DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED A LICENSE?

The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) licenses more than 60,000 small businesses citywide in 55 different categories. In order to operate legally in New York City, many businesses must get a license from the DCA.

Sellers of used items, restaurants operating sidewalk cafes, home improvement contractors that do more than $200 worth of work and their salespeople, tow truck drivers, laundries, employment agencies, companies that collect debts, and more all need a license from the DCA.

Go to the complete list of all license categories

Go to the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Important Note – Ticket Resellers
Effective January 1, 2008, DCA no longer issues the licenses required to resell tickets of admission. The New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services now licenses Ticket Resellers.

ARE YOU A NEW LICENSE APPLICANT? Learn how to fill out the DCA's new online application form.

DO YOU NEED TO RENEW YOUR LICENSE? Learn about DCA's new online license renewal service.

Some businesses need licenses or permits from other City and State agencies.  The DCA Licensing Center administers permits on behalf of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene  (DOHMH).

  Download the list of businesses the DOHMH licenses.  

• Call 311 to be mailed an application for the DOHMH categories listed.
• Currently only the application for Food Establishments (which includes restaurants) is available as a download on the DOHMH Web site. 

 Green Carts Update
 Visit NYC DOHMH Web site