How to Get a Contractor’s License in New York

Thinking about launching a contracting or handyman business in New York? Before you take on your first client, it’s important to understand the local licensing rules. This guide will walk you through the basics of obtaining a New York contractor’s license, so you can grow your business with confidence.

Do General Contractors and Handymen Need a License in New York?

There’s no statewide license for general contractors or handymen in New York. Instead, licensing is handled at the city or county level — and the requirements can vary, depending on where you plan to work.

In most cases, that means getting a home improvement contractor license¹ from your local licensing agency. A home improvement contractor license is required if you are a general contractor or handyman doing construction, repair, remodeling, or other home improvement work to any residential structure. 

What Are the Basic Requirements?

The exact requirements can vary by city or county, but here’s what you’ll typically need to apply for a home improvement contractor license:²

• A completed license application.
• Proof of identity and a business address.
• Business registration documents.
• Workers’ compensation insurance (or an exemption form if you don’t have employees).
• A passing score on a home improvement exam (where applicable).
• Fingerprints and background check.
• License and exam fees.
  

Let’s take a look at how the process of obtaining a home improvement contractor license works in some of New York’s largest cities and counties. But be sure to check with your local county for exactly what you need.

How to Get a Home Improvement Contractor License: New York City & County Guide.

New York City

If you’re working in NYC, you must apply for a home improvement contractor license through the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection³ (DCWP).

Here’s a quick overview of what’s required:⁴

• A completed license application.⁵ 
• Sales tax ID (or confirmation number).
• Proof of home and business address.
• EPA certification (or signed exemption).
• Workers’ compensation insurance.
• $20,000 surety bond or $200 trust fund enrollment.
• Signed Contractual Compliance Agreement.
• Pass the home improvement exam⁶ ($50 fee).
• Fingerprinting through IdentoGO.⁷
• Pay the license fee.
  

You can apply online⁸ or call 212-436-0441 to make an appointment to submit your paperwork in-person at these locations:

DCWP LICENSING CENTER
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004

Or

NYC SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER
90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435

Buffalo

Buffalo requires a home improvement contractor license⁹ for any residential remodeling, painting, siding, or roofing work. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A valid driver’s license.
• A registered business name with Erie County.¹⁰
• Completed application.¹¹
• Proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance (or an exception form if you don’t have employees).
• A Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) Certification or EPA Lead Abatement Certificate from NYS.

Your application can be mailed to:

City of Buffalo

Office of Licenses
65 Niagara Sq. Room 301
Buffalo, NY 14202

Applications are then reviewed by the Construction & Home Improvement Advisory Board, which meets monthly. Incomplete applications will be returned, so double-check everything before you submit.

Suffolk County

In Suffolk County (excluding Southampton, East Hampton, and Shelter Island), you’ll apply through the Department of Labor, Licensing & Consumer Affairs. ¹²

Requirements include:

• Completed application¹³ with passport-sized photo.
• Proof of identity, business registration, and address.
• General liability insurance (minimum $500,000).
• Workers’ compensation insurance (or exemption).
• Passing a written exam.
• EPA certification (if applicable).
• Banking information.
• Background check.
• Description of work and your experience.
• $200 application fee, followed by a $500 license/restoration fund fee once approved.

Email to [email protected], or mail your application and required documents to:

Suffolk County
Department of Labor, Licensing & Consumer Affairs
PO Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788 

Nassau, Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland Counties

Each of these counties has its own licensing office. If you plan to work in any of these areas, be sure to check the local guidelines:

• Nassau County, Office of Consumer Affairs.¹⁴
• Westchester County, Department of Consumer Protection.¹⁵
• Putnam County, Office of Consumer Affairs. ¹⁶
• Rockland County licensing portal.¹⁷

Once I’m Licensed, What’s Next?

Once you’re approved, make sure you keep your home improvement contractor license in good standing. That means:

• Renewing it on time (typically every 1 to 2 years).
• Keeping your insurance policies active and up to date.
• Following any additional local rules for signage, contracts, or advertising.
  

Some counties also may require continuing education, so it’s worth checking your renewal requirements well in advance.

Do I Need Business Insurance?

If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance is required by New York State Law. Even if you don’t have employees, carrying both workers’ comp and general liability insurance can help protect your business from accidents, property damage, and lawsuits. It also shows clients you’re running a professional, credible operation.

Need help finding affordable coverage? We can connect you with quotes from trusted insurers who specialize in contractor and handyman businesses.

Ready to Get to Work?

Getting a home improvement contractor license in New York is a key step toward running a legal and trustworthy business. It might take a little time upfront, but once you’re licensed and insured, you’ll be ready to take on bigger jobs and grow with confidence.

Want more tools to help you get started? Check out our Resource Center for articles, templates, and guides made just for contractors, including:

• General Contractor Insurance: Everything You Need to Know
• FREE Contractor Invoice Template
• New York Business Insurance

If you still have questions about how to get a contractor’s license in New York, we encourage you to speak with local legal professionals and county resources who can assist you.

References:

1. https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/consumer-issues/contractors-home-maintenance ↩︎
2. https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/businesses/license-checklist-home-improvement-contractor.page ↩︎
3. https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/index.page ↩︎
4. https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/businesses/license-checklist-home-improvement-contractor.page#requirements ↩︎
5. https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/businesses/Basic-License-Application-Fingerprints-Required.pdf ↩︎
6. https://dcaschedule.exambuilder.com ↩︎
7. https://uenroll.identogo.com ↩︎
8. https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/businesses/license-checklist-home-improvement-contractor.page#requirements ↩︎
9. https://www.buffalony.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14909/CONTRACTOR-APPLICATION ↩︎
10. https://www4.erie.gov/clerk/ ↩︎
11. https://www.buffalony.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14909/CONTRACTOR-APPLICATION ↩︎
12. https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Labor ↩︎
13. https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Consumer-Affairs/Applications-and-forms ↩︎
14. https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1563/Licensing-Registrations ↩︎
15. http://consumer.westchestergov.com ↩︎
16. http://putnamcountyny.gov/consumer-affairs ↩︎
17. https://rocklandcountyny-energovpub.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home ↩︎