Home Improvement Contractor – New York City

Note: Some documents on this page are in PDF format, download the free Adobe Reader. Who Must Have a Home Improvement Contractor License?

A person or business must have a Home Improvement Contractor license if engaged in the construction, repair, remodeling, or addition to any land or building used as a residence. This includes, but is not limited to, the construction, replacement, or improvement of basements, driveways, fences, garages, landscaping, patios, porches, sidewalks, swimming pools, terraces, and other improvements to structures or upon land that is next to a home or apartment building.

This description is only a general explanation of who must have a Home Improvement Contractor license.Refer to the Licensing Law/Rules handout.

You must obtain the following required documents before filing your application. Although DCA does not require submission of these documents in order to process your application in person or online, DCA reserves the right to request and examine the documents under section 20.104 of the New York City Administrative Code.

Below are requirements when filing your license application:

Online submission: After reviewing the application requirements, please click the Apply Online link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.

In-person submission: Download the Basic License Application Form.

To apply for a Certificate of Authority, visit the NYS License Center. You will need a NY.gov ID to access the application form. To request a paper application, call (518) 485-2889. Allow four to six weeks after applying to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to receive your Certificate of Authority.

If an individual lives at another persons address, provide:

The exam consists of 30 questions. You must answer a minimum of 21 questions correctly to pass. The fee is $50. The exam fee is separate from the license fee and is nonrefundable. If you fail the exam twice, you must pay the exam fee again in order to retake the exam.

Download the Home Improvement Examination Guide to help prepare for the exam.Guide is available in other languages, see top of page.

IMPORTANT:

*If you are applying within six months of the license expiration date, you can pay the prorated fee for the remaining license term plus the full fee to renew the license for the next term. If you pay both fees, you will not need to renew the license until the end of the next license period.

The DCA Licensing Center accepts payment by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card) or check or money order made payable to NYC Department of Consumer Affairs.

If you submit your application online, you must pay with a major credit card.

Note: Credit card payments are subject to a nonrefundable convenience fee. In the event the payment to which it relates is canceled, refunded, credited, or charged back, you must contact your credit card company to dispute the convenience fee.

File in person at the DCA Licensing Center, 42 Broadway, in Manhattan between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Translation ServicesIf you do not speak or understand English well, please let us know when you arrive at the Licensing Center and we will provide translation services.

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Home Improvement Contractor - New York City