A person or business must have a Home Improvement Contractor license if engaged in the construction, repair, remodeling, or addition to any land or building used as a residence. Before Applying you must obtain all applicable business certificates based on your business’s legal structure
Application Requirements (there are a few links below that will redirect you to a PDF file. You may print and complete them if you are applying in person or you may fill it out online if you are applying online)
- Business Certificates
- Basic License Application
- Sales tax I.D. number OR Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation number
- Proof of business address
- Proof of home address
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance or Proof of Exemption
- DCA Trust Fund Enrollment OR Copy of Surety Bond, properly signed (bonding companies)
- Roster of Employees
- Contractual Compliance Agreement
- Home Improvement Contractor Exam and Exam Fee
- Fingerprints and Processing Fee
- Child Support Certification Form
- Granting Authority to Act Affirmation
- License fee (varies)
Additional City or State Requirements
- If you solicit, negotiate, or offer to negotiate a home improvement contract with a property owner, you must also obtain a Home Improvement Salesperson License.
- Sidewalk work requires a permit from the New York City Department of Transportation or contact 311
- Home Improvements that require plumbing, electrical work, pointing or extensions to a residence require a permit from the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). Note: only Home Improvement Contractors licensed by DCA can apply for DOB permits.
- If you plan to haul or transport waste resulting from your business operations, you must obtain a Class One Self Hauler Registration from the New York City Business Integrity Commission