New York General Contractor License: Get Licensed to Work

Do you need a general contractor license in New York?

Yes, you need a general contractor license to operate in many regions of the State of New York. However, contractor licensing happens at the county and city levels, so before you begin a project, you will need to determine the specific requirements for the region in which you want to work.

In New York, general contractors are called home improvement contractors. Any person or business involved in construction, remodeling, repair, modernization, or other home improvement work in these regions must obtain a home improvement contractor license.

Types of contractor licenses in New York

There are several types of general contractor licenses available in New York for corporations, but for individuals, the most common license type in most regions is the home improvement contractor license.

This guide will focus on the requirements to get your home improvement contractor license in the counties of Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland, and in New York City and the city of Buffalo.

How do I get a general contractor license in New York?

The process and requirements to get a home improvement contractor license change depending on where you want to work in New York. 

Suffolk County

To become licensed in Suffolk County, you must complete these steps:

1. Fill out the application 
2. Pass a multiple-choice written Home Improvement exam
3. Submit a certificate of liability insurance that covers at least $500,000 in bodily injury and property damage combined
4. Obtain a workers’ compensation certificate or an exemption if you have no other employees
5. Pay the $200 application fee

Mail all required documents and fees to the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing & Consumer Affairs at the following address:

P.O. Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099

Nassau County

To become licensed in Nassau County, follow these steps:

1. Complete the application and have it notarized
2. Provide a filing report that describes your type of business
3. Apply for a Federal Employer’s Identification Number (FEIN)
4. Show completion of an RRP Lead Course and any other certifications
5. Submit a certificate of liability insurance that covers at least $300,000 in bodily injury and property damage combined
6. Obtain a workers’ compensation certificate or an exemption if you have no other employees
7. Pay the licensing fee of $650.00

Mail all required documents and fees to the Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs at:

240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501 

Westchester County

To become licensed in Westchester County, you must:

1. Complete the application and have it notarized
2. Provide proof of your business name
3. Complete and notarize a child support certification form
4. Submit a certificate of liability insurance
5. Obtain a workers’ compensation certificate or an exemption if you have no other employees
6. Provide copies of your driver’s license and vehicle registrations
7. Pay the application fee of $500 (optional additional $75 fee to expedite)

Your application and fees should be mailed to the Department of Consumer Protection at:

148 Martine Ave #407
White Plains, NY 10601

Putnam County

Complete the following steps to become licensed in Putnam County:

1. Complete the application, including the scope of work checklist
2. Submit a copy of your certified business certificate
3. Submit a certificate of liability insurance
4. Obtain a workers’ compensation certificate or an exemption if you have no other employees
5. Obtain a license and permit bond for $25,000
6. Complete a child support form
7. Provide copies of your driver’s license, vehicle registrations, and any home improvement licenses held in other municipalities
8. Email a photo of yourself to [email protected]
9. Pay the registration fee of $300

Mail all required documents and fees to the County of Putnam Office of Consumer Affairs at:

110 Old Route 6 Bldg. 3
Carmel, NY 10512 

Rockland County

To become licensed in Rockland County, you must complete these steps:

1. Complete the application and have it notarized
2. Complete the experience record (included in the application) and have it notarized
3. Complete a child support certification and have it notarized
4. Sit for a General Contractor’s examination
5. Provide a certified copy of your Rockland County Business Certificate or other filing receipt
6. Provide a copy of your driver’s license and vehicle registrations
7. Submit a certificate of liability insurance
8. Obtain a workers’ compensation certificate of insurance and a disability certificate of insurance
9. Provide two letters of reference regarding your experience
10. Pay the application fee of $325

Mail all required documents and fees to the Consumer Protection/Weights & Measures at: 

50 Sanatorium Road, Building A, 8th Floor 
Pomona, NY 10970 

New York City

To become licensed in New York City, you must:

1. Complete the basic license application
2. Obtain a Sales Tax Identification Number (or an application confirmation number) from www.businessexpress.ny.gov
3. Provide proof of your business address and your home address
4. Obtain a workers’ compensation certificate of insurance and a disability certificate of insurance
5. Provide proof of certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) related to safe lead practices and/or a signed affirmation indicating lead abatement is not part of the work you perform
6. Show proof of enrollment in the Department of Consumer and Work Protection (DCWP) Trust Fund ($200 fee) or a copy of a $20,000 surety bond
7. Complete and sign the contractual compliance agreement
8. Schedule and take the Home Improvement exam 
9. Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting and pay the required fees
10. Sign the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation, if applicable
11. Pay the appropriate license fee

More information about the licensing requirements and how to file online can be found in this document. To file in person, schedule an appointment at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center at:

42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004

City of Buffalo

In Buffalo, two categories of individual licenses can be issued:

• Handyman
• Construction manager

And six categories of licenses can be issued for corporations: 

• Specialty contractor
• Light commercial contractor
• Demolition contractor
• Sub-contractor
• New housing contractor
• General contractor

More information about the duties of each type of license can be found in the contractor application.

