Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

DCWP was formerly known as the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). Older contracts, guides, and license documents may still reference “DCA,” but it refers to the same agency before its 2020 name change.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is the New York City agency that licenses and regulates home improvement contractors. DCWP enforces the Home Improvement Business Law, investigates consumer complaints, issues fines, runs administrative hearings, and can revoke or suspend licenses when contractors break the rules.

If you’re a home improvement contractor in NYC, DCWP is the authority that approves your license, audits your contracts, checks your compliance, and handles any disputes filed by homeowners. It’s the agency that sets the standards you’re required to follow—contracts, advertising, escrow rules, payment schedules, cancellation rights, and more.