Key takeaways
- NYC DCWP HIC license: residential work over $200.
- HIC does not cover new construction, plumbing or electrical.
- Outside NYC, licensing is mostly by county or city.
- Check workers' comp coverage with the NY WCB.
NYC: DCWP license
Verify a home improvement contractor with NYC DCWP. Applicants must pass an exam and show workers' comp coverage.
Open NYC DCWP →Rest of New York State
Check with your county or city licensing office; trades such as plumbing and electrical are usually licensed locally.
Verify before you hire
Status, expiry and (in CA) bond and workers' comp — from official data.
Hiring checklist
Hiring a NY contractor
- DCWP license (NYC) or local license
- Workers' comp certificate
- GL certificate
- Written contract