Licenses

We license more than 81,000 businesses in more than 50 industries. You can access many of our licensing services online including:

Applying for a license
Renewing your license
Updating your license information (e.g., change of name, address, etc.)
Link My Account to My DCA Records

Prefer to visit us in person? See our locations.

Get important information for:

Car Washes
Cigarette Retail Dealers
Employment Agencies
General Vendor Requesting Authorization to Use a General Vendor Helper
General Vendor Waiting List Applicants
Horse Drawn Cabs and Drivers
Laundries
Pedicab Businesses and Drivers
Pregnancy Services Centers
Process Server Industry
Sidewalk Cafés:
- DCA created an online map that allows businesses to track new and renewal license applications. Learn more.
- Download 2017 consent fees for street space (in PDF)

April 2017: There is a hold on applications for a newsstand located within the project area of the Second Avenue Subway (2nd Avenue between 105th – 62nd Streets) until further notice.

Reducing Fines for Small Businesses

July 19, 2017: Department of Consumer of Affairs Announces VIP—the Visiting Inspector Program—to Help New Licensees Understand the Law and Avoid Fines. Read press release and read frequently asked questions about DCA's Visiting Inspector Program (VIP).
July 31, 2015: De Blasio Administration Reduces Fines Assessed by Consumer Affairs on Businesses in Half, Cuts Violations Issued by One Third Over Past Year. Read press release and learn basic rules to avoid common business violations
February 17, 2015: De Blasio Administration Announces 'Small Business First' To Reduce Regulatory Burden On City's Small Businesses. Read press release and learn more about Small Business First
July 9, 2014: Department of Consumer Affairs Announces Sweeping Small Business Relief Package to Overhaul Small Business Regulation and Ramp Up Business Outreach. Read press release and download DCA's Small Business Relief Package (in PDF)
Read Business Owner's Bill of Rights

Additional Quick Links for Businesses:

Pay fines and fees

Cure DCA violation

Do you have employees? Learn about your employer responsibilities under NYC's Paid Sick Leave Law and Commuter Benefits Law.

Learn about 10 Things Every Business Should Know Available in English, Español (Spanish), 中文 (Chinese), Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole), 한국어 (Korean), and Русский (Russian)

Download Business Education flyer about the Air Conditioning Law in English and Español (Spanish)

Read additional tips for businesses

View our Event Calendar for upcoming Open Houses when small businesses can come to DCA for trainings

Need to have your scales inspected? Submit a request for a scale inspection online or call 311.

New York City businesses must comply with all relevant federal, State, and City laws and rules. Visit our Laws webpage.

Find more information about opening or operating a business in New York City at nyc.gov/business.