How to check a NYC contractor license in 2 minutes
A step-by-step way to confirm that a contractor's license is real, active and in the right name.
- Ask for the license number. A licensed contractor should give it to you without any fuss. It should also appear on the contract.
- Look it up. Use the NYC license check and search by number or business name.
- Check the status. It should say active. Check the expiration date too, especially for a long job.
- Match the name. The name on the license should match the business on your contract and invoice.
- Check trade licenses. For electrical or plumbing work, also confirm the separate license with the NYC Department of Buildings.
Warning signs
- They won't share a license number, or they offer to use someone else's.
- The business name keeps changing.
- They ask for most of the money up front, or for cash only.
- They ask you to pull the permits yourself.
Every business on this site had an active license in the city's records when our list was last updated. Find a licensed pro near you.