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Sightseeing Bus License Application Checklist

Who Must Have a Sightseeing Bus License?

You must have a Sightseeing Bus license to operate a vehicle that carries eight or more paying passengers to places of interest or amusement or for a specific or special trip from a starting point within New York City.

This description is only a general explanation of who must have a Sightseeing Bus license.

Quick List of Requirements to Apply for a Sightseeing Bus 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.

  • Basic License Application
  • Roster of Sightseeing Buses and Request for Inspection
  • Copy of New York State Department of Transportation or New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Inspection Certificate for Each Bus Listed on Roster
  • Copy of Current State Department of Motor Vehicles Registration for Each Bus Listed on Roster
  • Rate Schedule
  • Sightseeing Bus – United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Engine Conformity Affirmation
  • Copy of USEPA Certificate of Conformity and Original Letter from Manufacturer for Each Sightseeing Bus Engine
  • Local Law 41: DEP Monthly Reporting Form
  • Sightseeing Bus Company Compliance Affirmation
  • Sightseeing Bus – Bus Stop Affirmation
  • Inspection of Your Sightseeing Buses
  • Copy of each New York City Department of Transportation Authorized Sightseeing Bus Stop Permit (if applicable)
  • Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (if applicable)
  • License Fee

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

Additional City or State Permits/Licenses/Clearances You May Need

Individuals must have a Sightseeing Guide license to guide or direct people to any place or point of public interest.

This is not meant to be a complete list. See Additional Resources section.

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 dos.ny.gov/corps.

Requirements

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

  • Basic License Application.
    Online submission: After reviewing the requirements, please click the Apply Online link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.
    In-person submission: Download the Basic License Application.
  • Roster of Sightseeing Buses and Request for Inspection (download Roster).
    Applicants must provide identifying information for each bus owned by the business on the Roster. DCWP will inspect your open-air sightseeing buses to make sure they have a headphone-limited sound reproduction system.
  • Copy of New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) or New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, (DMV) Inspection Certificate for Each Bus Listed on Roster..
    The Inspection Certificate must indicate either:

    1. that each bus on your Roster passed inspection by DOT within the last six months; OR
    2. (if DOT determines that a DOT inspection is not required) that each bus on your Roster passed inspection by DMV within the last year.

    To arrange for the necessary inspection(s), contact:

    • Your bus(es) must pass a safety inspection before a license can be issued.

  • Copy of Current State Department of Motor Vehicles Registration for Each Bus Listed on Roster.
  • Rate Schedule.
    Submit a Rate Schedule on your business letterhead listing all charges for sightseeing bus services. Note that rates not included on the schedule may not be charged at a future date. To change rates after filing this application, you must notify DCWP in writing.
  • Copy of USEPA Certificate of Conformity and Original Letter from Manufacturer for Each Sightseeing Bus Engine.
  • Sightseeing Bus – Bus Stop Affirmation (download Bus Stop Affirmation).
    For information about on-street bus stops, contact the NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) General Permits Office at (646) 892-1242.
  • Inspection of Your Sightseeing Buses.
    DCWP will contact you to schedule an appointment to inspect all sightseeing buses. Note:
    • DCWP must inspect all sightseeing buses before your business can operate.
    • All sightseeing buses listed on your Roster of Sightseeing Buses and Request for Inspection must be present at the time of the inspection.
  • Copy of Each NYC DOT Authorized Sightseeing Bus Stop Permit (if applicable).
    For questions about permits, contact the NYC DOT General Permits Office at (646) 892-1242.
  • Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (download 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, Even years.
If You File Your Application Between These Dates: License Fee Option 1 License Fee Option 2
From April 1 in an even year to September 30 in an even year Pay $100 for a license expiring March 31 of the next even year. (Valid for at most 24 months.) N/A
From October 1 in an even year to March 31 in an odd year Pay $75 for a license expiring March 31 of the following year. (Valid for at most 18 months.) N/A
From April 1 in an odd year to September 30 in an odd year Pay $50 for a license expiring March 31 of the soonest even year. (Valid for at most 12 months.) N/A
From October 1 in an odd year to March 31 in an even year Pay $25 for a license expiring March 31 of the same even year. (Valid for at most 6 months.) Pay $125 for a license expiring March 31 of the next even year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)

 
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

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

Apply Online Button

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.

OR

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 Sightseeing Bus

  • Licensed sightseeing buses must be inspected at least once every four months.
    By law, DCWP must inspect all licensed sightseeing buses. DCWP will contact you by email to schedule an appointment. If you fail to produce all of your licensed sightseeing buses for inspection, your company’s Sightseeing Bus License may be subject to revocation or suspension. Please contact DCWP’s Business Compliance Counsel at BCC@dcwp.nyc.gov with any questions about DCWP’s inspection process.
  • Download Sightseeing Bus Accident and/or Driver Offense Report
    • You must submit this report within three (3) business days of any sightseeing bus accident or traffic violation that could be the basis for an assignment of points.
    • You must also submit this report as soon as practicable if any driver employed by you is charged with any alcohol or drug-related offense or any criminal offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle.
  • For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.

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