New York Car Wash Bond Overview
- Purpose: To ensure car wash employees receive payment and required benefits
- Who Needs It: All car wash owners in New York
- Regulating Body: The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs | Licensing Center
- Bond Amount: $150,000
- Minimum Price: Prorated; $6,000 for two-year term
What Is a New York Car Wash Bond?
The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) requires car wash owners to have a $150,000 surety bond. New York car wash bonds ensure that employees receive proper payment and benefits. This includes the following:
- Wages
- Fringe benefits
- Gratuities
- Interest
Who Needs This Bond?
You need a New York car wash license and bond if your business provides vehicle cleaning services such as the following:
- Washing
- Polishing
- Detailing
- Drying
- Vacuuming
- Other cosmetic care
You do not need this bond if you:
- Sell, lease, rent or repair motor vehicles
- Operate self-service car washes
- Organize occasional non-profit car washes
- Are a federal, state or local government agency
How Much Do NY Car Wash Bonds Cost?
New York car wash bonds are underwritten. That means underwriters will do a soft preview of your credit history to determine your exact rate.
Premiums start at 2%, or $3,000 per year of coverage. Your exact rate will be based on credit score and then prorated based on the purchase date. Apply for a quote today!
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a New York Car Wash Bond Work?
When you get a NY car wash bond, you enter a legal agreement between three parties.
| Bond Party | Description |
|---|---|
| 1) Principal | You, the car wash owner |
| 2) Obligee | The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs |
| 3) Surety | The issuing surety provider |
As the principal, you agree to pay employees according to The Car Wash Accountability Law. If you violate terms, a bond claim is filed. The surety will pay harmed employees and you must reimburse the surety.
How Do I Get a Car Wash Bond in New York?
Get your car wash bond by completing these simple steps:
- Provide personal and business financial statements.
- Apply for your quote.
- Pay the premium.
- File your bond.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
You’ll get a free quote in 24 hours or less. However, we’ll mail your bond form for you to file. Just select your preferred shipping method at checkout! We offer overnight, two-day and three-day shipping.
How Do I File My Bond?
File your bond with DCA Licensing Center at the following address:
New York City Department of Consumer Affairs
42 Broadway
New York, NY 10004
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
We approve 99% of applicants. However, if you’re worried about qualifying, read about our Bad Credit Options.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
New York car wash bonds are issued in two-year terms, but expire on October 31 of every odd year. For example, if you get your bond on July 31, 2026 it will expire on October 31, 2027.
We’ll contact you 90 days before the expiration date with email and text renewal reminders. Just follow the instructions to renew your bond and pay the invoice.
How Do I Update My Bond Information?
If you need to update information on your bond contact our Customer Care team:
- 1(800)308-4258
- [email protected]
We can update simple information like name and address with a bond rider. Otherwise, larger changes may require a new bond form.
How to Get a New York Car Wash License
Submit an application through the online DCWP License Center or in person, by appointment to get your car wash license. You’ll need the following materials to apply:
- Basic License Application
- Car Wash Self-Certification
- Sales Tax ID Number or Application Confirmation Number
- $150,000 surety bond
- Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance
- Proof of Disability Benefits Insurance
- Proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance
- Proof of Unemployment Insurance
- Granting Authority to Act Affirmation Form
- Applicable License Fee
Note: Since car wash licenses expire on October 31 of each odd numbered year, license fees are adjusted based on when you file your application.
For more details on what you need to open a car wash business in New York, view the Car Wash License Application Checklist.
