General Contractor Registration (NYC)

Who Must Register

NYC Administrative Code §28-418.1 makes it unlawful to conduct business as a general contractor without a DOB General Contractor Registration. The Code defines a general contractor as a business that applies for a permit to construct a new residential structure containing no more than three dwelling units, so the registration applies to contractors who build one-, two-, and three-family homes and need New Building permits. Licensees who contract only for work within the scope of their own DOB trade license fall outside the definition.

Application Requirements

The DOB evaluates these elements before issuing a registration:

• General liability insurance: minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence
• Workers' compensation and disability insurance: certificates required; general contractors cannot submit an affidavit of exemption
• Financial solvency: the last three consecutive business bank statements, each showing an ending balance of $25,000
• Notarized application: a typed, notarized LIC6 form submitted through DOB NOW with government-issued photo ID

Submit all documents in PDF format through DOB NOW with the $300 registration fee.

Renewal

The registration term is 3 years; Code §28-418.1.1 sets expiration on the third anniversary of registration. The renewal fee is $240. Submit the renewal 30 to 90 days before the expiration date on your card to avoid the $50 late fee. After a year past expiration, DOB requires you to reapply for the registration instead of renewing.

Penalties for Unregistered Work

The DOB commissioner may suspend or revoke a registration and impose a fine of up to $25,000 for each finding of violation under Code §28-401.19, including for failure to timely complete contracts for new residential structures of three units or fewer.

Where to Apply

Create or log into your DOB NOW account and open a new General Contractor Registration application. Gather your insurance certificates, bank statements, and notarized LIC6 before starting.