Garage, Parking Lot, or Combo Garage and Parking Lot

License Application Checklist:
Garage and/or Parking Lot License (Premises)

Who Must Have a Garage and/or Parking Lot License?

A business accommodating five or more vehicles for a fee or other consideration charged directly or indirectly must have a:

Garage license (to store vehicles in an entirely enclosed space)
Parking Lot license (to store vehicles in an unenclosed space)
Combo Garage and Parking Lot license (to store vehicles in both enclosed and unenclosed spaces)

This description is only a general explanation of who must have a Garage and/or Parking Lot license.

Exemptions: You do not need a license if parking is for customers or employees of a primary business or for tenants on a monthly basis.

Quick List of Requirements to Apply for a Garage and/or Parking Lot License

See Requirements section for detailed descriptions. Make sure you provide all requirements; otherwise, your application is incomplete. DCWP can only consider complete applications for license issuance.

Submitting your application does not mean your license is automatically approved.

Bicycle Parking

If your business will accommodate 51 or more automobiles, you must provide bicycle parking or provide proof of exemption or waiver. Key regulations are below.

You must provide at least one bicycle parking space for every 10 automobile parking spaces provided, up to 200 automobile parking spaces.
If your business can accommodate 200 or more automobiles, you must provide at least one additional bicycle parking space for every additional 100 automobile parking spaces.
Bicycles must be stored inside a secure holding area OR placed on a bike rack that would allow the bike wheel and frame to be locked.

Examples of Minimum Number of Bicycles (up to 249 Automobile Parking Spaces)
Capacity on DCWP License	Minimum Number of Bicycle Capacity
51-54	5
55-64	6
65-74	7
75-84	8
85-94	9
95-104	10
105-114	11
115-124	12
125-134	13
135-144	14
145-154	15
155-164	16
165-174	17
175-184	18
185-194	19
195-249	20

Important Message about Business Certificate

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.

Requirements

DCWP will not accept your application if you do not submit these required documents and information:

Basic License Application.
Download the Basic License Application.

Garage and/or Parking Lot Self-Certification.
Download the Certification.
The owner (e.g., sole proprietor, general partner, director, corporate officer, or shareholder owning 10% or more of company stock) must complete the Self-Certification.

Sales Tax Identification Number OR Application Confirmation Number.
To apply for a Certificate of Authority in order to collect sales tax, visit www.businessexpress.ny.gov.

Rate Information for Vehicles.
Download Rate Information for Vehicles.
Submit two completed copies of Rate Information for Vehicles.

Proof of Bicycle Parking
If your business plans to accommodate 51 or more automobiles, you must submit ONE of the following documents as proof of bicycle parking:
- Two completed copies of Rate Information for Bicycles* (download) OR
- Certification of Exemption from Compliance with DCWP Bicycle Parking Requirements (download) OR
- An approved Bicycle Parking Spaces Waiver from the Department of Buildings (DOB). To apply for the waiver, contact DOB at nyc.gov/buildings or 311.
*Do not combine vehicles and bicycles Rate Information.

Personal and Property Liability Insurance for Garage and/or Parking Lot.
You must submit a copy of the Insurance Certificate for your premises. Your Insurance Certificate must name the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) as a certificate holder. Minimum amounts of coverage are:
- Commercial General Liability Insurance coverage with a minimum limit of $300,000 per occurrence on a per location basis
- Garagekeepers Legal Liability Insurance coverage with a minimum limit of $25,000
Note: You must notify DCWP within 14 days if your insurance policy is cancelled, expired, or was terminated for any reason. Notification must be in writing and submitted in person OR by mail to:

Attn: Licensing Center
New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
42 Broadway
New York, NY 10004

Granting Authority to Act Affirmation, if applicable.
Download the Affirmation.
Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application.

Note: The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.

License Fee
License Period: 2 years.
Expiration Date: March 31 (Odd Years).
See chart below for License Fee—Determined by Date You File Your Application and the Number of Cars:

If You File Application Between These Dates:	Fee if 5-25 Cars (A)	Fee if 26-50 Cars (B)	Fee if 51-100 Cars (C)	Fee if 101+ Cars (D)
From April 1 in an odd year to September 30 in an odd year	$300	$380	$540	$600
From October 1 in an odd year to March 31 in an even year	$225	$285	$405	$450
From April 1 in an even year to September 30 in an even year	$150	$190	$270	$300
From October 1 in an even year to March 31 in an odd year	$75 or $375* for a license expiring March 31 of the following odd year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)	$95 or $475* for a license expiring March 31 of the following odd year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)	$135 or $675* for a license expiring March 31 of the following odd year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)	$150 or $750* for a license expiring March 31 of the following odd year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)

*If you are applying within six months of the license expiration date, you can pay the prorated fee for the remaining license term plus the full fee to renew the license for the next term. If you pay both fees, you will not need to renew the license until the end of the next license period.

Pay by:

Check or money order payable to DCWP. (In person)
Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only). You will be charged a nonrefundable Convenience Fee. (In person or online)

Application Filing Process

File Online

Review requirements and gather all materials.
Click the Apply Online button below to login or create an account to start your online license application.

Important: If you need to file another license application, return to the Apply for a DCWP License page to read requirements and proceed to the next online application.

File In Person
Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center

DCWP LICENSING CENTER
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

NYC SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER
90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

By Email: LicensingAppointments@dcwp.nyc.gov
By Phone*: Call (212) 436-0441. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

*This number is to schedule an appointment for in-person service only. For general questions, email onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov.

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

Additional Resources for Garages and Parking Lots

For the laws and rules that may affect your business, visit our Laws page.

Download Inspection Checklist: Garages and Parking Lots

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.