New York Contractor License Requirements
infoNo State License — Local / County OnlyNew York does not have a state-level general contractor license. NYC has its own Department of Buildings licensing system. Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, and other counties require home improvement contractor registration.
account_balanceLicensing Board
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Board Name
No state licensing board — local jurisdictions
language
phone
Phone
(518) 474-4429
descriptionLicense Types
| Type | Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home Improvement Contractor | Varies | Required in NYC, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Rockland counties |
| Electrical | Varies | Licensed by local jurisdictions — NYC has separate licensing |
| Plumbing | Varies | Licensed by local jurisdictions — NYC has separate licensing |
checklistRequirements
- check_circleLocal jurisdiction registration
- check_circleNYC requires DOB license
- check_circleProof of insurance (varies by locality)
paymentsFee Schedule
Application
Varies by city/county
Annual Renewal
Varies by city/county
Exam Fee
Varies by jurisdiction
event_repeatRenewal Period
Varies by jurisdiction
shieldInsurance Minimums
General Liability
Varies by jurisdiction
Workers Compensation
Required if employees
swap_horizReciprocity
- arrow_forwardNot applicable — local licensing
infoData sourced from state licensing board websites. Requirements change frequently — verify with your state board before applying. Last updated April 2026.