Home Improvement Contractor License

A DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license is the required city license for anyone performing more than $200 of residential home improvement work in New York City. Issued by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), it legally authorizes a contractor to solicit, negotiate, and perform home improvement jobs on private residences.

Both prime contractors and subcontractors must hold this license. Operating without it is illegal and can result in fines, criminal charges, and even confiscation of tools or vehicles. The license ensures contractors meet NYC’s standards for contracts, advertising, payment handling, permits, and consumer protection.