How to Verify a Contractor License in New York

Understanding New York's Complex Licensing System

New York has one of the most fragmented contractor licensing systems in the country. There is no single state-level general contractor license. Instead, licensing is handled at the city, county, and town level, with each jurisdiction setting its own requirements. This means a contractor licensed in New York City may not be licensed to work in Nassau County, and vice versa.

New York City has the most comprehensive requirements through the Department of Buildings (DOB). The city requires licenses for general contractors, plumbers, electricians, fire suppression contractors, and other trades. Each license type has its own examination and experience requirements.

Outside New York City, requirements vary dramatically. Some counties like Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk have their own contractor licensing requirements. Many upstate areas have minimal or no local contractor licensing. This patchwork system makes verification more important — and more complicated — than in most other states.

NYC Contractor Licensing Requirements

If your project is in New York City, the DOB licensing system is your primary verification source. The major license types include General Contractor, licensed to perform general construction work in the city. Licensed Master Plumber, required for any plumbing work. Licensed Master Electrician, required for electrical installations and repairs. Registered General Contractor, a newer category with different requirements than the traditional license.

NYC also requires home improvement contractors to register with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) under the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license. This is separate from the DOB construction license and specifically covers residential renovation work. The HIC number should appear on all contracts and advertisements.

How to Verify Using LicensedCheck

LicensedCheck includes New York City licensing data covering contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other regulated professionals. Search the New York professionals page to quickly check a contractor's license status, type, and history.

Because New York licensing is so fragmented, LicensedCheck is particularly valuable — it saves you from having to navigate multiple city and county databases to verify a single contractor.

How to Verify Through Government Sources

For NYC projects, use the DOB's Building Information Search (BIS) at nyc.gov/buildings to verify construction licenses. For home improvement contractors in NYC, check the DCWP's license verification tool.

For projects outside NYC, contact your local building department or county clerk's office. Westchester County maintains a home improvement contractor registry. Suffolk and Nassau counties on Long Island have their own licensing requirements. Many upstate municipalities handle contractor oversight through their local building departments.

For state-licensed trades, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) licenses engineers and architects, while the Department of State handles real estate professionals. These can be verified through the NYSED Office of the Professions website.

Protecting Yourself in New York

Given the patchwork licensing system, New York homeowners need to be especially diligent. Always verify that a contractor is licensed in your specific jurisdiction — not just "in New York." Ask for and verify proof of insurance, including general liability with at least $1 million in coverage and workers' compensation.

For any project in NYC, make sure your contractor pulls the proper permits through the DOB. Never agree to a contractor's suggestion to skip permits to save money or time — unpermitted work can result in fines, forced removal of the work, and problems when you try to sell your home.

New York's Home Improvement Contract Law requires written contracts for any home improvement work over $500, must include specific disclosures, and gives homeowners a three-day right to cancel. Make sure your contract complies with these requirements.