The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and information to consumers and industry professionals alike. Whether you have a question, a complaint, or a specific inquiry, understanding how to reach the right department is crucial. This guide focuses on directing you to the appropriate channels, particularly for those needing to contact DFS at their New York City headquarters located at 1 State Street Plaza, New York, NY.
For immediate assistance with consumer questions and complaints, the DFS Hotline remains a valuable resource. Staffed from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, you can speak directly with a representative by calling (800) 342-3736. Alternatively, you can reach out via email for less urgent matters.
Navigating Your Inquiries: From Licensing to Legal Matters at 1 State Street Plaza
DFS handles a wide array of inquiries, and directing your communication effectively will ensure a timely response.
Licensing Questions: If you are seeking information about licensing and cannot find the answers on the DFS website, you can contact the licensing unit directly. The phone line (800) 342-3736 is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. For local calls, you can use (212) 480-6400 or (518) 474-6600. For email inquiries specifically for the Insurance Licensing Unit, you can write to the provided email address.
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests: For those seeking public records, New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) grants the public access to government agency records, with certain exceptions. Detailed information on how to submit a FOIL request to DFS is available on their website.
Legal Inquiries Directed to 1 State Street Plaza: For formal legal inquiries, it is important to direct your correspondence to the Office of General Counsel. You can submit legal inquiries via email or through regular mail to the New York State Department of Financial Services, Office of General Counsel, 1 State Street, New York, NY 10004-1511. When submitting a legal inquiry, ensure you include your full mailing address, email address, and phone number to facilitate a response. This address, 1 State Street Plaza, New York, NY, serves as the central point for legal communications with the DFS.
Public Affairs and Media Inquiries: Members of the media seeking to connect with the DFS Public Affairs office should call (212) 709-1691. Media inquiries can also be submitted via email to the designated media relations address.
Submitting Comments and Feedback to DFS
DFS values public input and provides several channels for submitting comments on various matters.
Comments on Weekly Banking Bulletin Items: If you wish to comment on or object to any item in the Weekly Banking Bulletin, your submission must be made within 10 calendar days of the bulletin posting (unless specified otherwise). These comments can be sent by mail or in person to the New York State Department of Financial Services, Office of the General Counsel, at 1 State Street, New York, New York 10004. Email submissions are also accepted.
Health Insurance Rate Increase Comments: When insurance companies propose premium rate increases, they are required to notify policyholders and inform them of their right to comment. You can review the application and submit comments regarding proposed premium increases through the DFS website, contributing to the regulatory oversight process.
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Comments: DFS encourages public comment on the performance of banks undergoing New York State CRA evaluations. Your input on local credit needs and bank performance is valuable before and during examinations. Submit comments via email or mail 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. This highlights 1 State Street Plaza as a key location for regulatory feedback.
Comments on Proposed Regulations: The Department welcomes public comments on proposed regulations. Interested parties can submit written comments during the public comment period to the Agency Contact listed with each proposed regulation. Questions about the content of specific regulations can also be emailed to the designated Agency Contact. Further information is available in the regulatory activities section of the DFS website.
DFS Office Locations: Connecting with 1 State Street Plaza and Beyond
While 1 State Street Plaza in New York City serves as a primary office, DFS has multiple locations across New York State to better serve the public.
New York City: Headquarters at 1 State Street Plaza
New York State Department of Financial Services
1 State Street
New York, NY 10004-1511
This New York City location at 1 State Street Plaza is a central hub for many DFS operations, including legal counsel and executive offices.
Albany Office:
New York State Department of Financial Services
1 Commerce Plaza
Albany, NY 12257
Additional Offices: DFS also maintains offices in Buffalo, Garden City, and Syracuse, providing regional access to services.
Buffalo Office:
535 Washington Street, Suite 305
Buffalo, New York 14203
Garden City Office:
1399 Franklin Avenue
Suite 203
Garden City, NY 11530
Syracuse Office:
New York State Department of Financial Services
333 East Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Website Technical Support
For technical issues with the DFS website, including broken links or technical questions, please contact the webmaster via email.
By providing clear pathways for communication and outlining the functions of the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1 State Street Plaza and its other locations, this guide aims to simplify your interaction with the department and ensure your inquiries are handled efficiently.
