Frequently Asked Questions - Document Destruction Contractor

Can a document destruction contractor maintain a business address outside of NYS?

Yes. A business or branch office address can be out-of-state.

What does "Document Destruction" mean?

"Document Destruction" means the burning, pulverizing, or shredding of a record, or any action taken to render the personal identifying information contained on a record unreadable and incapable of reconstruction

What constitutes a "Document"?

A "Document" means any record kept, held, filed, produced or reproduced by, with or for a person or business entity, in any physical form whatsoever including, but not limited to, reports, statements, examinations, memoranda, opinions, folders, files, books, manuals, pamphlets, forms, papers, designs, drawings, maps, photos, letters, microfilms, or computer tapes or discs.

What is considered "Personal Information" on a document?

"Personal Information" means any information concerning a natural person which, because of name, number, personal mark, or other identifier, can be used to identify such natural person.

What is considered "Personal Identifying Information" on a document?

"Personal Identifying Information" means personal information consisting of any information in combination with any one or more of the following data elements, when either the personal information or the data element is not encrypted, or encrypted with an encryption key that is included in the same record as the encrypted person information or data element: • social security number; • driver's registration number or non-driver identification card number; • mother's maiden name; • financial services account number or code; • savings, checking or debt account number or code; • automatic teller machine number or code; or • electronic serial number or personal identification number.

What is considered a "Personal Identification Number?"

A "Personal Identification Number" is any number or code which may be used alone or in conjunction with any other information to assume the identity of another person or access financial resources or credit of another person

Who is the contact person?

The contact person is any individual who has ownership in the Document Destruction Contractor business. This person must be a principal or officer of the business.

How do I apply for a branch office?

If you are a registered Document Destruction Contractor who wishes to maintain a branch office in addition to your principal place of business, you must file a Document Destruction

Contractor branch office application.

How do I add a principal or officer to an existing company?

Check the box on the application to add a new principal or officer to an existing company. Please provide the business name, business address and the additional principal or officer name and residence address in the spaces indicated with asterisks* on the application. In addition, proof of fingerprint completion must be submitted.