MAJOR SYSTEM CHANGE

DOB NOW: Safety Portal for Certificates of Correction

AEU2 and AEU20 forms are eliminated. Everyone must now use the new online system. Here's what you need to know.

Dec 15
System Go-Live
60 Days
Cure Deadline
20
Disapproval Reasons
5 Max
Resubmissions

Major Change: AEU2 and AEU20 Forms Eliminated

As of December 15, 2025, the NYC Department of Buildings has completely eliminated the old paper-based AEU2 and AEU20 forms. The previous method of electronically filing Certificates of Correction through BIS Options no longer works.

Everyone must now use the new DOB NOW: Safety portal. This includes property owners, attorneys, filing representatives, and contractors. There is no alternative method.

We're still working through the new system ourselves — it has some improvements, but in many ways it's more complicated. Here's what we've learned so far.

The New DOB NOW: Safety Portal

Step 1: Access DOB NOW Portal

DOB NOW Portal Home - showing DOB NOW Safety, BIS Options, and other modules

Go to a810-dobnow.nyc.gov. You must log in with your NYC.ID. If you don't have an account, you must register for one.

Step 2: Navigate to DOB NOW: Safety

DOB NOW Safety menu showing Violations & Notices of Deficiency option

Hover over DOB NOW: Safety, then click "Violations & Notices of Deficiency".

Step 3: Access Certificate of Correction Review Request

Certificate of Correction Review Request interface in DOB NOW Safety

Click the white tab labeled "Certificate of Correction Review Request". You can filter by All, New, Disputes, or Resubmissions.

Everyone Needs an Account & Authorization

If You're Working With an Attorney or Filing Representative

The new system requires electronic authorization through the portal. Your attorney or representative cannot file on your behalf until you complete this step:

  1. 1Log into DOB NOW Portal: a810-dobnow.nyc.gov
  2. 2If you don't have an account, register for a NYC.ID. See the NYC.ID Registration Guide.
  3. 3Hover over DOB NOW: Safety, then click "Violations & Notices of Deficiency".
  4. 4Click the white tab "Certificate of Correction Review Request".
  5. 5Your filing will appear as an existing record. Click View.
  6. 6Click "Statements & Signature", then check the box authorizing your attorney/representative.
  7. 7CRITICAL: Click SAVE. If you don't save, the authorization won't be recorded and we cannot file.

Our Assessment: Mixed Results

The Good: No more paper forms to fill out. Direct data entry is cleaner. Post-submission updates allowed before review starts.

The Complicated: Everyone needs a NYC.ID account. Electronic authorization adds extra steps. The learning curve is real. We're still discovering quirks in the system.

5 Key Changes You Need to Know

1

AEU2 and AEU20 Forms Eliminated

The old paper forms are gone. No more uploading AEU2, AEU20, AEU21, or AEU3321 forms. Everything is entered directly into the system.

2

Everyone Needs a NYC.ID Account

You cannot submit a COC without logging in. Property owners, attorneys, and representatives all need accounts.

3

Electronic Authorization Required

If using an attorney or representative, you must log in and authorize them electronically. They cannot proceed without this.

4

Post-Submission Updates Allowed

You can update your submission before QA Admin review starts — a nice improvement.

5

Resubmission Now Requires New Request

After disapproval, you must start a new request (max 5 resubmissions). Disputes also limited to 5 per COC.

Step-by-Step COC Submission Process

1

Log In With Your NYC.ID

If you don't have an account, create one first. This is required.

2

Navigate to DOB NOW: Safety

Hover over DOB NOW: Safety → Click "Violations & Notices of Deficiency"

3

Start New COC Request

Click "+Certificate of Correction Review Request"

4

Search for Your Summons

Enter the Summons Number, review details, click "+Add"

5

Complete All Required Fields

Violation info, stakeholder info, correction description, corrector info

6

Request Cure or Stipulation (if eligible)

Check the box and enter dates. Cure deadline is 60 days from served date.

7

Upload Required Documents

Photos MUST include: date taken, summons number, location, and description

8

Statements & Signature

Read certification, check attestation box. If authorizing a representative, check that box too.

9

CLICK SAVE, Then Submit

Critical: You must click SAVE before submitting. If you don't, nothing is recorded.

Three Possible COC Outcomes

Approval

COC accepted. Summons status changes to Resolved.

Note: All penalties must be paid/waived first.

Approval Cure

Admit to violation, receive $0 penalty.

Must be cure-eligible AND within 60 days of served date.

Disapproval

COC not accepted. Reason provided.

Some allow resubmission; all allow disputes.

60-Day Cure Deadline

The cure option is only available if you submit within 60 days of the summons served date. Don't miss this window!

20 Disapproval Reasons (All Allow Resubmission)

Payment & Penalty

  • AEUHAZ Due: Class 1 penalty must be paid
  • WWP Civil Penalty Due: Pay or get L2 waiver
  • Wrong Information on Invoice: Missing info on receipt

Inspection & Reports

  • CAT1/CAT5 Required: Elevator inspection reports
  • Boiler: Boiler inspection or OP49 needed
  • DOB Boiler Report Violations: Proof of dismissal

Documentation

  • Documents Illegible: Clearer versions needed
  • Photographs Required: Labeled with date/location
  • Itemized List: Detailed correction list
  • Licensed Professional Statement: Notarized on letterhead
  • Statement Insufficient: More detail needed

Permit & Compliance

  • Permits/LAA: Permit or LAA required
  • Plans/Amendments: Plans needed
  • Sign Off: Job not signed off
  • TCO/CO: Certificate of Occupancy required

Safety Systems

  • Facades: Façade report with control number
  • Parking Structures: Report with control number
  • Sprinklers: Report with control number

Other Issues

  • FTC – Underlying not Certified: Approve underlying first
  • SWO/Vacate: Order must be lifted
  • Partitions no Permit: Criteria or permit needed

No Defenses Allowed in COCs

If you include a defense (arguing you didn't commit the violation), your COC will be disapproved. Defenses must be presented at an OATH hearing.

Resubmission & Dispute Process

Resubmission

  • • Only after disapproval
  • • All 20 reasons allow resubmission
  • Maximum 5 resubmissions
  • • Labeled -R1, -R2, etc.
  • • Only rejected docs reviewed
  • • Can replace rejected documents

Dispute

  • • Only after disapproval
  • • All reasons can be disputed
  • Maximum 5 disputes
  • • Labeled -D1, -D2, etc.
  • • Based on original documents only
  • Cannot add new documents

Pro Tips for the New System

  • Create your NYC.ID now: Don't wait until you have a violation. Get your account set up ahead of time.
  • Submit early for cures: Don't wait until day 59. Processing delays can cause you to miss the window.
  • Over-document: Include more photos than necessary. Labeled, dated photos are rarely rejected.
  • Pay penalties first: Class 1 AEUHAZ and WWP penalties must be paid before approval.
  • ALWAYS click SAVE: The system doesn't auto-save. If you don't click save, you lose everything.
  • Never include defenses: COCs are for proving correction, not arguing innocence.
Michael Nacmias, Esq.

About the Author

Michael Nacmias, Esq. is the Founding Partner of Nacmias Law Firm, PLLC, with over 25 years of experience representing NYC property owners in DOB matters, OATH hearings, and building code compliance.

He has successfully helped hundreds of clients navigate the Certificate of Correction process and is actively working through the new DOB NOW: Safety system to provide current guidance.

Related Practice Areas

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance on your Certificate of Correction, contact Nacmias Law Firm for a consultation.

Last Updated: December 19, 2025 | Source: NYC DOB Training (Nov 2025)