DOB NOW: Build - Official NYC Building Permit Portal
Quick Summary
- Online permit filing and payments
- NYC.ID account is mandatory
- Replaces old paper systems
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) transformed its permitting processes with DOB NOW, a suite of online tools designed to streamline interactions. Among these, DOB NOW: Build stands as the central digital portal for managing various construction and alteration jobs across New York City. This platform enables owners, design professionals, licensees, and filing representatives to conduct business with the DOB entirely online, marking a significant shift from traditional paper-based filings. This comprehensive online account management system allows users to file job applications, submit fees, track the status of permits, upload necessary documents, and receive important updates throughout the approval process. By centralizing these functions, DOB NOW: Build ensures that construction projects in NYC are vetted for compliance with safety codes and zoning regulations, creating a transparent digital record for every significant project.
Preparing for DOB NOW: Build Access
- An active NYC.ID account is required for all users accessing DOB NOW: Build. This digital identity ensures secure access to the portal.
- If you previously used an eFiling account, you will use those credentials to initially log into DOB NOW. The system will then guide you through creating an NYC.ID using the same email address, linking your existing records.
- First-time DOB NOW users must create a profile, indicating whether they are a licensee or a non-licensee.
- Users, such as Professional Engineers (PE), Registered Architects (RA), Licensees, Special Inspectors, Progress Inspectors, Filing Representatives, and Owners, are the primary entities that interact with the portal.
- Before initiating a filing, ensure you have all required professional plans and supporting documents ready, as drafted by qualified professionals like Registered Architects or Professional Engineers.
Entering Your DOB NOW: Build Account
- Navigate to the official DOB NOW portal by typing www.nyc.gov/dobnow into your web browser.
- Locate the login section and enter the email address associated with your NYC.ID account.
- Proceed to log in using your NYC.ID credentials. If you don't have an NYC.ID, the system will prompt you to create one, often using your existing eFiling email for seamless record integration.
- For new users, after logging in with your NYC.ID, you will be guided to complete your user profile within DOB NOW: Build.
Managing Your Projects with DOB NOW: Build
- Online Job Filing and Fee Submission: Submit various construction job applications and process associated payments directly through the portal.
- Application and Permit Tracking: Monitor the real-time status of your applications and permits, keeping you informed at every stage.
- Document Upload and Management: Electronically upload all required plans, specifications, and supporting documents, and manage them within your digital portal.
- Objection Review and Response: View any objections issued by plan examiners and submit your responses or revised documents to address them.
- Virtual Meetings with Plan Examiners: Schedule and participate in virtual meetings with plan examiners to discuss objections and application specifics.
- Email Notifications: Receive automated email updates at key milestones during the application process.
- Post-Approval Amendments (PAA) and Corrections: Easily file amendments after initial approval and make necessary corrections to your submissions.
- Permit and Variance Issuance: Pull and print official work permits and After Hour Variances directly from the system.
- Letters of Completion: Receive official Letters of Completion via email once a project is finalized.
- Determination and Second Review Requests: Initiate requests for Certifications of No Objection (CCD1) or Zoning Resolution Determinations (ZRD1), and request second reviews for objections.
Overcoming Portal Access Challenges
⚠️ Cannot Access Account (Forgot Password)
Cause: Login credentials for NYC.ID are forgotten.
Solution: DOB NOW relies on your NYC.ID account. If you cannot remember your password, you will need to utilize the password recovery process provided by the NYC.ID platform, as DOB NOW does not manage these credentials directly. Check the www.nyc.gov/dobnowtips page for resources regarding NYC.ID.
⚠️ Returning User Without NYC.ID
Cause: Existing eFiling or DOB NOW profile user has not yet created or linked an NYC.ID account.
Solution: If you are a returning user who has not yet established an NYC.ID, select Create Account on the login page. Be sure to use the same email address that is associated with your previous eFiling account or DOB NOW profile to ensure all your records are accessible.
⚠️ Incorrect Job Filing Type Selected
Cause: Initial selection of job filing type (e.g., Alteration, Alteration-CO, New Building) was incorrect and needs modification.
Solution: Once a job filing type is saved in DOB NOW: Build, it generally cannot be changed directly. If an incorrect type was selected, you will typically need to withdraw the current filing and initiate a new filing with the correct job type.
⚠️ Changing Email Address
Cause: Need to update the email address associated with your DOB NOW account.
Solution: Your email address is managed through your NYC.ID. To update it, log into DOB NOW, then access your NYC.ID account settings (often via a 'Manage/Associate Licenses' link under a person icon). Make the change within NYC.ID, and your DOB NOW records will reflect the update upon your next login.
Securing Your DOB NOW: Build Filings
- 🔒 Always use a strong, unique password for your NYC.ID account to protect your sensitive project information. Regular password updates are recommended.
- 🔒 Be cautious of phishing attempts. Always verify that you are on the official NYC.gov/dobnow website before entering your login details.
- 🔒 Ensure your internet connection is secure. For security reasons, access to DOB NOW: Build from outside the United States may be blocked.
- 🔒 Keep your contact information, especially your email address linked to your NYC.ID, current to receive important notifications and security alerts.
- 🔒 Understand that as of January 26, 2026, condo and co-op boards are required to provide attestation in DOB NOW, verifying approval of renovation plans before permit filing. This adds another layer of project security and oversight.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
For assistance with DOB NOW: Build, you can reach the NYC Department of Buildings through multiple channels. The main online help form is available at nyc.gov/dobhelp. For phone inquiries, you can call the DOB Main Phone Number at (212) 566-5000, or 311 for general assistance. If calling from outside New York City, use 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675).
Answers to Your DOB NOW: Build Questions
Q: What is DOB NOW: Build used for?
DOB NOW: Build is the online platform for submitting construction job filings, permits, and related requests to the NYC Department of Buildings. It covers alterations, new buildings, demolition, and various specific work types.
Q: Who needs to use DOB NOW: Build?
Owners, Professional Engineers (PE), Registered Architects (RA), Licensees, Special Inspectors, Progress Inspectors, and Filing Representatives are required to use DOB NOW: Build for their construction projects in NYC.
Q: Are jobs filed in DOB NOW: Build visible in the Building Information System (BIS)?
No, jobs filed in DOB NOW: Build do not appear in the legacy Building Information System (BIS). Information for DOB NOW: Build filings can be accessed through the DOB NOW Public Portal or the City's Open Data Portal.
Q: What is an NYC.ID account and why do I need it for DOB NOW: Build?
An NYC.ID account is a unified digital identity required to access DOB NOW: Build. It provides a secure and centralized login for various NYC government online services, including the Department of Buildings' portals.
Q: Can I schedule inspections through DOB NOW: Build?
While DOB NOW: Build handles permit filings, scheduling inspections is typically managed through DOB NOW: Inspections. You cannot schedule an inspection until all outstanding actions on your DOB NOW: Build filing are approved.
Wrap Up
DOB NOW: Build represents the modern approach to construction project management in New York City, offering a digital platform for a wide array of building-related services. By centralizing applications, payments, and communications, it simplifies the permit process for all involved parties. Leveraging this digital portal effectively ensures compliance, transparency, and timely progress for your building projects. Staying informed about its features and requirements is key to navigating the city's construction landscape successfully.