What Is a DOB NOW Permit?

DOB NOW is the Department of Buildings’ current online filing and permitting system. It’s the official platform where all new electrical permits are submitted, reviewed, paid, and tracked. DOB NOW: Build allows applicants to:
• File new applications online
• Upload plans and documentation
• Pay fees and schedule inspections
• Track permit status in real time
DOB NOW is the primary system for all current electrical work filings.

What Is a Legacy (BIS) Permit?

BIS (Building Information System) is the Department of Buildings’ legacy database that contains older records for property profiles, permits, violations, complaints, inspections, and more. BIS holds historical permit records issued before DOB NOW became the standard filing system.

Permits issued through BIS often have identifiers that do not appear in DOB NOW and may show up with different numbers and statuses when you search property records.

What “Legacy/BIS Permits” Mean Today

Permits from BIS — especially older electrical permits — may still appear “open” in public records even though the work is complete. Because BIS is a historical system that remains separate from DOB NOW public searches, these permits often require special handling to close or reinstate them properly.

As of August 2025, the DOB updated its process so that BIS electrical permits not signed off in BIS are marked “Abandoned” and must be reinstated through DOB NOW before a final sign‑off can be obtained.

How We Handle Permits

New DOB NOW permits
✔ Prepare, file, and manage all new electrical permits in DOB NOW: Build
✔ Upload required documents and drawings
✔ Monitor review status, fees, and corrections
✔ Schedule and track inspections

Legacy BIS permits
✔ Locate legacy BIS electrical permits (including “Y‑prefix” and older records)
✔ Research job history and status in the BIS database
✔ Reinstate and transfer the permit into DOB NOW: Build when required
✔ Complete filings and coordinate inspections to properly close the job

Whether you’re starting new work or dealing with older legacy permits, we ensure your filings are compliant, accurately documented, and successfully closed in accordance with current DOB procedures.