Licensing Frequently Asked Questions - Buildings

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License Types
License Deactivation
Replacement License/ID Guidelines
Exams & Qualifications
Applications & Forms
Disciplinary Actions & Surrenders
Licensing Insurance Guidelines
Special Inspection Registration
Corporate Documents Guide
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
Business Address Verification

License Types

License Deactivation

Replacement License/ID Guidelines

Exams & Qualifications

Applications & Forms

Disciplinary Actions & Surrenders

Licensing Insurance Guidelines

Special Inspection Registration

Corporate Documents Guide

Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

Business Address Verification


Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

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General Licensing

Where can I find information about license exams?

For information regarding licensing exams, please visit our the Exams & Qualifications section or contact the Department's Licensing & Exams Unit at Licenseexams@buildings.nyc.gov.

I passed my licensing exam but did not receive my license. How do I get my license?

A license is only obtained once you have submitted your license application and have been approved for license issuance. Visit our License Types page for further information on the application process.

How do I check if my insurance is up to date?

You can check the status of your insurance in the DOB NOW Public Portal. Select the Licensee icon.

When is my license renewal application due?

All renewal applications are due between thirty (30) and ninety (90) days prior to the license expiration date.

Does my application have to be typewritten?

Yes. You can fill out an online version of the application on our website found in the Licensing Forms section. If you do not have access to a computer, there are public terminals available in the Licensing Unit located at 280 Broadway, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10007.

Can I get a refund for a scheduled exam I cannot attend?

You may apply for a refund request using the RF1 form. Once completed, submit your form to licrefunds@buildings.nyc.gov for review.

Does my application have to be typewritten?

Yes. You can fill out an online version of any required form from the Licensing Applications & Forms page. If you do not have access to a computer, there are public terminals available in the Department’s Licensing Unit located at 280 Broadway, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10007.

What are the office hours of the Licensing Unit?

The Licensing & Exams Unit's customer service counter is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Ticket kiosks stop issuing service tickets at 3:45 pm.

Appointments may be necessary depending on your license type. Please refer to the section regarding your respective trade before visiting the Licensing Unit.

You may contact the Licensing & Exams Unit at (212) 393-2259 or at licensingdob@buildings.nyc.gov.

What can I do if I failed the background investigation required to obtain a license?

The applicant must provide a letter requesting reconsideration and submit any additional information relative to the background investigation within sixty (60) days of the date of the denial letter to LBackgrounds@buildings.nyc.gov. .

How long is the background investigation process?

Background investigations are currently averaging 3 to 5 months depending on the level of detail involved in each investigation and the complexity of each application that is being completed by limited DOB staff. Each applicant's knowledge and experience are investigated to verify they can perform work that may pose significant risks to public safety.

If my license has been expired for more than 1 year, can I reinstate it?

Currently there is no license reinstatement process available. To obtain your license, you will have to reapply and file as an original applicant.

How can I contact the Licensing Background Unit if I have questions about my original application?

For more information on your request, please contact Lbackgrounds@buildings.nyc.gov.

What should I do if I have lost my Department of Buildings License, or Department-issued ID?

Instructions for how to complete the process can be found on the Replacement License/ID Guidelines page.

How long does it usually take for the license to be mailed?

All licenses should be mailed within 5 business days of processing your application.

How long does it take for a license to be updated after a renewal is approved?

A license should be updated in the system within 24 hours of approving your renewal application.

What happens if I don’t submit a renewal application before my license expires?

You may apply for a late renewal if your license is beyond its expiration date. You must apply within a year from your expiration date for a late renewal. If you are an Electrician, you have within 90 days from your expiration date to apply for a late renewal. Please note that late renewal fees may be incurred for late renewal submissions based on your license type.

How can I find out if there are any outstanding complaints against a licensee?

Contact the Buildings Special Investigations Unit (BSIU) in writing at 180 Maiden Lane, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10038. BSIU can also be reached at (212) 825-3330.

How can I find out if I was overcharged for the work performed?

The Department of Buildings does not have any jurisdiction over the fee charged to consumers. Refer inquiries about pricing to the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection or by calling 311.

How can I find out if I was overcharged for the work performed?

Unfortunately, once an application has been submitted for review in DOB NOW: BIS Options, changes by the applicant are no longer possible. You will need to submit a ticket at nyc.gov/dobhelp to request a modification of the selection(s) made.

Registrants

Who needs to complete the full General Contractor Registration?

For further information, review our General Contractors page.

What insurance certificates are required for General Contractor Registration?

All contractors completing the full registration process must have proof of Worker's Compensation, Disability, and General Liability insurances. Read our Insurance Guidelines for detailed information on insurance requirements.

How do I submit a change for my General Contractor Registration? Can I do it through DOB NOW?

All changes are currently submitted via mail or drop-off to the address below:
NYC Department of Buildings
Licensing & Exams Unit
280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007

How do I find out if my contractor has insurance?

You can check the status of your insurance in the DOB NOW Public Portal. Select the Licensee icon.

