How to get a contractor license in New York
The short version: 1) Apply to DCWP 2) Get fingerprinted 3) Pass the exam 4) Trust Fund or bond 5) Show workers' comp. (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the NYC DCWP website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: NYC only: search DCWP's license search for the contractor, or call 311. Outside NYC, check with your county consumer affairs office. (source: NYC DCWP license search (opens in a new tab), source: NYC DCWP: Quick tips when hiring a home improvement contractor (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection sources. See sources.
Step by step
- Apply to DCWP Apply for the Home Improvement Contractor license with the documents on DCWP's checklist. (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
- Get fingerprinted Principals and 10%+ owners are fingerprinted through IdentoGO. (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
- Pass the exam Book through ExamBuilder and pass within 60 days. (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
- Trust Fund or bond Enroll in the Trust Fund ($200) or file a $20,000 surety bond. (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
- Show workers' comp Provide a workers' comp certificate or exemption. ACORD forms are not accepted. (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
The exam
An exam is required. Exams are run by ExamBuilder. (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
- 30 questions; you need at least 21 correct. You have 60 days from application processing to pass. (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
- One owner, officer or 10%+ shareholder must pass. (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
Costs and fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| NYC license, filed 1 Mar to 31 Aug in an odd year License expires 28 Feb of the next odd year. Fee is lower later in the cycle ($150, $100 or $50). | $200 (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab)) |
| Home Improvement Business Trust Fund enrollment Or file a $20,000 surety bond instead. | $200 (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab)) |
| Exam retake (2 more attempts) The license fee covers up to 2 exam attempts. | $50 (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab)) |
Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.
Bonds and insurance
Bond: Not required. NYC: join the Trust Fund ($200) or file a $20,000 surety bond naming DCWP. (source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
- Statewide, deposits taken before the job is substantially complete must go into a New York bank escrow account within 5 business days, or the contractor must give you a bond or contract of indemnity within 10 business days. (source: NY Attorney General: Home Improvement Fact Sheet (opens in a new tab))
- Workers' comp: NYC applicants must show New York workers' comp coverage or an exemption certificate.
(source: NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab))
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- NYC DCWP: Home Improvement Contractor license checklist (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- NYC DCWP license search (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- NYC DCWP: Quick tips when hiring a home improvement contractor (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- NYC311: Home Improvement Contractor License Check (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- NY Attorney General: Home Improvement Fact Sheet (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
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