The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is committed to serving New Yorkers and the financial services industry. Whether you are a consumer with a question or complaint, a licensee seeking guidance, or a member of the media, understanding how to contact the DFS is essential. This guide focuses on 1 State Street Plaza, NY, NY, a key location for various DFS operations, providing you with the necessary contact information and directions.
Contacting DFS for Consumer Questions and Complaints
Navigating financial services issues can be complex. The DFS Hotline is available to assist consumers with questions and complaints. If you need immediate assistance, reach out to the DFS Hotline, staffed from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
DFS Hotline: (800) 342-3736
You can also contact DFS via email for consumer-related inquiries through the provided email link on the DFS website.
Licensing Inquiries: Connect with the Experts
For professionals and businesses needing assistance with licensing questions, the DFS offers dedicated support. If you cannot find the answers on the DFS website, you can call their licensing division directly.
Licensing Questions Hotline: (800) 342-3736 (Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Local Calls: (212) 480-6400 or (518) 474-6600
For specific inquiries to the Insurance Licensing Unit, you can email [email protected].
Accessing Public Records via FOIL
The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) grants the public access to government agency records, with certain exceptions. If you are seeking to access DFS records, you can learn more about the process and submit your request through the DFS Freedom of Information Law portal, available on their website.
Legal Inquiries and the Office of General Counsel at 1 State Street Plaza
For formal legal inquiries, the Office of General Counsel is located at 1 State Street Plaza, NY, NY. This office handles legal matters related to the DFS and its regulatory functions.
Submit legal inquiries to:
Office of General Counsel
New York State Department of Financial Services
1 State Street
New York, NY 10004-1511
Email: [email protected]
When submitting legal inquiries, ensure you include your complete mailing address, email address, and phone number for effective communication.
Media and Public Affairs Inquiries
Members of the media seeking to connect with the DFS Public Affairs office can use the following contact information:
Public Affairs Office Phone: (212) 709-1691
Media Inquiries Email: [email protected]
Submitting Comments to DFS
The DFS welcomes public comments on various matters, including banking bulletins, health insurance rate increases, Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) performance, and proposed regulations. Specific instructions for submitting comments are detailed below.
Weekly Banking Bulletin Comments
To comment on items within the Weekly Banking Bulletin, submissions must be made within 10 calendar days of the bulletin posting, unless specified otherwise.
Submit comments to:
Office of the General Counsel
New York State Department of Financial Services
1 State Street
New York, New York 10004
Email: [email protected]
Health Insurance Rate Increase Comments
For comments regarding proposed health insurance premium rate increases, you can review applications and submit comments directly through the dedicated section on the DFS website.
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Comments
Public input on banks undergoing New York State CRA evaluations is encouraged. Submit comments regarding local credit needs or bank performance to ensure thorough review.
Submit CRA comments to:
Samantha Darche, Deputy Superintendent
Consumer Examinations Unit
Consumer Protection and Financial Enforcement Division
New York State Department of Financial Services
1 State Street, 7th Floor
New York, New York 10004-1511
Email: [email protected]
Comments on Proposed Regulations
The DFS values public participation in the regulatory process. To comment on proposed regulations, refer to the Agency Contact listed with each regulation. Questions about specific regulations can also be directed to the listed Agency Contact via email. Visit the regulatory activities section of the DFS website for more information.
DFS Office Locations: 1 State Street Plaza and Beyond
While 1 State Street Plaza in New York City is a significant DFS location, the department has offices across New York State to better serve the public.
New York City: 1 State Street Plaza
New York State Department of Financial Services
1 State Street
New York, NY 10004-1511
Albany:
New York State Department of Financial Services
1 Commerce Plaza
Albany, NY 12257
Buffalo:
535 Washington Street, Suite 305
Buffalo, New York 14203
Garden City:
1399 Franklin Avenue
Suite 203
Garden City, NY 11530
Syracuse:
New York State Department of Financial Services
333 East Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Website Technical Support: Contact the Webmaster
For technical issues related to the DFS website, such as broken links or website functionality problems, please contact the webmaster.
Webmaster Email: Webmaster
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to contact the New York State Department of Financial Services, with a focus on utilizing 1 State Street Plaza, NY, NY, for legal inquiries and public comments. By directing your inquiries to the correct channels, you can ensure efficient and effective communication with the DFS.
