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Before you submit your application
You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. More info
- Although DCWP does not require submission of your Business Certificate in order to process your application, DCWP may request this document under section 20-104 of the New York City Administrative Code.
- Sole proprietors operating under a name other than your own must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
- Partnerships must have a Partnership Certificate and, if applicable, an Assumed Name Certificate for your business.
- Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships must register and remain active with the New York State Division of Corporations. You can check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.
Complete the Basic License Application. More info
The business must provide their New York State Sales Tax Identification Number or Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation Number on the Basic License Application .
Applicant must provide one proof of business address. More info
- Acceptable proofs of business address include: a utility bill, dated within the last 90 days (telephone, gas, electric, cable, or water); a current lease or deed in the name of either the business or individual listed on license application; a current rent or mortgage bill; or a current license or permit issued by New York State or another New York City government agency that shows your business address.
Each individual listed on the license application must provide proof of home address. More info
- Acceptable proofs of home address include: a utility bill, dated within the last 90 days (telephone, gas, electric, cable, or water); a current lease or deed; a current rent or mortgage bill; a driver's license; or if individual lives at another person's address, a letter signed by the leaseholder indicating that the individual lives at the address and one proof of home address (as mentioned prior) with the leaseholder's name.
Applicant must submit proof of workers' compensation insurance information. More info
- Acceptable proofs include:
- A copy of an insurance certificate for workers' compensation insurance from a private insurance carrier or the New York State Insurance Fund Office. The Insurance Certificate must name the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection as the certificate holder and include the Department’s address: 42 Broadway, New York, NY 10004.
- A Certificate of Attestation of Exemption from the New York State Workers' Compensation Board (WCB), if business claims exemption from the requirement to hold workers’ compensation insurance.
Applicant must submit proof of EPA Certification AND/OR Signed Affirmation. More info
- Acceptable proofs include:
- Copies of EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification AND EPA Lead-Based Paint Activities certification (also known as Lead Abatement certification). Certifications must include name, EPA certificate number, and EPA certificate expiration date. OR
- Copy of either EPA RRP certification or EPA Lead Abatement certification AND signed Home Improvement Contractor Affirmation indicating that the other EPA certification is not required for any home improvement work performed by the applicant. OR
- Signed Home Improvement Contractor Affirmation indicating that both EPA certifications (RRP; Lead Abatement) are not required for any home improvement work performed by the applicant.
For more information about the EPA certificates, visit epa.gov/lead.
Complete the Trust Fund Enrollment form and pay applicable fee. If business does not want to enroll in the Trust Fund, the business must submit a copy of a $20,000 surety bond (or third party bond), properly signed. More info
- The copy of the bond must name the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection as the Certificate Holder. The business name and address on the bond must match the information provided in the license application. The business must also submit a copy of the bond receipt showing that the bond has been paid in full and does not expire before the end of the licensing period. A list of bonding companies is available at the link here.
Complete the Contractual Compliance Agreement.
If the license application will be filed by someone other than the applicant, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
All Sole Proprietors, General Partners, Corporate Officers, Principals, Directors, Members, and Shareholders owning 10% or more of company stock must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to be fingerprinted. More info
- Visit uenroll.identogo.com. Enter Service Code and Agency ID. Service Code is 1585BH. Agency ID is the numbers only from Application Number. Application Number is on your receipt or confirmation letter when you apply online. Example: For Application Number 1234567-2023-AHIC, enter only 12345672023 as Agency ID. Follow the instructions and pay the required fee(s). IMPORTANT: Anyone required to be fingerprinted should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to complete this requirement.
List of Fees. More info
- $100: License Fee for applicants who file for a new Home Improvement Contractor License from March 1 of years that end in an odd number to August 31 of years that end in an odd number.
- $75: License Fee for applicants who file for a new Home Improvement Contractor License from September 1 of years that end in an odd number to February 28 or 29 of years that end in an even number.
- $50: License Fee for applicants who file for a new Home Improvement Contractor License from March 1 of years that end in an even number to August 31 of years that end in an even number.
- $25: License Fee for applicants who file for a new Home Improvement Contractor License from September 1 of years that end in an even number to February 28 of years that end in an odd number.
- $200: Trust Fund Enrollment Fee.
- $50: Home Improvement Contractor Exam Fee.
- Fingerprint Processing Fee per person.
- Non-Refundable Convenience Fee for paying with a credit card.
- $100: License Renewal Fee.
List of accepted payment methods. More info
- Check (Payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in person application submissions.)
- Money Order (Payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in person application submissions.)
- Credit card including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.
Ready to Apply?
Steps to apply online:
After submitting an application online, print a copy of the Confirmation Page. The Confirmation Page will list the additional steps and materials required to complete the application. These materials are also listed above and must be submitted within five business days of filing the application online if they were not uploaded as part of the online application submission.
Steps to apply in person:
Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment.