Licenses and permits to open a warehouse or 3PL in New York City
A warehouse adds occupancy and fire rules for storage, and customs filings when it handles imports. Here are the 11 filings, in the order they're made.
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, faxed or mailed
- Takes
- Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.
Articles of Organization (New York LLC)
New York Department of State, Division of CorporationsNew York State
Filed online with the Department of State, or mailed.
- Fee
- $200
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- A few business days online; expedite is extra.
- Renews
- Biennial statement every two years ($9).
LLC publication within 120 days
New York Department of State, Division of CorporationsNew York State
Publish a notice in two newspapers chosen by the county clerk for six weeks, then file the certificate with the affidavits.
- Fee
- $50
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Takes
- No standard time published; paid expedited processing within 24 hours ($25).
Certificate of Occupancy for the use
NYC Department of BuildingsNew York City
Check the space's existing CO allows your use; a change of use needs an alteration filing and an amended CO.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- DOB doesn't publish a processing time for a Certificate of Occupancy; staff review the request in DOB NOW: Build and issue the CO once every sign-off and requirement is in.
Application for Registration as a Sales Tax Vendor (Certificate of Authority)
New York State Department of Taxation and FinanceNew York State
Apply online through New York Business Express at least 20 days before your first sale. Display the certificate at each location.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Usually about two weeks.
Create/Update Importer Identity Form
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Takes
- Up to 5 business days.
Customs Bond
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- At least 5 business days for review.
- Renews
- Continuous bonds renew yearly.
ACE Secure Data Portal account for importers
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Applied for online in ACE. Lets you see your entries, duties and bond.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Hazardous materials registration
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT)US federal
Filed online when you ship or offer certain hazardous materials in bulk, such as large lithium battery shipments.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Every year by June 30.
New employer registration for unemployment insurance and withholding
New York State Department of LaborNew York State
Register online once you pay wages in New York.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- The Department of Labor doesn't publish how long registration takes; it assigns each liable employer an eight-digit employer registration number after you register.
Proof of workers' comp and disability/paid family leave insurance
New York State Workers' Compensation BoardNew York State
Buy the policies from an insurer; the insurer reports coverage to the Board. Agencies ask for the certificates.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Through your insurer
- Takes
- The Board doesn't publish a processing time because coverage is bought from an insurer, but DB/PFL coverage must be in place within four weeks after a new employee's 30th day of work.
More on opening in New York City
Questions people ask
- How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
- How long does it take to get an EIN?
- Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
- How do I become an importer of record in the US?
- Do imported consumer products need a certificate of conformity?
- When do I need a sales tax Certificate of Authority in New York?
Other businesses in New York City
Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.
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Get the plan for your warehouse or 3PL in New York City
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
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