How do you get a license to be a building superintendent?

The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development offers training courses for people interested in becoming building superintendents. Call 311 for more information.

How can I find out if the individual I have contracted with is licensed and insured?

You can check whether an individual is licensed and the status of a licensee's insurance on in the DOB NOW Public Portal and search the licensee by license number, last name, or business name. If the individual is licensed with the Department, name, business information, and insurance information will be displayed.

How can I find out if there are any outstanding complaints against a licensee?

Contact the Buildings Special Investigations Unit (BSIU) in writing at 180 Maiden Lane, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10038. BSIU can also be reached at (212) 825-3330.

How do I become a Registered Filing Representative?

Please see the Filing Representative Registration Guidelines.

How do I obtain a Home Improvement Contractor License?

Home Improvement Contractor licenses are issued by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. For more information about applying for a license call (212) 487-4060. If you need to renew, change, or update your Home Improvement Contractor license, call (212) 487-4104.

Skilled Trades

Where do I go to make complaints against a licensed Plumbing and/or Fire Suppression company?

Submit complaints to the Buildings Special Investigations Unit (BSIU) in writing at 180 Maiden Lane, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10038. BSIU can also be reached at (212) 825-3330.

How do I get a batch report for my Master Plumbers or Master Fire Suppression Contractors license?

Submit a request for a batch report via email at BatchRequest@buildings.nyc.gov.

Is a license required to operate a crane?

Yes. A Hoisting Machine Operator License is required for the operation of a crane, derrick, boom truck, or cherry picker. The licensee must be available for inspection at the work site. License classifications vary depending on the machine's capacity, height, and boom length. For more information visit the Hoisting Machine Operator section or contact the Department of Buildings Licensing & Exams Unit.

What license is required for suspension scaffold work?

A Master Rigger or Special Rigger can be contracted for the work. For more information, contact the Licensing & Exams Unit or the Cranes & Derricks Unit.

What documents are required for a Designated Rigging Foreman card?

Visit our Riggers section for information on how to add a Designated Rigging Foreman to your Rigger License.

What is the difference between the Site Safety Coordinators Certification, the Site Safety Manager's Certification, and the Construction Superintendent Registration?

Only Site Safety Managers can work on New Buildings (NB) or Demolitions (DM) Certification of buildings that are 15 stories or more. Site Safety Coordinators may work on sites doing demolition or new construction of 10-14 stories, while Construction Superintendents may supervise sites of 1-9 stories (including 1, 2, and 3 family homes/garages). For more information on the above license/registration, review our Service Notice.

What is the renewal process for Hoist Machine Operators, Master Riggers, and Tower Crane Riggers?

Please read the renewal guides for Hoisting Machine Operators Class A & B, Hoisting Machine Operator Class C, Master Rigger, and Tower Crane Rigger.

How do I get my Business Address approved for my Master Plumber, Fire Suppression, Rigger, Electrician, Sign Hanger, Oil Burner, or Elevator Agency License?

To have your Business Address verified for office and/or shop use for your license, please fill out the LIC33 form and submit it to the Licensing Unit via email, or in-person at:

NYC Department of Buildings
Licensing & Exams Unit
Attn: Address Verification
280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007

If submitting via email, submit to licensingdob@buildings.nyc.gov.

Please allow 2 weeks upon submitting your application to be notified.

Where can I take a Department of Buildings approved Site Safety course?

Please visit the Site Safety Course Provider section of our website for a list of approved providers.

How do I schedule appointments as a Welder for an approved original application??

You may request an appointment via email by forwarding your approval email to LicensingAppointments@buildings.nyc.gov. You should receive a reply within 15 business days.

Elevator License Requirements

NEW Elevator License Requirements

NEW Elevator License Requirements Frequently Asked Questions

License Renewal & Violations

When renewing a license, how will I know that the reason I can't proceed is because of outstanding violations?

When you select +License Renewal Application, the system will display a list of outstanding OATH violations, if you have any.

Who do I contact if a violation displayed in DOB NOW does not belong to me?

For all issues about summonses, contact OATH directly at nyc.gov/oath or (212) 436-0845.

Before attempting to renew my license, can I get a list of all my outstanding violations?

Search www.nyc.gov/citypay/oath for any civil penalties that you may owe.

Do parking violations or camera summonses affect license renewal?

No, only summonses adjudicated by OATH are reviewed prior to license renewal.

If I have an upcoming hearing date, can I renew my license now or do I have to wait until after the hearing?

If you have a pending hearing date, you can still renew your license/registration. Only summonses where you have been found guilty by OATH and have been ordered to pay a penalty will prevent renewal.

Can I renew my license if I have a payment plan with the Department of Finance?

If a payment plan is active with DOF, this will not stop license renewal.

If I submit payment today for my outstanding debt with the Department of Finance, when will I be able to submit my license renewal application?

Once a payment is made to DOF, it can take 1-2 business days to be reflected in DOB NOW.