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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Starting March 25, 2025, DCWP’s online services will be unavailable every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.
On July 24, 2023, DCWP launched a new system to replace its prior online services and provide additional features for businesses, consumers, and workers. Note: If you had an online account with DCWP before July 24, 2023, please use the same email address you provided DCWP. This will allow you to link your business records to the new system. Read Online Services - FAQs.
Apply for a DCWP License
We license more than 45,000 businesses in more than 40 industries. View full list of DCWP licenses and their expiration dates.
DCWP License Application Checklists
Select an industry below to learn about its application requirements and to submit a license application online.
- Bingo Game Operator
- Booting Company
- Car Wash
- Commercial Lessor
- Construction Labor Provider
- Dealer in Products for the Disabled
- Debt Collection Agency
- Electronic & Home Appliance Service Dealer
- Electronic Cigarette Retail Dealer
- Electronics Store*
- Employment Agency
- Games of Chance
- Garage and Parking Lot
- General Vendor
- General Vendor Distributor
- Home Improvement Contractor*
- Horse Drawn Cab Driver
- Horse Drawn Cab Owner
- Hotel
- Industrial Laundry
- Industrial Laundry Delivery
- Locksmith
- Locksmith Apprentice
- Newsstand
- Pawnbroker
- Pedicab Business
- Pedicab Driver
- Process Server Individual
- Process Serving Agency
- Scale Dealer/Repairer
- Scrap Metal Processor
- Secondhand Dealer Auto
- Secondhand Dealer General
- Sightseeing Bus
- Sightseeing Guide*
- Specialized Vending License/Midtown Core Waiting List
- Stoop Line Stand
- Storage Warehouse
- Third-Party Food Delivery Service
- Ticket Seller Business
- Ticket Seller Individual
- Tobacco Retail Dealer*
- Tow Truck Company
- Tow Truck Driver*
Industries marked with an orange asterisk (*) have application checklists available in 12 languages.
How do I submit my license application?
There are two ways to file your license application:
- ONLINE: Select an industry above to read the application requirements and submit a license application online.
- IN PERSON: As of June 30, 2025, in-person Licensing services are no longer available in Queens. Licensing and Collections services are by appointment only in the Licensing Center at 42 Broadway in Manhattan only. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment.
What's the status of my license application?
If you submitted a license application to DCWP, check the status of the application online.
Don't see a license or permit for your business?
It is the business owner's responsibility to apply for all permits, licenses, and authorizations required by other City and State agencies. Below are some important resources.
- Department of Small Business Services (SBS). SBS makes it easier for businesses in New York City to form, do business, and grow by providing direct assistance to business owners, fostering neighborhood development in commercial districts, and linking employers to a skilled and qualified workforce. Learn more about SBS.
- Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. DCWP’s Licensing Center accepts license and permit applications on behalf of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). DOHMH issues many types of licenses and permits under the NYC Health Code. Visit DOHMH’s License, Permit and Course Information web page.
- Department of Transportation (DOT). Dining Out NYC is New York City's permanent outdoor dining program and is managed by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT). Learn more about the requirements for how sidewalk and roadway cafes are designed, built, and operated and apply to join the Dining Out NYC program at nyc.gov/diningout.
- New York State Department of State. The New York State Department of State’s Division of Licensing Services plays an important role for consumers, occupational licensees, applicants, and the business community in New York State. The Division is responsible for the licensure, registration, and/or regulation of many businesses, including real estate brokers and salespersons, barber shops and practitioners, appearance enhancement businesses and practitioners (cosmetology, esthetics, natural hair styling, nail specialty, waxing), security guards, telemarketers, and ticket resellers. Learn more about the Department of State.
Register to Vote!
Get Voter Information
Note: Whether you apply to register to vote or not, it will not affect the assistance DCWP will provide to you.