Handyman Business Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a handyman business in New York City, New York County, New York.

Updated 2026-02-15 4 stops $400–$800 est. 4–8 weeks to obtain HIC license and all registrations
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New York

1 stop

  1. New York State — No Statewide Handyman License

    New York State does not have a statewide handyman or home improvement contractor license. Licensing is handled at the local level. In NYC, the DCWP HIC License serves this function. Some other counties (Nassau, Westchester, Putnam) have their own home improvement contractor licenses. Outside NYC, always check with your specific county.

    Official government source

    N/AN/A

City of New York City / New York County

2 stops

  1. NYC Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) License

    Anyone who performs home improvement work (alterations, repairs, remodeling, painting, etc.) on a 1–4 family residential property in New York City for compensation must obtain a Home Improvement Contractor license from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). The only exemption is work under $200. The license requires: passing a business practices exam ($50 non-refundable exam fee), joining the Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund ($200), proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum), and payment of the biennial license fee. A license is issued to the business entity, not an individual.

    Official government source

    $100–$200 (biennial license fee) + $200 Trust Fund + $50 exam fee4–8 weeks

  2. New York City Business Certificate (DBA)

    If operating as a sole proprietor under a name other than your own legal name, you must file a business certificate with the County Clerk of the county where you primarily do business.

    Official government source

    $100Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$800 · 4–8 weeks to obtain HIC license and all registrations

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Official Sources

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