How to open a Contractor Business
Any person or business engaged in the construction, repair, remodeling or addition to any land or building used as a residence in New York City must have a Home Improvement Contractor license. Included under this contractor license is the construction, replacement or improvement of driveways, landscaping, terraces, patios, swimming pools, fences, porches, garages and basements. Also included are other improvements to structures build on land that is adjacent to a home or apartment building.
General contractors looking to get new building permits for one-, two- and three-
family homes must register with the Department of Buildings and meet the following
minimum qualifications:
family homes must register with the Department of Buildings and meet the following
minimum qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years or older
- Be able to read, write and understand the English language
- Have good moral character so not as to adversely impact your ability to perform
the duties and responsibilities of a general contractor
Once you have verified that you meet the above qualifications, you must visit the
Licensing Unit in person and bring the below original documentation with you. For
additional information, please read the LIC6 license application instructions for
additional information.
Licensing Unit in person and bring the below original documentation with you. For
additional information, please read the LIC6 license application instructions for
additional information.
Licensing Unit Location Information:
Below is the location information for the Licensing Unit.
The Unit is open Monday through Friday from 1:30pm-3:30pm for general contractor registration.
Licensing Unit
NYC Department of Buildings
280 Broadway, 6th floor
New York, NY 10007
Required Documentation:
- Typed, completed and notarized LIC6 license application form
- Notarized letter listing the name, home address, home phone number, social
security number and percent of ownership for all corporate officers, partners and
any stakeholders
- Original proof of Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Tax
Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- The last three consecutive business bank statements for your company or a
notarized letter from your company’s bank stating your company has had an
average balance of at least $25,000 for the past three months
- Your original general liability insurance policy (you must have a $1 million
minimum policy), workers’ compensation certificate and disability insurance
certificate
- Primary Principal’s original photo ID (original driver’s license, original non-driver’s
ID, original birth certificate, current passport or current green card)
- Primary principal’s original Social Security Card
-
Primary principal’s proof of home residence (utility bill, bank statement, deed or
lease)
Note: Cell phone and credit card bills will not be accepted
-
Proof of business address (utility bill, bank statement, deed or lease)
Note: Cell phone and credit card bills will not be accepted
Additional Requirements for Corporations
All corporations must provide the following documentation in addition to the above
required documentation in Step 2:
- A certified copy of your corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation from the New
York State Department - A copy of your corporation’s Filing Receipt or Certificate of Good Standing
- A copy of your corporation’s minutes stating the names of the corporation’s
elected officers and the time, date and location of the meeting
Additional Requirements for Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
All LLCs must provide the following documentation in addition to the above required
documentation in Step 2:
documentation in Step 2:
- A copy of your LLC’s Filing Receipt or Certificate of Good Standing
- A certified copy of your LLC’s Articles of Organization from the New York State Department of State
- A copy of your LLC’s minutes stating the names of the LLC’ selected officers and
the time, date and location of the meeting
Additional Requirements for PartnershipsAll partnerships must provide the following documentation in addition to the above required documentation in Step 2:
• Your partnership’s Certificate of Partnership stating all present officers and their percentage of ownership
Additional Requirements for Individuals with a Business Name (Sole Proprietors)
All individuals with a business name (sole proprietors) must provide the following documentation in addition to the above required documentation in Step 2:
• A copy of your Business Certificate from the County Clerk
Return to the Department’s Licensing Unit after you receive your letter in the mail notifying you that your application has been processed. Upon returning with your letter you will be given your registration card and be required to make the designated payment.