United States · Licensing examDoes New York have a state contractor license?
The Attorney General's fact sheet describes only local licenses, in the city and counties named above. What the state does set is a home improvement law for the whole state. It covers jobs over $500 bought by homeowners, co-op owners and tenants. The Attorney General's fact sheet says the contract must be in writing, in plain language, with your contact details, rough start and finish dates, the work and materials, and the price. The customer gets a copy before work starts and can cancel in writing until midnight of the third business day after signing.
Money you take before the job is substantially done goes into an escrow account at a New York bank within five business days, and you tell the customer where it is within ten. A bond or contract of indemnity can replace escrow.
NYC home improvement contractor license exam
You need the license for construction, repair, remodeling or other home improvement work on residential land or buildings in New York City, including basements, driveways, fences, patios, pools and sidewalks. One owner, partner, officer, principal, director, member or 10% shareholder takes the exam, and DCWP confirms who.
The exam has 30 questions, and you need 21 right. You take it at an ExamBuilder test center, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day; book online or at (646) 974-8244 within 60 days of your details reaching ExamBuilder. The application fee covers two attempts, and a $50 retake fee buys two more.
NYC license fees, and the trust fund or bond
The license lasts two years and expires on February 28 of odd-numbered years, so the fee depends on when you apply:
| You apply | Fee |
|---|---|
| March 1 to August 31, odd year | $200 |
| September 1, odd year, to end of February | $150 |
| March 1 to August 31, even year | $100 |
| September 1, even year, to February 28 | $50 for 6 months, or $250 for 30 months |
You also join the Home Improvement Business Trust Fund for $200 or file a $20,000 surety bond naming DCWP. Workers' compensation proof is required too, or a state certificate of exemption. Card payments add a 2% fee.
Is there an NYC general contractor license exam?
The Department of Buildings runs a General Contractor Registration, and its page lists no exam. Registration is for contractors building one-, two- and three-family homes, who need it for New Building permits. You must be 18 or older, pass a background check, show three months of business bank statements with an ending balance of $25,000 each, and carry at least $1 million of general liability insurance, plus workers' compensation and disability coverage.
Sources: New York Attorney General · NYC DCWP · NYC Buildings. Checked October 2026.
- New York Attorney General: Home improvement fact sheet ↗
- NYC DCWP: Home improvement contractor license checklist ↗
- NYC Buildings: Obtain a General Contractor Registration ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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