Contractor registration
- No statewide general contractor license. Check the city or county where the job is located.
- New York City: residential home improvement work over $200 requires a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Permit work also requires Department of Buildings registration.
- Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties have their own home improvement licenses.
- Since December 30, 2024, contractors on public work and certain private projects must register with the New York State Department of Labor.
- Contractors working without a required NYC HIC license can't enforce their contracts for payment.
Bonding
- NYC HIC applicants either pay $200 into the city's Trust Fund or post a $20,000 surety bond.
- Some counties require their own bonds.
- Public construction contracts usually require payment and performance bonds.
Insurance
- Employers must carry workers' comp, disability benefits (DBL), and Paid Family Leave. New York has no exemption for contractors with employees.
- Local licenses require proof of general liability. NYC Department of Buildings registrations commonly require $1 million per occurrence.
- Insurance certificates usually must list the licensing agency as certificate holder.
Professional licenses
- Electricians and plumbers are licensed locally, such as by the NYC Department of Buildings or city licensing boards upstate.
- Asbestos work requires New York State Department of Labor licensing.
- Architects and engineers are licensed by the NYS Education Department's Office of the Professions.
These are New York state and federal requirements. Cities and counties often add their own. Requirements and fees change — confirm with the agency before you apply. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Other New York Business Types
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