Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the New York State Department of State web site. Established in 1778, the Office of the Secretary of State is one of the oldest in New York State government. The office of Secretary of State is sometimes referred to as the “keeper of records,” however the Department of State is also, as you will see, a great deal more.
We are very proud of the services that we provide to the residents of New York, and on this website you will find information and assistance about the many programs and divisions that we administer. For example, on our website you will find information on how to become a real estate agent or file papers to become a corporation. Our website is a great resource as a database for information on training in local government and codes. Our Coastal Division can also guide you on environmental initiatives like rehabilitating your waterfront. As Secretary of State, I plan to make our website an accessible informational tool that will help New Yorkers in their daily lives.
Some of the divisions that we manage at the Department of State are the Office of Business and Licensing Services; Corporations, State Records, and the Uniform Commercial Code; and Cemeteries. Others include: the Division of Codes, the Division of Administrative Rules, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Division of Coastal Resources, and the Division of Local Government which administers the Community Services Block Grant Program.
We house various commissions such as the Athletic Commission, the Lake George Park Commission, and the Tug Hill Commission. The Department acts as secretariat to the Committee on Open Government. We also oversee the Watershed Protection and Partnership Council, which helps protect the safety and purity of New York City’s water supply, among other responsibilities.
I invite you to explore our website and learn more about the Department of State and the services we provide. We hope you find your visit helpful and informative.