October 2, 2009
NYC Welder Licenses
Beginning November 1, applicants seeking a NYC welder license must provide proof of welder certification from either the New York State Department of Transportation or the American Welding Society. The city Welder Exam, administered by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, will no longer be offered. View our 
FAQs and "How to Become a NYC Licensed Welder" fact sheet for more details.
July 22, 2009
New HMO Class C License Cards
The Department is now issuing a new license card for all Class C Hoist Machine Operator licenses. Existing license cards will be valid until their expiration date. Learn more about the new licenses.
May 11, 2009
Three-Year License Terms
Oil burner installer and elevator agency director, co-director and inspector licenses that are processed or renewed after July 1, 2009 will receive a three-year term (instead of the previous one-year term) and must comply with the new fees.
April 24, 2009
Site Safety Coordinator Certification
All certified Site Safety Coordinators who wish to renew their certification must adhere to a new renewal process and mail in the LIC2 form, a copy of the Site Safety Manager refresher course completion certificate, a passport-sized photo and payment.
April 10, 2009
Licensing Information Sessions
The Department is offering several information sessions to review licensing and registration requirements. These sessions will discuss registration requirements for contractors, insurance tracking numbers and the new Safety Registration Number. Reservations are required to attend these sessions, and seating is limited.
April 10, 2009
Electrical License Fee Changes
Several Master and Special Electrician license fees will increase on April 18, 2009. Applications submitted on or after this date must include the new fee amount. New fees will also be charged for lost, damaged or stolen cards that must be reissued or replaced.
February 27, 2009
License Term and Fee Changes
Starting January 1, 2009, all Master and Special Rigger, Master and Special Sign Hanger and Tower Crane Rigger licenses will be extended to three-year terms. Effective February 17, 2009, individuals who fail to renew their Tower Crane Rigger licenses on time will now be charged a new late renewal fee of $100.00.
February 27, 2009
General Contractor Registration
As of February 17, 2009, General Contractor registration has been extended to a 3 year term, and the following fees now apply: $240.00 to renew or $290.00 for a late renewal. To avoid a late fee, renewal applications must be submitted 30 to 60 days before the expiration date indicated on the license card. Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Department's Licensing unit to renew their registration.
January 30, 2009
Appointments to Renew General Contractor Registration
General contractors seeking to renew their registration with the Department must schedule an appointment with the Licensing Unit. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm and can be made by calling (212) 566-4100.
January 20, 2009
Class C HMO License Documentation
Individuals seeking to maintain a Class C Hoist Machine Operator License must provide documentation of certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operations (NCCCO) by September 30, 2009.
December 19, 2008
Job-specific Workers' Compensation and/or
Disability Waiver Requirments
To apply for an exemption from insurance requirements, the Buildings Department only accepts the Certificate of Attestation of Exemption (Form CE-200) as proof of a waiver) from the New York State Workers’ Compensation and/or Disability Benefits Insurance Coverage. The WC/DB-100 is no longer accepted.
December 3, 2008
Concrete Manager Soon to be Required
To promote safer concrete operations, beginning January 1, 2009, a concrete safety manager must be designated on all "major buildings" (as defined by the New NYC Construction Codes) during the concrete portion of the project. The Department is currently reviewing curriculum submissions for the required 30-hour training course.
December 3, 2008
Workers' Compensation & Disability Waiver Required
The Buildings Department now only accepts the "Certificate of Attestation of Exemption from New York State Workers' Compensation and/or Disability Benefits Insurance Coverage (CE-200)" application as proof of exemption from Workers' Compensation and Disability requirements.
November 20, 2008
Reminder: License Term and Fee Changes
All Master and Special Rigger, Master and Special Sign Hanger and Tower Crane Rigger licenses will be extended to three-year terms beginning January 1, 2009. The fees for certain license types have also changed. For more information, view the License Term and Fee Changes fact sheet.
November 20, 2008
Licensing Applications Online
The new LIC1 (Original Licensing Application) and LIC2 (Renewal Application) are now online. As of January 1, 2009 this will be the only version accepted by the Department.
October 10, 2008
General Contractor Registration Renewal
General contractors registered with the Department seeking to renew their registration must now follow new procedures (22 kb-pdf). To avoid a late fee, renewal applications must be submitted 30 to 60 days before the expiration date indicated on the license card.
October 6, 2008
New Criteria for Class C HMO Licenses
On October 6, Commissioner LiMandri announced strict new criteria for individuals seeking licenses to operate Class C hoist machines, commonly referred to as mobile cranes. New York City is one of only 19 jurisdictions nationwide that restricts the operation of cranes to licensed individuals. View the fact sheet (43 kb) and how-to guide (242 kb) to learn more about the new requirements that must be met to obtain a HMO Class C license.
August 28, 2008
Site Safety Coordinator Certification Underway
As part of our ongoing effort to ensure construction sites are managed by professional and responsible individuals, the Department began certifying Site Safety Coordinators on June 2, 2008. Site Safety Coordinators are individuals who supervise construction or demolition operations at buildings 10 to 14 stories. To learn more, view the Site Safety Coordinator Certification fact sheet (31 kb) and How-to Guide (100 kb).
