Consumer Affairs311Search all NYC.gov websites
Licenses
*Important Updates Due to COVID-19*
NEW! June 18, 2020: Per the Mayor’s Executive Order, certain laws and rules relating to sidewalk cafés have been suspended to administer the Open Restaurants Program. Restaurants must seek permission through this program to place outdoor seating in front of their establishment on the sidewalk, including restaurants that have been licensed for unenclosed sidewalk cafés and small sidewalk cafés. Learn more at nyc.gov/openrestaurants.
NEW! Download NYC Means Business: Reopen & Stay Safe at Work outreach flyer in: English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
Get DCWP Alerts and Information During COVID-19 Crisis, including DCWP services online only, certain extensions for license expiration dates and renewal application deadlines, workplace laws, price gouging, and scams and safety tips.
Read Business FAQs During the COVID-19 Crisis. Note: Information in additional languages coming soon.
Local Law 31 of 2020
Local Law 31 of 2020 repeals the licensing requirement for Home Improvement Salespersons.
- As of August 9, 2020, the Department of Consumer Affairs will no longer license Home Improvement Salespersons and will no longer accept new or renewal applications.
- Through August 8, 2020, you must have a Home Improvement Salesperson license or you will be considered unlicensed.
- This repeal does not impact the licensing requirement for Home Improvement Contractors.
Beginning August 9, 2020, new and renewing Home Improvement Contractor license applicants must submit proof that they are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to safe lead practices and/or affirm that certification is not required based on the type of work the business performs.
Applicants must submit:
- Copies of EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification AND EPA Lead-Based Paint Activities certification (also known as Lead Abatement certification), OR
- Copy of either EPA RRP certification or Lead Abatement certification AND a signed Affirmation indicating that the other EPA certification is not required, OR
- Signed Affirmation that both EPA certifications are not required for any home improvement work performed by the applicant.
For information about EPA certifications, visit epa.gov/lead.
Licensing Services
We license more than 75,000 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
- 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
- Secondhand Clothing Stores
- Sidewalk Cafés:
- DCA created an online map that allows businesses to track new and renewal license applications. Learn more.
- Download 2018 consent fees for street space.
- Read standard enclosed sidewalk café revocable consent agreement.
- Read standard unenclosed sidewalk café revocable consent agreement.
- To get information about a specific sidewalk café application, including the size and number of tables and chairs proposed for the sidewalk café, send an email to sidewalkcafepublichearing@dca.nyc.gov.
- Tobacco and/or Electronic Cigarette Retail Dealers
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:
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)
Read additional tips for businesses
Do you have employees?
Learn about your employer responsibilities on workplace laws.
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.
Let us set you up for financial success!
NYC Financial Empowerment Centers offer free financial counseling to help you manage your money well at home and keep your personal and business finances separate.
- Download flyer in English and Español (Spanish)
- Find your nearest Center and book an appointment online
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.