How to Get a NYC Home Improvement Contractor License
This New York City home improvement contractor license guide is for informational purposes only. SuretyBonds.com does not regulate or manage licensing for home improvement contractors in New York City. Contact the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for the state's latest official home improvement contractor license requirements.
To get a New York City Home Improvement Contractor license, you’ll need to submit an application, pass the city exam, and provide required documents, like proof of a surety bond.
In this guide, we’ll outline the eight steps you need to take to become a New York City home improvement contractor, including fees, timelines, and helpful links.
Who Needs a Home Improvement Contractor License?
The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) requires a home improvement contractor (HIC) license for people and businesses that “do construction, repair, remodeling, or other home improvement work to any residential land or building in New York City.”
As a New York City-licensed HIC, you can offer construction repair, replacement, and improvement services for residential properties:
- Basements
- Driveways/sidewalks
- Fences
- Garages
- Landscaping
- Patio/porches
- Swimming pools
- Terraces
Without a license, you cannot legally perform any of these types of work for homes or apartments.
Required License Application Documents/Information
Here’s a quick checklist of all the key documents and information you’ll need to submit for your HIC license application in New York City:
- Home Improvement Contractor License Application Form
- Sales Tax ID or Application Confirmation Number
- Proof of Business and Home Address
- Proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance
- Proof of EPA Certification or Signed Affirmation
- Copy of $20,000 Surety Bond Form or DCWP Trust Fund Enrollment Form
- Signed Contractual Compliance Agreement
How to Become an HIC Contractor in NYC
Follow the eight steps below to apply for and obtain your New York City home improvement contractor license.
Step 1: Apply for Certificate of Authority
First, request a Certificate of Authority online from the New York State Business Express. This will allow you to collect sales tax and obtain your sales tax identification number. When you apply for the license, you must submit your sales tax ID or your application confirmation number as proof of registration.
Step 2: Get insurance or prove exemption
Submit one of the following documents as proof of your workers' compensation insurance coverage or exemption from the requirement:
- An insurance certificate for workers’ compensation insurance. The certificate must name the DCWP as the certificate holder and include the Department’s address.
- A certificate of attestation of exemption from the State Workers’ Compensation Board.
Note: ACORD forms don't count as proof of insurance.
Step 3: Gather EPA certification documents
Submit one of the following EPA certification documents depending on the type of home improvement work you or your business offer:
- Copies of your EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RPR) certification and EPA Lead Abatement certification
- Copies of either your EPA RRP certification or EPA Lead Abatement certification, plus a signed copy of your Home Improvement Contractor Affirmation that indicates the other certification isn't required.
- A signed copy of your Home Improvement Contractor Affirmation that indicates both EPA certifications aren't required.
Step 4: File a $20,000 surety bond
Next, provide proof of financial responsibility to uphold NYC home improvement laws, rules and regulations by either filing a $20,000 surety bond or enrolling in the DCWP Trust Fund.
You can buy your NYC HIC bond instantly online for $100 from a licensed surety agency like SuretyBonds.com. Or, you can pay $200 and open a trust fund with DCWP.
Tip: Make sure your Doing-Business-As (DBA) name and business address is identical on all documents.
Step 5: Review the contractual compliance checklist
Before submitting your application review the city’s two contractual compliance checklists linked below:
- NYC Home Improvement Contractor Contractual Compliance Checklist
- Home Improvement Contractor Sample Estimate, Contract, Notice of Cancellation, and Change Order Form
Ensure that your home improvement customer contract documents meet legal requirements.
Step 6: Submit the license application
To start your application, create an account on the NYC DCWP website. Complete the form and attach all supporting documents, including the following:
- Proof of business & home addresses (with your name listed)
- Surety bond form/proof of DCWP trust fund
- Insurance certificate or exemption waiver
- EPA certification documents
You’ll also pay a prorated license fee based on the application date.
