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General contractor · Local (city/county) licenses

How to become a licensed contractor in New York

State law and licensing-board sources · Last reviewed October 11, 2026

Journeyman level Licensed by cities or counties, not the state What's a journeyman?

New York State does not license home improvement contractors, but some cities and counties do: New York City, Buffalo, and the counties of Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland. In New York City, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) licenses home improvement contractors, and the Department of Buildings (DOB) registers general contractors who build one-, two- and three-family homes. Both are credentials for contracting businesses: DOB's registration, for example, requires a corporation in good standing and proof of financial solvency. [1][2][3][4][5]

New to the trade?

Starting from zero in New York

New York's contractor licenses are for running a contracting business: NYC's DOB registration, for example, requires financial solvency and a corporation in good standing. To learn the work, your first step is to get hired by a contractor, or to apply to a registered apprenticeship (carpentry is the usual route) posted on the New York State Department of Labor's recruitment page. In NYC, workers on job sites that need a Site Safety Plan and a designated superintendent or site safety coordinator or manager must have a Site Safety Training (SST) card. [2][5][8][13][14]

  • High school diploma or GED

    Set by the programs, not by a license rule. The NYS Department of Labor says most registered apprenticeship sponsors require a high school diploma or its equivalent. The New York City District Council of Carpenters' apprenticeship requires a diploma or equivalency such as the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) or GED (General Educational Development test), with proof after selection. The North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund's 2026-27 Long Island recruitment doesn't list a diploma among its requirements. [10][11][13]

  • Minimum age

    Registered apprentices in New York must be 18, or 16 to 17 with parental approval (NYS Department of Labor). Both carpenters' programs above take applicants at 17. To get NYC's DOB general contractor registration or a Suffolk County license you must be 18. [5][7][10][11][13]

  • Register before you start work

    The NYC credentials are business credentials: DCWP's license application asks for a sales tax ID, a business address and workers' compensation coverage, and DOB's registration requires a corporation in good standing and proof of financial solvency. In a registered apprenticeship, you and the sponsor sign an apprenticeship agreement that the NYS Department of Labor approves and registers. [2][5][13]

  • NYC Site Safety Training (SST) card

    On NYC job sites that need a Site Safety Plan and a designated superintendent or site safety coordinator or manager, construction and demolition workers need an SST card showing at least 40 hours of DOB-defined safety training. The city's Department of Small Business Services offers free SST training and cards. [14]

  • Drug test and physical

    Both carpenters' programs require a drug test paid by the sponsor and that you can do the physical work, including lifting at least 50 pounds and working at heights. [10][11]

  • Transportation

    Both carpenters' programs require reliable transportation to job sites and classes. [10][11]

  • How to apply

    Union programs recruit in set periods posted by the NYS Department of Labor. The NYC carpenters' program (March 11, 2026 to February 10, 2027) requires an in-person information session on the second Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. at 395 Hudson Street (none in December or January) The Long Island program (November 3, 2026 to November 2, 2027) holds sessions the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in Hauppauge and requires residence in Nassau or Suffolk County. Both give you a passcode for the online application. [8][10][11]

  • Pre-apprenticeship (Direct Entry)

    NYS DOL-approved Direct Entry programs teach basic workplace math and work skills, help with a high school equivalency diploma, can't charge tuition, and give successful participants a direct chance to interview with a registered apprenticeship sponsor. [15]

  • Pay while you learn

    Registered apprentices have a job from day one, with salary steps over time. Related classroom training is usually offered by the sponsor at no cost to you, and your employer may give you credit for prior work experience or coursework in the trade. [13][16]

  • Still in high school?

    The NYS Department of Labor says registered apprenticeship programs are open to people as young as 16 while they're still in high school (16- and 17-year-olds need parental approval) The carpenters' programs above start at 17. In school, look for a NYSED-approved career and technical education (CTE) program (NYSED CTE program approval): approved programs lead to an industry-recognized credential, certificate or degree, can give you college credit or advanced standing while still in high school, and let you use the CTE "4+1" graduation pathway. [10][13][16][17]

Where to apply in New YorkHow to get an apprenticeshipHelper jobs

New York contractor license at a glance

State license
None for home improvement contractors Some cities and counties license them [1]
Where a local license is required
New York City, Buffalo, and Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties [1]
NYC home improvement contractor
DCWP license for residential work 30-question exam (21 correct to pass); up to $250 license fee; 2-year term [2]
NYC general contractor registration
DOB registration to build 1-, 2- and 3-family homes $300, 3-year term, renewal $240 [3][4]
NYC registration finances
$25,000 minimum bank balance for 3 months and $1 million general liability insurance [5]
Suffolk County
County home improvement license Applicants must be 18; the county can require a bond of up to $100,000 and/or $500,000 liability insurance [7][12]
On this page
  1. At a glance
  2. Starting from zero
  3. The license pathway
  4. Who licenses contractors in New York
  5. New York City: which credential you need
  6. NYC home improvement contractor license (DCWP)
  7. NYC general contractor registration (DOB)
  8. Apprenticeships and training
  9. Steps to get licensed
  10. Where to get the hours
  11. Licensed in another state?
  12. Questions people ask

The license pathway in New York

  1. 1

    Construction worker or apprentice (no license)

    • Registered apprenticeships include related classroom instruction

    You work for a contractor while you learn. New York's registered carpenter apprenticeship runs 32 to 48 months (32 for the residential carpenter trade). [9][13]

  2. 2

    Home Improvement Contractor license (NYC, DCWP)

    • Yes: 30 questions, 21 correct to pass, taken by one owner or officer
    • $50 to $250 depending on when you apply; $200 Trust Fund or a $20,000 bond
    • Every 2 years; licenses expire February 28 of odd years

    Needed by any person or business doing construction, repair, remodeling or other home improvement work on residential land or buildings in NYC, including work in 1- to 4-family homes and condos or co-ops. [2][3]

  3. 3

    General Contractor registration (NYC, DOB)

    • $300
    • Every 3 years; $240

    Needed to get New Building permits for 1-, 2- and 3-family homes, and one way to qualify for other new buildings and major alterations. You must be 18, prove financial solvency and pass a background investigation. [3][4][5]

Who licenses contractors in New York

The New York Department of State says New York State "does not license home improvement contractors, however, some counties and local municipalities do." It names New York City and Buffalo and the counties of Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland as places where home improvement contractors must be licensed.

