Filing Representative – the DOB role commonly called an Expeditor
A filing representative is a person registered with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB*) to handle applications and construction documents on behalf of others. In everyday NYC construction language, this person is commonly called an expeditor*, also sometimes spelled expediter. The role focuses on the filing and approval process, not on performing construction work.
An owner, architect, engineer, or contractor may hire a filing representative to submit documents, coordinate filing details, and follow the progress of a DOB application. DOB requires filing representatives conducting business with the Department to register and obtain a Department-issued identification card.
Important information
Expeditor is the common industry term; filing representative is the term used by DOB for this registered role. A filing representative helps handle the paperwork and filing process. A contractor performs or manages the construction work. These are different responsibilities, even when one person or company offers both services.
DOB registration as a filing representative does not, by itself, qualify someone to work as a licensed architect, engineer, or contractor. The filing representative does not replace the professionals responsible for the project’s design or construction.
Two DOB registration classes
DOB distinguishes between two registration classes. The class determines which activities the representative is authorized to perform.
Class 1 Filing Representative: May present, submit, or furnish applications and construction documents to DOB and retrieve documents from the Department.
Class 2 Code and Zoning Representative: May perform the Class 1 filing activities and also appear before or attend appointments with DOB plan examiners or technical staff to seek construction document approvals.
Before hiring an expeditor
Ask for the person’s DOB filing representative identification card, confirm their registration class, and agree in writing on the services and fees. Make sure you understand who will handle the filing, who will provide any required design services, and who will perform the construction work.
For example, an architect may prepare the required plans, a filing representative may submit and track the application, and a contractor may carry out the approved work. Hiring an expeditor does not guarantee DOB approval.
NEXT STEP
Thinking about hiring an expeditor? Read our blog article about their role in the NYC DOB filing and approval process.
Good to know
This page is for general education only and is based on public New York City sources when available. Some technical and legal terms are simplified into plain English to help homeowners and ESL readers. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace guidance from a licensed professional. NYC construction and safety rules change often, and your project may have extra DOB*, OSHA, or local requirements. Before you start work, always check current rules with a licensed design professional or directly with the NYC Department of Buildings.
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If you see any capital letter abbreviations on this page or in an official letter you received from the city and you do not understand them, you can try to look them up on our NYC Violation Codes HUB page with the search tool.
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