Step 7: Pass the Home Improvement Exam
Once your application is approved, one company owner/license applicant must take the Home Improvement Exam using the record ID provided by the DCWP.
Schedule an appointment through ExamBuilder and pay the $50 exam fee. Pass by answering 21 out of 30 questions correctly. Be sure to complete the exam within 60 days of the application approval.
Step 8: Submit fingerprints
Finally, all license applicants and any stakeholders with 10% or more ownership in the company must complete a fingerprint-based background check. Use service code 1585BH and enter the application number from your confirmation letter to enroll through IndentoGO. From there, set up your fingerprinting appointment and pay the required fees.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Home Improvement License in NYC?
The home improvement contractor license application fee varies depending on when you file your application:
- March 1–August 31 of odd years: $100 license fee
- September 1–February 28/29 of even years: $75 license fee
- March 1–August 31 of even years: $50 license fee
- September 1 of even years–February 28 of odd years: $25 license fee
Or, you can pay $125 for a license that will expire on February 28th of the next even year. See the full list of new HIC license-related fees in the table below.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $100 for a 2-year term |
| Exam Fee | $50 |
| Surety Bond Premium | $100 for a 1-year term |
You’ll also need to pay a $30–$40 fingerprinting fee to IdentoGO and the worker’s compensation insurance policy premium during the initial licensing process.
How to Renew Your NYC HIC License
You can renew your DCWP license online, by mail, or in-person. Home improvement contractor licenses expire on February 28th of odd-numbered years. For example, if you got your NYC HIC license in January 2026, it would expire on February 28, 2027.
The DCWP will mail you a license renewal application with instructions. Submit your renewal application, required documents, and payment for the renewal fee at least 15 days before your license expires. Make sure the surety bond you have on file is renewed as well.
More New York City Contractor Licensing FAQs
What are the acceptable ways to prove my address?
If you're applying for a business home improvement contractor license, you must submit a copy of one of the following documents with the name of your business or the name listed on your basic NYC HIC license application.
- Current lease/deed
- Current rent/mortgage bill
- Insurance document/bill
- Utility bill from the past 90 days
- Correspondence from a government agency
- Current license/permit/certificate issued by a government agency
Every individual listed on the application must also provide a copy of one of the following documents in their name:
- Current rent/mortgage bill
- Driver’s license
- Insurance document/bill
- Municipal ID card
- Utility bill from the past 90 days
- Correspondence from a government agency
- Current license/permit/certificate issued by a government agency
- College/school correspondence
How many questions are in the NYC home improvement exam?
There are 30 multiple choice questions in the New York City home improvement contractor licensing exam. You must get 21 questions correct to pass. ExamBuilder will provide your exam results to both you and DCWP.
You can find an exam guide on the NYC Business Toolbox page to help you prepare.
Does a handyman need a license in NYC?
Yes, if the handyman is performing home improvement work.
New York City rules are quite strict, making it difficult for most handy persons to work without any licensing. However, handymen are exempt from needing a home improvement license to do work only if it is under $200. If you’re doing plumbing, electrical, or other specialty work, you’ll need a specific permit from the city.
There is no statewide New York handyman license requirement. Each city and county sets its own regulations.
Do I need additional permits to work in NYC?
You may need additional permits for certain projects or types of home improvement work.
- Sidewalk construction work requires a NYC DOT permit.
- Home elevation requires a Department of Buildings inspection and permit.
- Waste hauling or transportation related to contractor operations requires a Class One Self Hauler Registration from the NYC Business Integrity Commission.
- Electrical and plumbing work both require permits from the Department of Buildings.
Be sure to review city code and contact the NYC Department of Buildings or other relevant department before starting any new type of work or project.
How do I contact the New York City DCWP?
The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) offers in-person licensing services by appointment only at their Manhattan and Queens locations.
To contact the Department about scheduling a licensing appointment:
Email: [email protected].
Call: (212) 436-0441
To contact the department about your online license application:
Email: [email protected]
Call: (212) 487-4075
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
