New York Model Management Company Bond

The New York State Fashion Workers Act (effective December 21, 2025) requires all model management companies and model management groups operating in New York State to register with the NY Department of Labor and post a $50,000 surety bond — before registration is granted. Bonds Express provides fast, affordable NY Model Management Company Bonds.

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What Is the NY Fashion Workers Act Bond?

The New York State Fashion Workers Act (Article 31-C of the New York Labor Law) created a registration requirement for all model management companies and model management groups that conduct business in, represent models in, or are based in New York State. As part of that registration, any company with more than five employees must post a $50,000 continuous surety bond with the New York State Department of Labor (NY DOL).

This bond is not optional. It must be secured before the NY DOL will grant a registration certificate. Operating without the required registration and bond exposes companies to penalties and enforcement action.

Who Needs This Bond?

Under the Fashion Workers Act, a ‘model management company’ is defined as any individual or entity that:

  • Is in the business of managing models
  • Procures employment or engagements for models
  • Provides counseling services to models

This definition is broad. It includes:

  • Traditional modeling agencies and management groups
  • Influencer marketing agencies that hire or connect models/influencers with brands
  • Social media agencies that represent content creators performing modeling services
  • Talent representatives managing photoshoot or runway appearances

Important: Entities already licensed as employment agencies under Article 11 of New York’s General Business Law are excluded from the definition. If your agency holds an employment agency bond under existing licensing, verify with your legal counsel whether the Fashion Workers Act registration also applies.

Bond Requirements & Registration Details

  • Bond amount: $50,000 (required for companies with more than 5 employees)
  • Obligee: New York State Department of Labor
  • Registration renewal: Every 2 years from the date granted; renewal must begin at least 90 days before expiration
  • Registration fee: $500–$700 based on company size
  • The bond must be secured and on file before registration is issued

How Much Does the NY Model Management Bond Cost?

You do not pay the full $50,000. You pay an annual premium, which is a percentage of the bond amount based on your company’s financials and credit profile.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When did the NY Fashion Workers Act take effect?
The registration requirement for model management companies became effective December 21, 2025. All companies operating in New York must register with the NY DOL and post the required bond.
Does my influencer or social media agency need this bond?
Possibly. If your agency represents a brand and hires or connects the brand with a model or influencer to promote that brand’s products — including on social media — the NY DOL considers that activity to fall under the Fashion Workers Act’s definition of a model management company.
What if we have 5 or fewer employees?
The $50,000 bond requirement applies to companies with more than five employees. If your company has 5 or fewer employees, verify your exact obligations directly with the NY Department of Labor.
How long does registration last?
Registration is valid for two years from the date it is granted. You must begin the renewal process at least 90 days before your registration expires.
What happens if we don’t register?
Operating as an unregistered model management company in New York after the effective date is a violation of the Fashion Workers Act and subjects the company to penalties.

Related New York Agency Bonds

BondsExpress issues all New York agency and talent-related bonds:

Operating in other states? We also issue:

View all New York surety bonds | View all $50,000 surety bonds

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A surety bond protects the party requesting the bond, the Obligee, against any financial losses as a result of poor financial decisions, damages, unethical decisions, or a failure to follow state and local laws on the part of you, the Principal. The New York Model Management  Group Bond holds you accountable for your business decisions.

By possessing a New York Model Management Company Bond, you are telling your Obligee that you can be trusted as a Principal and that you stand behind your business decisions.