DOB NOW: NYC's Online Building Portal
DOB NOW is the Department of Buildings' digital platform for filing permits, tracking applications, searching violations, and managing building compliance in New York City.
What Is DOB NOW?
DOB NOW is the NYC Department of Buildings' centralized online platform that allows property owners, architects, engineers, and expediters to manage building-related transactions digitally. Launched to modernize the DOB's operations, DOB NOW replaces many paper-based processes with a streamlined digital workflow.
The platform handles everything from permit applications and job filings to violation searches and inspection scheduling — making it an essential tool for anyone involved in NYC construction and real estate.
Key DOB NOW Modules
DOB NOW: Build
File new building applications, alterations (ALT1, ALT2, ALT3), and equipment permits. Track application status in real time.
DOB NOW: Safety
Submit safety registrations including façade inspections (FISP), elevator compliance, boiler inspections, and construction superintendent registrations.
DOB NOW: Public Portal
Search property records, view permits, check violations, and look up Certificates of Occupancy for any NYC property using address, BIN, or block/lot.
DOB NOW: Licensing
Apply for or renew professional licenses for trades including electricians, plumbers, and master fire suppression contractors.
How to Search for Property Information
The DOB NOW Public Portal is the fastest way to look up building records in NYC. You can search by:
- Address — Enter the street address and borough to find all associated permits, violations, and complaints.
- Borough, Block & Lot (BBL) — Use the tax lot identifier for precise property lookups.
- BIN (Building Identification Number) — Each building has a unique BIN assigned by the DOB.
- Job Number — Track a specific permit application or construction job.
Search results include active and historical violations, open permits, Certificates of Occupancy, complaints, and inspection records.
Common Uses for Property Owners
- Check for open violations — Before purchasing or refinancing a property, search for any outstanding DOB or ECB violations that could affect the transaction.
- Track permit applications — Monitor the status of permit filings from submission through approval.
- Verify contractor licenses — Confirm that contractors hold valid NYC licenses before hiring.
- Review inspection history — See past inspection results and any conditions flagged by DOB inspectors.
Important: NYC.ID Account Required
Since 2024, an NYC.ID account is required to log in to DOB NOW for filing applications and managing permits. The Public Portal for searching property records remains accessible without an account.
Why Work with an Expediter?
While DOB NOW has simplified many processes, navigating the platform still requires expertise. Common challenges include:
- Understanding which application type to file (NB, ALT1, ALT2, ALT3)
- Responding to DOB objections and examiner comments
- Coordinating across multiple DOB NOW modules for complex projects
- Ensuring all required documents and professional certifications are uploaded correctly
At BVS, we handle DOB NOW filings daily and can ensure your applications are complete, accurate, and processed as quickly as possible. Whether you need to file a new application, resolve a violation, or obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, our team manages the entire process.
Need Help with DOB NOW?
Our expediters handle DOB NOW filings, violation searches, and permit tracking every day. Let us manage the process so you don't have to.