To become licensed in the City of Buffalo, complete the following steps:

1. Complete the contractor application
2. Provide proof of your business name
3. Obtain a certificate of general liability insurance that covers at least $50,000 in total for a Handyman or Construction manager; $500,000 in total for a Specialty, Light commercial, Sub-contractor, or New Housing contractor; and $2,000,000 in total for a Demolition or General contractor 
4. Obtain a workers’ compensation certificate or an exemption if you have no other employees
5. Secure a Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) certification
6. Sign a City of Buffalo home improvement contract
7. Provide a copy of your driver’s license
8. Provide copies of any specific trade certifications you have, if applicable
9. Pay the appropriate application fee for the type of license you are applying for (ranges from $225 to $900)

Mail all required documents and fees to the City of Buffalo, Department of Permit & Inspection Services, Office of Licenses at:

65 Niagara Square — City Hall, Room 301
Buffalo, NY 14202

New York general contractor exam

If you are planning to work in Suffolk or Rockland County, or New York City, you will be required to take a home improvement contractor exam after your application is submitted and approved. 

No exam is currently required in Nassau, Westchester, or Putnam Counties, or the City of Buffalo. However, exam requirements can change, so to be compliant, always check with the county or city in which you plan to work.

Suffolk County 

The exam in Suffolk County is based on the Home Improvement Law (Chapter 563, Articles I & II) as well as Article 36-A of the New York State (NYS) General Business Law. If you request a paper application, a copy of the law will be mailed with your application. If you download the application, be sure to download the law as well. 

The 25 questions on the examination are in true/ false and multiple-choice format, and the exam fee is included in the application fee of $200. Other frequently asked questions can be found on the Suffolk County website.

Rockland County

The written exam in Rockland County is offered in English and Spanish and is scheduled after your submitted application is determined to be complete.

For more details, contact the Department of Consumer Protection/Weights & Measures at (845) 364-3952 or (845) 364-3901.

New York City 

In New York City, the Home Improvement Contractor exam will cover the following:

• The basics of the city’s home improvement business law
• Contracts and cancellations
• Advertising and selling practices
• General industry and business knowledge

You can schedule online to take the exam at one of six testing locations. The fee is $50. The exam consists of 30 questions, and you must answer a minimum of 21 questions correctly to pass. Other frequently asked questions about the exam can be found here. 

Does New York reciprocate general contractor licenses?

Reciprocal license agreements let professionals from out of state apply directly for a general contractor license.

However, since licensing is not conducted at the state level in New York, individual rules about reciprocity per county or municipality can exist.

That means if you’re a licensed home improvement contractor in a different state or one part of New York and are considering working in another region, you’ll need to contact the local government office responsible for contractor licensing and see if they honor licenses from other counties or municipalities.

How much does a general contractor license cost in New York?

You can expect to pay between $200 and $900 for your home improvement contractor license in New York.

Location	Description of Fees
Suffolk County	• $200 application/exam fee • $500 for a two-year license and Restitution Fund
Nassau County	• $650 for a two-year license and restitution
Westchester County	• $500 for a two-year license
Putnam County	•$300 for a two-year license and vehicle decals
Rockland County	• $325 initial licensing fee • $225 annual renewal fee
New York City	• $200 DWCP Trust enrollment fee • $50 exam fee • Between $25 and $125 for a 6- to 30-month license, depending on the date of application filing • Fingerprinting fees
City of Buffalo	• Between $225 and $900 for a license, depending on the classification

Renewing your general contractor license

In most cases, renewal fees will be equal to or less than the original licensing fee, but be sure to check in with the appropriate county or city to confirm their fees and renewal requirements.

Expiration dates will also vary. For instance, licenses expire on February 28 of odd years in New York City but are based upon the date of issue in other locations. There are no continuing education requirements for home improvement contractors in New York. 

How to start a contracting business in New York

New York offers guidance to people looking to start their own businesses in the state. You can learn about:

• Different business types, such as sole proprietorships and business corporations
• How to register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS
• How to set up an NY.Gov ID to apply for new licenses and manage existing licenses and permits
• How to apply for required insurance policies

The New York Small Business Development Center even offers free counseling, training, and research help.

Once you have the proper business designations set up, you can begin signing contracts with clients and putting your new license to work.

To make sure your business is successful, you’ll also want to think about:

• Pricing your services appropriately
• Securing financing and setting up an accounting system
• Finding the necessary equipment and product suppliers
• Setting up general contracting business software
• Creating a sales strategy
• Generating leads for your general contractor business 

See our library of free contracting business resources to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success.

Does a general contractor license in New York increase your earning potential?

Yes, getting your general contractor license in New York definitely increases your earning potential because, without it, you cannot contract for home improvement work that exceeds $500 in scope.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction managers in New York State have some of the best salaries in the country, with an average hourly mean wage of $71.61 and $148,960 annually..