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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
- 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 (in PDF)
- Tobacco 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 including NYC's Paid Sick Leave Law.
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.