New York City General Contractor & Home Improvement License (2026)
Most NYC residential GCs need BOTH a DOB General Contractor Registration (new 1–3 family work) and a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor License (alteration/renovation). New York has no state-level GC license.
GC Registration (DOB)
Issued by NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) — Licensing & Exams Unit · (212) 393-2259
Fees
- Registration$300
- Renewal (3 years)$240
- Late renewal surcharge$50
Exam: Not required. No written exam; background investigation required.
Experience: Required. Statement of financial solvency (operating capital > $25,000) and a five-year principal business location history per NYC Admin Code §28-418.3.
Bond: No surety bond required. No surety bond for DOB GC Registration. Source
Insurance: General liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence minimum. Workers' comp: Per NY law; plus Disability Benefits insurance. City of New York named Additional Insured. Submitted via DOB NOW. Source
For new 1-2-3 family homes. Single $300 registration fee (an earlier agent pass duplicated it as $300 application + $300 license).
Home Improvement Contractor (DCWP)
Issued by NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) · (212) 393-2259
Fees
- License$100
Exam: Required. 30-question Home Improvement exam.
Bond: Not yet verified against a primary document.
Insurance: Not yet verified against a primary document.
For alteration/renovation of existing homes. Most residential GCs need this in addition to the DOB registration. The DOB regime above was human-verified in the pilot; the DCWP figures here were captured from a checklist page, not a primary doc — pending verification (batch: $20,000 bond OR $200 Trust Fund enrollment).
How to get licensed in New York City
- Meet the experience requirement. Statement of financial solvency (operating capital > $25,000) and a five-year principal business location history per NYC Admin Code §28-418.3.
- Obtain the required insurance coverage and provide a certificate.
- Submit your application and fees to NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) — Licensing & Exams Unit.
- Renew the license every 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in New York City?
Most NYC residential GCs need BOTH a DOB General Contractor Registration (new 1–3 family work) and a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor License (alteration/renovation). New York has no state-level GC license.
How much does a contractor license cost in New York City?
The license fee is $300.
Is an exam required for a New York City contractor license?
No, New York City does not require an exam for this license.
Do I need a bond for a New York City contractor license?
No. New York City does not require a surety bond for this license.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in New York— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Related pages
Last verified 2026-06-10 · Operator-verified