DOB BIS vs DOB NOW
If you work in NYC construction, expediting, zoning, or real estate, you’ve probably heard people say, “Check it on BIS” or “It’s in DOB NOW.” The confusing part is that both systems still exist, and depending on the building and the job history, you may need to use both.
This post explains the difference between NYC DOB BIS (BISWeb) and DOB NOW, what each platform is best for, and when you should log into one versus the other.
What is NYC DOB BIS (BISWeb)?
DOB BIS (often called BISWeb) is the DOB’s older public system for viewing building and job records. It has been used for years as the main place to look up building history and legacy filings.
People use BIS to check things like:
Certificate of Occupancy information (when available)
job filings and permits tied to older job numbers
building complaints and violations history
basic building profile data and work history
legacy applications and older job records
BIS is still important because NYC has a huge number of older buildings and older filings that never moved fully into DOB NOW. If you’re researching a property with a long history—especially pre-DOB NOW filings—BIS is often the first stop.
What Is DOB NOW?
DOB NOW is the DOB’s newer online platform created to modernize the filing and permit process. It was introduced to reduce paper submissions and in-person trips, and to centralize steps that used to happen across multiple channels.
Depending on the module, DOB NOW is commonly used for:
new filings and application submissions
tracking application status and objections
payments and digital documentation
scheduling and managing inspections
collaborating with owners, design professionals, and filing reps
receiving system notifications as a job moves through review
In practice, DOB NOW is where a lot of “active workflow” happens—especially for newer jobs.
Key Differences Between DOB NOW and DOB BIS
Here’s the clean way to think about it:
DOB BIS = Records + Legacy History
Best for researching older filings and job history
Often used for background checks, due diligence, and long-term property history
Some older jobs and data live here and nowhere else
DOB NOW = Active Process + Digital Workflow
Best for filing and managing newer applications
Better for real-time workflow steps (status changes, tasks, notifications)
Designed for modern coordination between stakeholders
Another practical difference:
BIS can feel more “static”—you’re mainly looking things up.
DOB NOW is “workflow-based”—it pushes you through steps and tracks actions.
When You Should Use NYC DOB BIS (BISWeb)
Use BIS when you need to research or manage anything tied to older DOB records, especially:
looking up older job numbers and permits
checking building history and legacy filings
reviewing older violations and complaints
reviewing the historical Certificate of Occupancy and work history
continuing, reinstating, or dealing with older filings that were created under BIS workflows
If you’re doing pre-purchase due diligence, a property sale, or a zoning/code review, BIS is often the place you start because it shows the building’s past.
When You Should Use DOB NOW
Use DOB NOW when you need to work inside the DOB’s current digital filing process, including:
submitting newer filings or documents
responding to plan examiner objections and tracking review steps
scheduling inspections
tracking live job progress and milestones
managing project communication with owners, applicants, and filing reps
uploading documents and completing online steps required by the system
DOB NOW is especially useful when multiple parties are involved and you need a clear audit trail of who did what and when.
Do You Ever Need Both?
Yes—very often.
A common NYC scenario looks like this:
the building has old history in BIS
the new renovation filing is being processed in DOB NOW
you end up checking both because older permits/violations/history still affect the new job
That’s why many experienced professionals treat BIS and DOB NOW as two tools in the same toolbox—each used for different parts of the project lifecycle.
Practical Tip: Avoid Getting Stuck
DOB NOW is powerful, but it can still be easy to miss a step if you’re not used to the workflow. Missed tasks, incorrect document uploads, or mismanaged stakeholder roles can create delays that are avoidable.
If the project is time-sensitive (closings, tenant move-ins, construction schedules), it helps to work with someone who deals with DOB filing systems daily—especially when the job involves multiple stakeholders or older legacy records.
DOB BIS vs DOB NOW
DOB BIS (BISWeb) and DOB NOW are not “either/or.” NYC construction and real estate are old and new at the same time—so the DOB systems are too.
Use BIS for building history and legacy job records.
Use DOB NOW for newer filings, workflow steps, inspections, and active job tracking.
Expect to use both on many projects, especially on older buildings with long filing histories.
FAQs: DOB NOW vs DOB BIS
What is DOB BIS (BISWeb) used for?
DOB BIS is mainly used to look up building history and legacy job records, including older permits, violations, complaints, and historical filing information.
What is DOB NOW used for?
DOB NOW is used for modern DOB workflow steps such as submitting newer applications, uploading documents, tracking plan review, scheduling inspections, and managing digital approvals.
Do I still need DOB BIS if DOB NOW exists?
Yes. BIS still contains older job history and legacy records that may not appear fully in DOB NOW, especially for older buildings and older filings.
Which system should I use to check a building’s violations?
It depends on the type of violation and the age of the record. Many professionals check both BIS and DOB NOW when doing full due diligence.
Can one project involve both DOB NOW and BIS?
Yes. It’s common for older buildings to have legacy history in BIS while the new filing is processed through DOB NOW.
Why do professionals use DOB expediting for DOB NOW filings?
Because DOB NOW is workflow-driven, and missing steps or uploading incorrect documents can cause delays. An experienced filing representative helps keep applications moving and reduces avoidable issues.
