Contractor License Requirements in New York

New York does not require a state-level general contractor license. However, certain specialty trades such as electricians and plumbers must be licensed. Many local jurisdictions in New York have their own contractor registration and licensing requirements that may be more stringent than state-level regulations. New York does not have statewide general contractor licensing. However, home improvement contractors in New York City, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Putnam counties must register with their respective consumer affairs offices. NYC has particularly strict requirements including licensing exams and insurance. Electricians and plumbers are licensed at the city level.

Important

Never hire a contractor who cannot provide a valid license number. A legitimate contractor will have no hesitation sharing their license credentials for you to verify independently. If a contractor refuses, discourages you from checking, or makes excuses, treat that as a serious red flag.

New York Department of State - Division of Licensing Services

Search by: License number, Business name

Trade-Specific Licensing Boards

Follow these steps to verify a contractor's license in New York:

1. 1
   Determine which jurisdiction appliesNew York does not have statewide general contractor licensing. If your project is in New York City, use the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. For Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, or Putnam counties, check each county's consumer affairs office.
2. 2
   Search the appropriate licensing databaseFor NYC: visit the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection license verification page. For licensed trades statewide: use the NY Department of State Division of Licensing Services lookup. Enter the contractor's license number or business name.
3. 3
   Verify the license is current and matches the work scopeConfirm the license has not expired and covers the type of work being performed. In NYC, a home improvement contractor license is different from an electrical or plumbing license. Each trade has its own license requirement.
4. 4
   Check for complaints with the appropriate agencySearch the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for complaints against home improvement contractors. For electricians and plumbers in NYC, check the Department of Buildings for violations.
5. 5
   Verify insurance and bondingNYC home improvement contractors must carry insurance and a surety bond. Ask the contractor for their certificate of insurance and verify it is current. For contractors outside NYC, request proof of insurance directly as it may not be required by the state.

What to Look for in Verification Results

• License must be current and not expired, suspended, or revoked
• In NYC, verify the HIC license number matches the contractor's business name
• For trade licenses (electric, plumbing), confirm the license type covers your work
• Check for complaints filed with the appropriate consumer protection agency
• Verify the contractor has current general liability insurance
• For NYC work, ensure the contractor's license covers the borough where your project is located

Hiring an unlicensed contractor in New York carries significant risks for both the homeowner and the contractor:

• No consumer protections: State recovery funds and guaranty programs typically only cover work performed by licensed contractors.
• Insurance issues: Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims related to work done by an unlicensed contractor.
• Permit problems: Building permits often require a valid contractor license. Work done without permits can create issues when selling your property.
• Quality concerns: Licensed contractors have demonstrated minimum competency through exams, experience requirements, or both.
• Legal liability: Homeowners may bear greater legal responsibility for injuries or property damage caused during unlicensed work.

New York does not currently have reciprocal contractor licensing agreements with other states. Contractors licensed in other states must apply for a new New York license through the standard application process. Some states may credit out-of-state experience toward licensing requirements -- contact the New York Department of State - Division of Licensing Services for details.