DOB Dashboard & Accounts: Complete 2025 User Guide

NYC DOB NOW replaced the old Building Information System (BIS) in 2018 as the city's primary platform for permit filing, inspection scheduling, and violation management. With over 140,000 registered users, DOB NOW processes 95% of all NYC building permits and inspection requests. However, navigating the interface remains confusing for many property owners. This complete guide shows you exactly how to use the DOB NOW dashboard to manage permits, track inspections, pay fines, and monitor violations across all your NYC properties.

What Is DOB NOW?

DOB NOW (Department of Buildings NOW) is NYC's online portal for:

• Permit filing: Submit applications for construction, alteration, demolition, plumbing, and electrical work
• Inspection scheduling: Request DOB inspections for pre-approval, progress, and final sign-off
• Violation management: View open violations, pay ECB fines, submit correction proof
• Professional registration: Maintain licenses for contractors, architects, engineers
• Account management: Track all jobs, payments, and communications with DOB

Key Facts:

• Launch date: 2018 (phased rollout)
• Registered users: 140,000+ (as of 2024)
• Annual permits: 180,000+ filed through DOB NOW
• System availability: 24/7 (maintenance Sundays 12am-6am)
• Cost: Free to create account; permit fees vary by type

Creating Your DOB NOW Account

All DOB NOW functionality requires a free NYC.ID account. Here's the step-by-step setup process:

Step 1: Create NYC.ID Account

1. Visit https://a810-dobnow.nyc.gov/

2. Click "Create Account" (top right)

3. You'll be redirected to NYC.ID registration page

4. Complete NYC.ID registration:

• Email address (will be your username)
• Password (minimum 8 characters, uppercase, lowercase, number, special character)
• Security question answers
• Phone number (for two-factor authentication)

5. Verify email (check inbox for verification link)

6. Set up 2FA (text message or authenticator app)

Step 2: Link to DOB NOW

After NYC.ID creation:

1. Return to DOB NOW
2. Click "Sign In"
3. Enter your NYC.ID credentials
4. Complete 2FA verification
5. Accept DOB NOW terms of service

Estimated setup time: 5-10 minutes

DOB NOW Dashboard Overview

After logging in, you'll see the main dashboard with these sections:

Main Navigation Tabs

How to Search Properties in DOB NOW

The Search tab allows you to look up any NYC property (no account required for public data):

Search by Address

1. Click "Search" tab
2. Select "Property" from dropdown
3. Enter: Borough, House Number, Street Name
4. Click "Search"

Search by BIN (Building Identification Number)

BIN is faster for repeat searches:

1. Find BIN in any property record (7-digit number)
2. Enter BIN in search field
3. View instant results

What you'll see:

• Job history (all permits issued for property)
• Active permits and applications
• Open violations (DOB, ECB, HPD)
• Complaints (311 and DOB-initiated)
• Certificate of Occupancy status

How to File for Permits in DOB NOW

DOB NOW supports online filing for most permit types:

Common Permit Types

• ALT-1: General alterations (interior walls, flooring, fixtures)
• NB: New building construction
• DM: Demolition (full or partial)
• PL: Plumbing work
• EL: Electrical work
• EQ: Equipment (boilers, generators, HVAC)

Filing Process (ALT-1 Example)

1. Start application: Jobs tab → "Create New Application" → Select "ALT-1"
2. Enter property details: BIN or address, owner information, scope of work
3. Upload plans: PDF format, max 50MB per file, must include:
   • Architectural plans (existing + proposed)
   • Structural plans (if load-bearing changes)
   • Professional certifications (PE/RA stamps)
4. Submit professional certifications: Architect or engineer registration
5. Pay filing fee: Credit card or ACH (fees vary: $100–$10,000+)
6. Track status: "Under Review" → "Approved" or "Objections" (4-12 weeks typical)

Permit processing times (2025 estimates):

• ALT-1 (general alterations): 4-8 weeks
• ALT-2 (major alterations): 8-16 weeks
• NB (new building): 6-12 months
• PL/EL (plumbing/electrical): 2-4 weeks

How to Schedule Inspections

DOB inspections are required at multiple stages of construction:

Inspection Types

• Pre-approval inspection: Before permit approval (for complex jobs)
• Progress inspection: During construction (foundation, framing, rough-in)
• Final inspection: Before Certificate of Completion
• Re-inspection: After failed inspection (correct violations first)

Scheduling Process

1. Go to "Inspections" tab
2. Select active job number
3. Choose inspection type
4. Select preferred date (minimum 72 hours notice required)
5. Confirm inspection request

Inspection results:

• "Approved": Work passed inspection, proceed to next phase
• "Approved with Comments": Passed but minor issues noted
• "Disapproved": Failed, must correct issues and request re-inspection

How to Check Violations & Pay Fines

The Violations tab shows all open violations on your properties:

View Violations

1. Click "Violations" tab
2. View list of open violations (DOB + ECB)
3. Click violation number for details

Pay ECB Fines Online

1. Select ECB violation from list
2. Click "Pay Now"
3. Enter credit card or ACH details
4. Get 10% early payment discount (if within 30 days)
5. Download receipt for records

Submit Correction Proof

For DOB violations (not ECB):

1. Correct the violation (obtain permits, repair hazards)
2. Upload proof documents (permits, inspection certificates, photos)
3. Request DOB re-inspection
4. Violation dismissed if correction verified

Common DOB NOW Errors & Fixes

Error: "BIN Not Found"

Fix: Use address search instead. Some older buildings have outdated BINs. Search by borough + house number + street name.

Error: "Payment Failed"

Fix: DOB NOW only accepts US-issued credit cards. For international cards or technical issues, call (212) 393-2230 for phone payment.

Error: "Upload Timeout"

Fix: Reduce PDF file size. Compress images before converting to PDF. Maximum 50MB per upload; optimal size is under 20MB.

Error: "Session Expired"

Fix: DOB NOW logs out after 15 minutes of inactivity. Save work frequently. For long permit applications, prepare documents offline first.

DOB NOW vs. BIS: Which to Use?

When to use DOB NOW: Filing permits, paying fines, scheduling inspections, managing account

When to use BIS: Historical violation research, quick public lookups, comprehensive property history

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DOB NOW free to use?

Yes, creating a DOB NOW account is free. However, permit applications have fees ranging from $100 to $10,000+ depending on scope of work. Inspection fees are included in permit costs.

How long do permits take to get approved?

ALT-1 permits: 4-8 weeks. Major alterations (ALT-2): 8-16 weeks. New buildings: 6-12 months. Expedited review available for additional fees but not guaranteed faster approval.

Can I delegate DOB NOW access to my contractor?

Yes, through professional registration. Licensed contractors can create their own DOB NOW accounts and link to your properties. You maintain oversight and approval rights.

What if I forgot my NYC.ID password?

Click "Forgot Password" on NYC.ID login page. If security questions don't work, you must visit a NYC Service Center in person with government-issued ID for password reset.

Can I access DOB NOW on mobile?

Yes, DOB NOW is mobile-responsive. However, permit filing and document uploads work best on desktop. Use mobile for checking status, viewing violations, and paying fines.

Related Resources

• NYC DOB Violation Search: Complete 2025 Lookup Guide
• NYC Building Permits: Complete Application and Approval Guide
• DOB NOW vs. BIS: Where To Check Permits, Complaints, and Violations
• Free NYC Violation Lookup Tool

Last updated: November 2025. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.