Department of State Releases Monthly New York State Corporations and Licensing Statistics

December Sees Rise in the Number of New Corporations, Newly Licensed Real Estate Brokers, Salespeople, and Security Guards

ALBANY, NY (01/28/2010)(readMedia)-- New York Secretary of State Lorraine A. Cortés-Vázquez today announced that the agency's Division of Corporations received a total of 9,949 applications for incorporation in Dec. 2009 – compared to the 9,332 applications it received in Dec. 2008, or an increase of 6.6 percent. Additionally, she announced that the Division of Licensing Services saw the number of licensed professionals in two key occupations – real estate brokers / salespeople and security guards – rose significantly from Dec. 2008 to Dec. 2009.

Year over year, the number of newly registered corporations dropped 6.4 – from 137,180 in 2008 to 128,339 in 2009 – while the total number of new licensees rose 2.8 percent – from 774,585 in 2008 to 796,172 in 2009.

"The Department of State is the first stop for many businesses looking to locate in New York. Secretary of State Cortés-Vázquez said. "Gov. Paterson and I want to make it easier for individuals and corporations to do business in New York State, and I am committed to ensuring applications for incorporation are processed by the Department of State in a timely manner that is consistent with New York State law."

A month-over-month comparison of new entity filings for business corporations, not-for-profits, limited liability companies, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships can be found below:


Type of new business entity		 Dec. 2009 Dec. 2008 Percent change
Business corporations 4,977 4,892 +1.7%
Not-for-profit corporations 431 400 +7.8%
Limited liability companies 4,401 3,866 +13.8%
Limited partnerships 106 130 -18.5%
Limited liability partnerships 34 44 -22.7%
Total no. of newly registered corps. 9,949 9,332 +6.6%

Below is a year-over-year comparison for the same business classifications:

Type of new business entity Jan.-Dec. 2009 Jan.-Dec. 2008 Percent change
Business corporations 70,141 74,376 -5.7%
Not-for-profit corporations 4,887 5,098 -4.1%
Limited liability companies 51,930 55,828 -7.0%
Limited partnerships 1,095 1,579 -30.7%
Limited liability partnerships 286 299 -4.3%
Total no. of newly registered corps. 128,339 137,180 -6.4%

In total, the number of new business filings in the fourth quarter of 2009 was 4.7% higher than in the fourth quarter of 2008.

A month-over-month comparison of new licensee filings for appearance enhancement businesses and operators, including cosmetology, esthetics, natural hair styling, nail specialty and waxing; real estate brokers and salespersons; and security guards can be found below:

Type of licensee Dec. 2009 Dec. 2008 Percent change
Appearance enhancement operators 1,919 2,202 -12.9%
Real estate brokers / salespeople 1,066 853 +25.0%
Security guards 2,454 2,058 +19.2%
Total number of new licensees** 7,473 8,915 -16.2%

** For a complete list of who DOS licenses, please see the end of the release.

Below is a year-over-year comparison for the same licensees:

Type of licensee Jan.-Dec. 2009 Jan.-Dec. 2008 Percent change
Appearance enhancement operators 165,224 163,662 +1.0%
Real estate brokers / salespeople 115,088 130,000 -11.5%
Security guards 150,906 143,760 +5.0%
Total number of new licensees** 796,172 774,585 +2.8%

The Department of State's Division of Corporations files and maintains documents relating to business entities that are formed under the laws of New York State or authorized to do business under the laws of the state – in addition to the new entity filings listed above. The Division receives applications to register a business' name and receives certificates of amendment, such as changes in address or registered agent, as well as certificates of incorporation, merger and dissolution.

The Department of State's Division of Licensing Services plays an important role for consumers, occupational licensees and applicants and the business community in New York State. The Division is responsible for the licensure, registration and/or regulation of the following: real estate brokers and salespersons; barber shops and practitioners; appearance enhancement businesses and practitioners; private investigators; watch guard or patrol agencies; security guards; bail enforcement agents; central dispatch facilities; document destruction contractors; ticket resellers; security and fire alarm installers; hearing aid dispensers; apartment information vendors; apartment sharing agents; real estate appraisers; notaries public; bedding manufacturers and used bedding sellers; armored car carriers and guards; coin processors; home inspectors; telemarketers; athlete agents and pet cemeteries

###