July 16, 2008
License Reinstatement Change
The Buildings Department no longer reinstates licenses that have been expired for more than five years. Individuals with licenses expired more than five years must reapply for the license and meet the license's original requirements, including taking any necessary examinations. To learn more about this change, view the License Reinstatement Service Notice (25 kb).
July 3, 2008
New Procedures for Renewing Certain Licenses
All licensed Hoist Machine Operators, Master Riggers and Tower Crane Riggers seeking to renew their licenses must follow a two-step license renewal process and schedule an appointment in person to obtain the renewed license. This new procedure applies to all license renewals postmarked on or after July 1, 2008. View the fact sheet (kb-pdf), Hoist Machine Operators Guide, Master Riggers Guide and Tower Crane Riggers Guide for more information.
June 12, 2008
New Filing Representative ID
The Buildings Department will be registering and issuing new filing representative identification cards, replacing the existing expediter cards. Beginning December 31, the Department will only issue filing representative cards, and filing representatives who fail to obtain one by December 31 will not be permitted to conduct business with the Department. Service Notice (29 kb).
May 7, 2008
Site Safety Coordinator Certification
As part of our ongoing effort to ensure qualified people are managing construction sites and upholding safety standards, on June 2, 2008 the Department will begin certifying Site Safety Coordinators, who will be responsible for supervising construction and demolition of 10- to 14-story buildings. We are in the process of developing education, training, inspection and notification requirements for Site Safety Coordinators. On May 29, the Buildings Department will hold a public hearing on the proposed Site Safety Coordinator and Site Safety Manager qualifications rule. The hearing will be held at 2pm at the Buildings Department headquarters, located at 280 Broadway in Manhattan, in the 3rd floor conference room. Please see Chapter 33 of the New NYC Construction Codes for specific Site Safety Coordinator duties and qualifications. For more information, our How to Become a Site Safety Coordinator guide.
Licensing Term and Fee Changes
Beginning July 1, 2008, fees will be increased for Hoist Machine Operator, Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor and Master Plumber license applications. In addition, licensees whose applications are processed after this date will receive a three-year license term, instead of the current one-year term. View the fact sheet (24 kb) for more information. In addition, Concrete Testing Laboratories' annual license renewal fees will increase. For more information, view the Licensing Fee Changes fact sheet (35 kb).
April 24, 2008
License Reinstatement Change
Beginning July 1, the Buildings Department will no longer reinstate licenses that have been expired for more than five years. Individuals with licenses expired more than five years must reapply for the license and meet the license’s original requirements, including taking any necessary examinations. To learn more about this change, view the License Reinstatement fact sheet (50 kb-pdf).
April 10, 2008
New Registration for General Contractors
On April 1, Buildings Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster launched a new registration program for general contractors. All general contractors seeking permits to erect one-, two-, or three-family homes are now required to register with the Department by October 31, 2008. After that date, only general contractors registered with the Buildings Department will be issued building permits for these types of buildings. Unregistered individuals or entities found building such homes after October 31, 2008 will be subject to violations, Stop Work Orders, criminal charges, and the seizure of vehicles and construction tools. View the:
General Contractor Registration fact sheet (33 kb)
Insurance Requirements fact sheet (33 kb)
Download the LIC-6 Application & Instructions and the guide
To Become a New York City Registered General Contractor
March 13, 2008
Registration for General Contractors
To promote public safety and ensure construction work is performed by insured general contractors, all contractors who build one-, two-, and three-family homes will be required to register with the Buildings Department to obtain New Building permits. Registration begins April 1, and will be mandatory November 1. In August 2007, Mayor Bloomberg signed legislation regulating contractors on one-, two- and three-family homes. For more information, view the:
General Contractor Registration fact sheet (33 kb)
Insurance Requirements fact sheet (33 kb) and the guide on
How to Become a New York City Registered General Contractor
March 13, 2008
Licensing Unit Changes: Extended License Terms and Fee Changes
Beginning July 1, the Licensing Unit's late application fees for Site Safety Managers and Concrete Testing Laboratories will change. In addition, Concrete Testing Laboratories' annual license renewal fees will increase. For more information, view the Licensing Fee Changes fact sheet (24 kb). Also beginning July 1, all Hoist Machine Operator, Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor and Master Plumber licenses will be extended to three-year terms and will include new fees. To learn more, view the License Term and Fee Changes fact sheet (24 kb).
March 13, 2008
Licensing Unit Changes: Updating Insurance
The Licensing Unit will now handle all insurance renewals. Instead of going to the borough office to submit insurance renewals, these now must be submitted to the Licensing Unit at 280 Broadway in Manhattan. For more information, please view:
Licensee Guidelines for Updating Insurance (358 kb)
February 28, 2008
Outstanding Fines: Licensed Master Plumbers & Master Fire Suppression Contractors
Effective immediately, Licensed Master Plumbers and Master Fire Suppression Contractors may no longer change or drop a company from a license that has any outstanding Environmental Control Board fines, penalties or fees. View the
Service Notice (21 kb) and OPPN 01/08
December 12, 2007
Window Hours Extended for Electrical License Renewals
To make it easier for you to do business with us, the Licensing Window has extended its hours from 9:00am to 3:00pm through December to facilitate Electrical License renewals. The window will be open exclusively to those renewing their electrical licenses from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Regular window hours from 9:00am to 1:00pm will resume January 2, 2008.
