New York Contractor License Verification
Verify contractor licenses through the New York Department of State and NYC Department of Buildings — and automatically cross-reference against public enforcement and violation records. One search across state and city sources.
NYSDOS
NY licensing authority
<10s
Avg verification time
11
States searched simultaneously
Multi
Jurisdiction records checked
State, city, and county — New York has all three
New York has one of the most complex contractor licensing environments in the country. Licensing authority is split between the NY Department of State (NYSDOS) for statewide Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) licensing, the NYC Department of Buildings for city contractor registration, and county programs in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester.
The NYSDOS Home Improvement Contractor license is required under General Business Law Article 36-A for most residential repair, renovation, and construction work statewide. Separate licenses apply to electricians, plumbers, and other regulated trades.
In New York City, the DOB requires its own contractor registration — covering General Contractors, Master Electricians, Master Plumbers, and specialty contractors. A contractor licensed by NYSDOS is not automatically registered with NYC DOB.
Enforcement records across state and city — automatically checked.
The NYSDOS and NYC DOB both publish enforcement actions against contractors — including license revocations, suspensions, stop-work orders, and consumer fraud findings. These records live in separate databases across multiple agencies.
Every CredentialClear search in New York automatically cross-references contractor names against these public records. Matches are flagged immediately — so you know before you hire.
What gets cross-referenced
NYSDOS Enforcement Actions
License revocations, suspensions, and disciplinary orders issued by the NY Department of State against HIC licensees
NYC DOB Violations & Stop-Work Orders
Active violations, stop-work orders, and contractor suspensions from the NYC Department of Buildings
More than the NYSDOS or DOB lookup gives you.
State and city portals confirm whether a license exists. CredentialClear tells you everything you need to verify a contractor's credentials before you hire.
Live NY State Data
Results pulled directly from NY Department of State and public licensing records covering HIC and specialty trade licenses.
Violation Cross-Reference
Automatically checked against NYSDOS enforcement actions, license revocations, and NYC DOB violation records.
Google Reviews
See ratings and review counts alongside license status — without leaving the platform.
License Monitoring
Flag New York contractors for ongoing tracking. Get notified if their license status changes or expires.
New York contractor license verification — answered.
How do I verify a contractor license in New York?
New York contractor licensing is split between state and local jurisdictions. The NY Department of State (NYSDOS) issues Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) licenses for most of the state, while New York City has separate contractor registration through the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). CredentialClear searches available public records and cross-references violation data across sources.
What is a New York Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license?
Under New York General Business Law Article 36-A, contractors performing home improvement work must be licensed as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) through the NY Department of State. This applies to work on residential properties and covers repairs, alterations, renovation, and construction. Certain counties — including Nassau and Suffolk — have their own HIC licensing programs.
Does New York City have separate contractor licensing requirements?
Yes. New York City requires contractor registration through the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) in addition to any state-level licensing. NYC licenses general contractors, electricians (Master Electrician or Special Electrician), plumbers (Master Plumber), and various specialty contractors. Licensing requirements differ significantly from the rest of New York State.
What licenses do Nassau and Suffolk County contractors need?
Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island have their own Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) licensing programs, separate from the NYSDOS. Contractors working in these counties must hold a county-issued HIC license in addition to complying with applicable state requirements. Always verify county-level credentials for Long Island projects.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed home improvement contractor in New York?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in New York can void your homeowner's insurance coverage, leave you without legal recourse for defective work, and expose you to liability if an injury occurs on the job site. The NY Department of State actively enforces HIC licensing and publishes enforcement actions and revocations.
How do I check for contractor violations in New York?
The NYSDOS and NYC DOB publish disciplinary actions, license revocations, and stop-work orders. CredentialClear automatically cross-references contractor names against these public records — flagging any matches before you make a hiring decision.