In order to become a registered General Contractor, you must:
To become a registered General Contractor for one-, two-, and three-family homes, you must also pass a background investigation by submitting the below listed original documentation, either by mail (priority mail, FedEx, UPS or another trusted delivery service) or drop-off to:
NYC Department of Buildings
ATTN: Licensing & Exams Unit
280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007
*Note: Application packet drop-off is between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm.*
The applicant must bring the following original documentation with them to the Licensing & Exams Unit, copies will not be accepted:
Typed, completed and notarized LIC6: General Contractor Registration Form
LIC50 or LIC51 application
NOTE: Applicants with a home address outside of New York City’s five (5) boroughs must complete the LIC50 Authorization for Service of Process by Agent. Applicants may also fill out the LIC51 Voluntary Authorization for Service of Process by Email even if they reside within the City of New York.
Notarized Supplemental Investigation Questionnaire
Notarized letter on company’s letterhead 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 (3) consecutive business bank statements for your company, each showing an ending balance of $25,000 or a notarized letter from your company’s bank stating your company has had a balance of at least $25,000 for the past three (3) months.(Online print outs of bank statements must be stamped by the bank)
Your original general liability insurance certificate (you must have a $1 million minimum policy), Workers’ Compensation certificate and disability insurance certificate (Please see the Insurance Guidelines for more information)
Primary Principal’s current original photo ID (original driver’s license, original non-driver’s ID, current passport or current green card)
Primary principal's original Social Security Card
Primary principal’s original proof of home residence (utility bill, bank statement, deed or lease) or a typed notarized letter and bill from the person you are residing with. (online bank statements must be stamped by the bank)
*Note: Cell phone and credit card bills will not be accepted.*
Original proof of business address (utility bill, bank statement, deed or lease)
*Note: Cell phone and credit card bills will not be accepted.*
If the company was formed in a state other than New York State, corporate documentation from the state where the company was formed must be submitted in addition to a certified copy of the Application for Authority from the New York State Department of State.
$330.00 Background Investigation Fee – for questions pertaining to your background investigation or to find out the status, please send inquiries to lbackgrounds@buildings.nyc.gov
All corporations must provide the following documentation in addition to the above required documentation in Step 2:
All LLCs must provide the following documentation in addition to the above required documentation in Step 2:
All partnerships must provide the following documentation in addition to the above required documentation in Step 2:
All individuals with a business name (sole proprietors) must provide the following documentation in addition to the above required documentation in Step 2:
All companies formed outside of New York State must provide the following documentation in addition to the above required documentation in Step 2:
If the Department determines you meet all qualifications and you pass the background investigation, you will receive a letter from the Licensing & Exams Unit with a list of instructions and required items that you must submit to the Department to obtain your registration. You have one (1) year from the date of the letter to obtain your license. If you do not complete the process within the one (1) year timeframe, you will be required to begin the process from the beginning, including going through the background investigation again.
To submit the required documents, you have the option to either:
or
New York City Department of Buildings
ATTN: Licensing & Exams Unit
280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007
Once your application has been deemed qualified, please send an email to LicensingAppointments@buildings.nyc.gov to request an appointment in order to obtain your license card. Your email must include your license type and a PDF scan of your approval letter. You should receive a reply within 15 business days.