Service Notice (28 kb)
Pro-rated Fee Table (29 kb)
August 23, 2007
New Rigging Foreman "Tear-Off" Cards Introduced
Following recommendations from the Suspended Scaffold Worker Safety Task Force, we have redesigned the “tear-off” card that is required for rigging foreman in the field. The new card is a plastic, wallet-sized, printed card. In addition to being more durable, the card is personalized to include the name of the rigging foreman.
Service Notice (56 kb)
August 23, 2007
Renew Your Electrical License Today!
Has your 2007 birthday passed? Is there a credit on your firm account or does it have a zero balance? If so, we encourage you to take advantage of this time to renew your electrical license. You now have the opportunity to change the expiration date to be your birthday in 2008.
Service Notice (28 kb)
Pro-rated Fee Table (29 kb)
June 14, 2007
Construction Superintendent Registration
On July 5, 2007, registration to become a Construction Superintendent will begin! Individuals who would like to become a Construction Superintendent must submit the LIC-3 application, the LIC-4 work history form and relevant documentation to the Buildings Department in order to register. To learn more about how to register, duties of the Construction Superintendent and qualifications needed. View press release.
Fact Sheet (45 kb-pdf).
January 31, 2007
Calling All Electricians!
While your current electrical license remains valid until December 31, 2007, you now have the opportunity to change the expiration date. As of April 1, 2007, you may renew your electrical license and change the expiration date to your birth date. View the service notice to find out how to renew your electrical license early.
Service Notice (28 kb)
Pro-rated Fee Table (29 kb)
November 2, 2006
Electrician License Renewals Begin Today!
It’s time to renew your electrical license (37 kb-pdf), so be sure to schedule an appointment and bring in all the required documentation. If you haven’t already registered for eFiling but want to, bring your seal and a Buildings representative will be on hand to walk you through the registration process. eFiling is the easiest, most efficient way to file electrical jobs.
Electrician License Renewals (24 kb)
April 11, 2006
New License Exam Format for Site Safety Managers, Elevator Inspectors and Elevator Agency Directors
Beginning April 18, 2006, license exams for Site Safety Managers, Private Agency Elevator Directors and Private Agency Elevator Inspectors will be offered on a continuous basis at computer testing centers throughout New York City. Download application and instructions.
License Exam Information (28 kb)
December 15, 2005
2006 Insurance policies for all Licensed Electrician.
1) Letter to Licensed Electrician (27 kb)
2) Guidelines for Keeping Insurance Current (53 kb)
October 26, 2005
Effective October 28th, information regarding General Contractors registered with the Department of Buildings will be available on the Internet. Users will be able to search BIS Web by business name and zip code to find contractor status, insurance expiration dates, business address and phone number.
General Contractor Look Up on BIS Web (49 kb)
Show Me! Video
September 20, 2005
Effective October 1, 2005, applicants are required to schedule an appointment for a license renewal with the Licensing Unit.
Electrical License Renewals (29 kb)
August 15, 2005
Effective August 15, 2005, licensees who renew by mail will be required to visit the Licensing Unit (280 Broadway, 6th Floor, Manhattan) to obtain a new license card.
Digital Badging Update (31 kb)
June 30, 2005
Attention all Licensed Master Plumber & Oil Burner Installers: New procedure to file for emergency or hazardous conditions.
Emergency Work Notification (30 kb)
April 6, 2005
Information for Electricians on improvements on the electrical firm accounts and other important service changes. Effective immediately.
Information for Electricians (36 kb)
Februay 10, 2005
Effective Monday, February 14, 2005. Service changes regarding the Electrical Licensing Unit, Electrical Firm Account Balance Statements, and Payments are detailed in the document. For more information check out:
FAQ for Electrical Firm Account
Letter to Electrical about firm account balance statement
Merger of the Electrical Licensing Unit and Licensing Unit
April 1, 2005
The next scheduled exam for Site Safety Managers, Elevator Inspectors and Elevator Agency Directors is April 30, 2005. Contact Experior at (800) 620-0750 for an application or download a copy of the Application, Qualification Requirement and Instruction. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2005.
March 28, 2005
Business Address Verification: If you are establishing a new business or changing the address of your business, please submit the LIC-33 form to request the Department of Buildings approval of the location. The office and/or shop location for the following licensees must comply with all requirements established in the NYC Zoning Resolution: Plumber, Fire Suppression, Rigger, Sign Hanger, Oil Burner.
January 2, 2004
Effective Monday, January 12, 2004, in order to comply with New York State regulations, the Department of Buildings will no longer be allowed to accept the ACORD form as proof of Workers' Compensation insurance. The ACORD form will be accepted only as proof of General Liability insurance.
Notice to all Contractors Regarding Insurance Requirements (2,332 kb)
