New York Contractor License Lookup
New York State does not license home improvement or general contractors. New York City, Buffalo and Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties require local licenses. See the state rules for trades and where to check a license. Runs in your browser; nothing is stored.
New York rules checked against official sources on October 25, 2026.
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Labor and materials together, in dollars. Leave it blank to see the state's dollar limits.
New York: Remodel, repair or home improvement
New York does not license this work statewide.
New York has no state home improvement or general contractor license. If you live in New York City, Buffalo, or Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam or Rockland county, the contractor needs a local license. Elsewhere, check with your city or town. Source
City and county licenses: In New York City, a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is required for residential work costing more than $200. It does not cover new home construction, plumbing or purely electrical work. Source
This summarises state rules from official sources. Only the board's own record can confirm one contractor's license. Checked October 25, 2026.
How New York licenses contractors
New York State does not license home improvement or general contractors. New York City, Buffalo and Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties require local licenses. NY Attorney General consumer guidance
In New York City, a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is required for residential work costing more than $200. It does not cover new home construction, plumbing or purely electrical work. (source)
Rules by type of work
Remodel, repair or home improvement
New York has no state home improvement or general contractor license. If you live in New York City, Buffalo, or Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam or Rockland county, the contractor needs a local license. Elsewhere, check with your city or town. NY Attorney General; NY Department of State license list
Building a new home
New York has no state license for home builders. Check local licensing and building permit rules with your city, town or county. NY Attorney General; NY Department of State license list
Electrical work, plumbing and HVAC
We could not confirm a statewide New York rule for this work from official sources. Ask the contractor which license covers it, check that license with the agency that issued it, and ask your city or county building department.
Roofing
New York has no state roofing license. Roofers doing home improvement work need a local license in the cities and counties that require one. NY Attorney General; NY Department of State license list
What this tool does not do
- It does not check any one contractor. Only the board's own record shows whether a license is active and what it covers.
- It covers state rules. Cities and counties can add their own licenses and permits, and the tool cannot list every local rule.
- It does not decide whether a contractor broke the law or what you can recover. For a dispute, contact the board or a lawyer.
- It does not cover every specialty trade a state licenses (for example pest control, elevators or well drilling).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I look up a contractor license in New York?
New York has no statewide license search for general contractors. Ask your city or county building department which license the job needs and how to check it.
Does New York require a general contractor license?
New York has no state home improvement or general contractor license. If you live in New York City, Buffalo, or Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam or Rockland county, the contractor needs a local license. Elsewhere, check with your city or town.
Sources
Checked against official New York sources on October 25, 2026.
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