The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is a vital agency for overseeing and regulating financial services and products in New York. Whether you are a consumer with a question, a licensee seeking guidance, or a member of the media, understanding how to contact the DFS is crucial. This guide focuses on connecting you with the right department at their New York City office located at 1 State Street Plaza, New York, offering comprehensive contact information for various inquiries.
Consumer Questions & Complaints
For immediate assistance with consumer-related issues or complaints, the DFS Hotline is your primary point of contact. Staffed during business hours, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, the hotline provides direct support and guidance.
Contact:
- Phone: (800) 342-3736
- Email: [Send an Email to DFS](mailto:[email protected])
Licensing Questions
Navigating the licensing process can be complex. If you have licensing-related inquiries that are not addressed on the DFS website, you can reach out to the Licensing Unit directly.
Contact:
- Phone: (800) 342-3736 (Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Local Calls: (212) 480-6400 or (518) 474-6600
- Email (Insurance Licensing Unit): [Email the Insurance Licensing Unit](mailto:[email protected])
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests
The Freedom of Information Law grants the public access to government records, with certain exceptions. To request records from the DFS, you can submit a FOIL request.
Learn More:
Legal Inquiries – Office of General Counsel at 1 State Street
For legal matters and inquiries, the Office of General Counsel at 1 State Street, New York, NY 10004 is the designated point of contact. This office handles a range of legal issues related to financial services regulation.
Contact:
- Email: [Email the Office of General Counsel](mailto:[email protected])
- Mail:
Office of General Counsel
New York State Department of Financial Services
1 State Street
New York, NY 10004-1511
Please ensure to include your full mailing address, email address, and phone number in all legal inquiries.
Public Affairs and Media Inquiries
Members of the media seeking information or wishing to speak with a DFS representative from the Public Affairs office should use the following contact details.
Contact:
- Phone: (212) 709-1691
- Email: [Email Public Affairs](mailto:[email protected])
Submitting Comments to DFS
DFS values public input and provides channels for submitting comments on various matters, from banking bulletins to proposed regulations.
Weekly Banking Bulletin Comments – 1 State Street
To comment on items within the Weekly Banking Bulletin, ensure submissions are made within 10 calendar days of the bulletin posting, unless specified otherwise.
Contact:
- Mail or In Person:
Office of the General Counsel
New York State Department of Financial Services
1 State Street
New York, New York 10004 - Email: [Email comments on Weekly Banking Bulletin](mailto:[email protected])
Health Insurance Rate Increase Comments
When insurance companies propose premium rate increases, you have the opportunity to review the application and submit comments.
Learn More & Submit Comments:
- Learn more about rate increases or submit comments
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Comments – 1 State Street
The DFS encourages public comment on banks undergoing CRA evaluations in New York State. Your feedback on local credit needs and bank performance is valuable. Submissions can be sent before or during the examination period to the address at 1 State Street.
Contact:
- Email: [Email CRA Comments](mailto:[email protected])
- Mail:
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
Comments on Proposed Regulations
Participate in the regulatory process by submitting comments on proposed regulations during the public comment period. Contact details for specific regulations are listed with the regulation details.
Learn More:
- Regulatory Activities Section
Office Locations – 1 State Street Plaza, New York and Beyond
While 1 State Street Plaza in New York City serves as a key office, DFS has several locations across New York State to better serve the public.
New York City – Primary Contact Point
New York State Department of Financial Services
1 State Street
New York, NY 10004-1511
Additional Office Locations:
- Albany: 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: 333 East Washington Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Website Technical Issues – Webmaster
For technical issues related to the DFS website, such as broken links or functionality problems, please contact the webmaster.
Contact:
- Email: [Email Webmaster](mailto:[email protected])
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to effectively contact the New York State Department of Financial Services, particularly focusing on their 1 State Street Plaza, New York location. By utilizing these contact points, you can ensure your inquiries reach the appropriate department for efficient and effective resolution.