Westchester County, for example, says its law "requires that home improvement contractors have a county license." In Suffolk County, it's unlawful to do a business the county licenses without a license, and home improvement contracting covers repairs and remodeling of homes, including carpentry, roofing, siding, masonry and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) ductwork, but not electrical or plumbing work. Applicants must be at least 18. [1][6][7]

New York City: which credential you need

DOB says the type of work decides which registrations you need, and some work needs more than one:

[3]

NYC home improvement contractor license (DCWP)

You need it to do construction, repair, remodeling or other home improvement work on residential land or buildings in New York City, including basements, driveways, fences, patios, porches and similar work next to a home.

To apply you'll need a sales tax ID, proof of business and home addresses, workers' compensation proof (or an exemption certificate), EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) lead renovation certifications or a signed affirmation that they aren't needed, a $200 Trust Fund enrollment or a $20,000 surety bond, and fingerprints for each owner or officer. One owner or officer must pass a 30-question exam (21 correct) within 60 days. The license runs to February 28 of odd years, and the fee is $50 to $250 depending on when you apply. Questions go to DCWP at (212) 487-4060. [2]

NYC general contractor registration (DOB)

To register you must be at least 18, read and write English and have good moral character. You must also prove financial solvency, have a corporation in good standing under New York law and owe no outstanding OATH (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings) penalties.

The background investigation asks for a notarized LIC6 form, your EIN (Employer Identification Number), three consecutive bank statements each showing an ending balance of $25,000 (or a bank letter), a $1 million general liability policy, workers' compensation and disability insurance, ID and proof of business address. Registration costs $300 for a 3-year term and renews for $240. Questions go to the Licensing & Exams Unit at (212) 393-2259. [4][5]

Apprenticeships and training

The New York State Department of Labor posts registered apprenticeship recruitments by region, and keeps a list of active sponsors you can search by trade. Its carpenter apprenticeship runs 32 to 48 months.

Union carpentry programs include the NYC District Council of Carpenters' JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) and, on Long Island, the North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund. See our carpenter apprenticeship guide and union vs. non-union. [8][9][10][11]

Steps to get licensed in New York

  1. Learn the trade on a crew or in an apprenticeship

    Get hired by a contractor or apply to a registered apprenticeship listed on the NYS Department of Labor announcements page. In NYC, get your Site Safety Training card. [8][13][14]

  2. Find out what your city or county requires

    New York State doesn't license home improvement contractors, but NYC, Buffalo and Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties do. Check with the local consumer affairs office where you'll work. [1]

  3. Get a NYC home improvement contractor license (for residential work)

    Apply online with DCWP with proof of workers' compensation, EPA lead certifications or an affirmation, a $200 Trust Fund payment or $20,000 bond, and fingerprints, then pass the 30-question exam within 60 days. [2]

  4. Register with DOB to build homes (NYC)

    To pull New Building permits for 1-, 2- and 3-family homes, register as a general contractor in DOB NOW with a notarized LIC6 form, bank statements showing a $25,000 ending balance for 3 months, and $1 million general liability, workers' compensation and disability insurance. [4][5]

Where to get the hours

Programs that train general contractors in or for New York, from their own official pages. Listed by type, not ranked.

Licensed in another state?

We didn't find a reciprocity agreement published by the licensing office for this license. Ask the office how it treats an out-of-state license or experience before you apply.

Open the reciprocity map · How reciprocity works

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NY Listed here (agreement or endorsement)

Questions people ask

Does New York require a general contractor license?

Not at the state level. The New York Department of State says the state doesn't license home improvement contractors, but New York City, Buffalo and the counties of Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland do. [1]

What license do I need to do home renovations in NYC?

A Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, for work on residential land or buildings, including 1- to 4-family homes and condos or co-ops. [2][3]

How much money do I need to register as a general contractor in NYC?

DOB asks for bank statements showing at least a $25,000 ending balance for three months, $1 million in general liability insurance, workers' compensation and disability insurance, and a $300 registration fee. [4][5]

Sources (17)
  1. CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection Releases Guide with Tips to Help Homeowners Avoid Home Improvement Scams, New York Department of State. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  2. Home Improvement Contractor License Application Checklist, NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  3. Contractors, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  4. General Contractor Registration, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  5. Obtain a: General Contractor Registration, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  6. Home Improvement Contractors, Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  7. Suffolk County Law Regarding Home Improvement License (Chapter 563), Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  8. Apprenticeship Announcements, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  9. Apprenticeship Trades, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  10. Carpenters JATC of NYC & Vicinity: Carpenters Recruit Apprentices, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  11. North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund: Carpenters Recruit Apprentices, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  12. Consumer Affairs: Licensing, Suffolk County Government. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  13. Become an Apprentice, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  14. SST Information, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  15. Apprenticeship Direct Entry, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  16. The Registered Apprenticeship Program for Apprentices, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  17. CTE Program Approval, New York State Education Department. Accessed October 11, 2026.

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