Port Authority M/W/S/DBE Certification
Administered by Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Private consulting firm, not a government agency. We are not affiliated with any city, state or federal agency. You can apply directly with any agency yourself, and NYC and NYS M/WBE certification are free to apply for. We charge for our help, not for the certification. Official agency links are listed at the bottom of this page.
What this program is
The Port Authority certifies minority-owned, women-owned, small, service-disabled veteran-owned and disadvantaged firms itself, separate from the City and State. Vendor registration in PA Procure is a separate required step; the Port Authority is clear that registration is not certification.
What it unlocks
A listing in the Port Authority's M/W/S/DBE directory and the ability to count toward its goals on airport, bridge, tunnel, terminal and transit work.
Key facts at a glance
- Cost
- Free
- Valid for
- MBE and WBE 5 years; SBE and SDVOB 3 years; DBE annual update
- Vendor registration
- PA Procure: about 30 minutes, reviewed in 3 to 5 business days
- Time in business
- At least 1 year (MBE, WBE, SBE, SDVOB)
Can I get Port Authority certified?
Loading the free eligibility check. If it does not appear, take the full eligibility check here.
You may qualify if
- MBE: at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents from the listed minority groups
- WBE: at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- SBE: main office in NY or NJ and gross revenue within SBA size limits
- SDVOB: at least 51% owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran, and also qualifies as an SBE
- Firms based outside NY and NJ must be certified in their home state first (MBE/WBE)
These are screening indicators only, not a guarantee of eligibility. Eligibility is determined solely by the certifying agency.
Documents you'll need to gather
Most delays come from missing paperwork, not the questions. Here's what to pull together, organized by where you'll find it.
From your accountant
- Business tax returns for 5 years (or every year in operation, if fewer), with all schedules
- Proof of capitalization
From your bank and attorney
- Bank signature card or bank letter
- Formation documents for your entity type (articles, bylaws, minutes, stock records, or operating or partnership agreement)
From your personal records
- Resumes of principals (bios are not accepted)
- Proof of citizenship or permanent residency for each owner
From your office files
- Licenses, permits and bonds
- Lease or deed for every business location, including home offices and storage
- Construction firms: 3 recent completed projects with invoices and proof of payment
- Marketing Data Form
Typical preparation flow
- 1Register in PA Procure and verify your email within 5 business days.
- 2Check which certification types you qualify for.
- 3Create an account in the Port Authority certification portal.
- 4Upload the full document set and submit.
- 5Answer requests quickly, and report any ownership or control change within 30 days.
Where applications get held up
- Not answering a request for information within 30 days can lead to denial.
- Missing a lease or deed for a secondary location, such as a home office or storage yard.
Port Authority certification can also fast-track New Jersey's SBE/MBE/WBE certification.
Official sources
Last reviewed October 2026. Agencies change their rules; always confirm on the agency's site before you file.
Not sure if Port Authority is the right one for you?
Take the free eligibility check and see every program your company may qualify to pursue (city, state, federal and agency) in the right order.
or call 212-812-2219Other programs you may qualify for
NYC Get Certified is an independent consulting service powered by Managed Construction. We are not a government agency. We do not guarantee certification approval, prequalification, or contract awards. Program requirements are set by the certifying agencies and change over time.