Verify/New York

How to Verify a Contractor License in New York

Search 18,333 New York contractor license records instantly. Free verification tool powered by official state licensing board data.

18,333
Total Licenses
17,910
Active
98%
Active Rate

Verify a New York Contractor Now

Enter a contractor's name or license number to instantly check their status.

Search New York Licenses

Step-by-Step: Verify a Contractor in New York

1

Search by name or license number

Go to the List a Service verification tool and enter the contractor's business name, owner name, or license number. Select New York from the state dropdown to narrow results.

2

Review the license details

Check the license type, current status (Active, Expired, or Revoked), license number, and expiration date. An active license means the contractor is currently authorized to perform work in New York.

3

Confirm with the New York licensing board

For the most current information, cross-reference the license directly with the Department of State Division of Licensing Services. This ensures you have the latest data on any disciplinary actions or status changes.

4

Ask for insurance and references

A valid license is essential, but also request proof of liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and at least three recent references. This provides a complete picture of the contractor's qualifications.

Red Flags to Watch For

Expired license

The contractor is not currently authorized to perform work. They may be operating illegally.

Refuses to provide license number

A legitimate contractor will readily share their license information for verification.

No record found

If the contractor cannot be found in state records, they may be unlicensed.

Wrong license type

A plumbing license does not authorize electrical work. Ensure the license covers your project.

Contractor License Types in New York

Corporation8,196 licenses
HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR5,849 licenses
LLC3,150 licenses
FRO198 licenses
Certified General Contractor177 licenses
Sole Proprietorship139 licenses
LLP125 licenses
Partnership113 licenses
Electrical81 licenses
Certified Building Contractor55 licenses
Certified Fire Sprinkler Contractor30 licenses
Certified Commercial Pool Contractor24 licenses

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a contractor is licensed in New York?

Use the free List a Service verification tool to search by contractor name or license number. You can also check directly with the Department of State Division of Licensing Services.

How many licensed contractors are there in New York?

New York currently has 18,333 contractor license records on file, with 17,910 (98%) in active status.

What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in New York?

Hiring an unlicensed contractor puts you at risk. You may have no legal recourse if work is done poorly, and you could be liable for workplace injuries since unlicensed contractors often lack required insurance and bonding. Some states also impose fines on homeowners who knowingly hire unlicensed contractors.

Is the List a Service verification tool free?

Yes. List a Service provides completely free contractor license verification across all 50 states. There are no paid tiers, subscriptions, or hidden fees.

Top Cities in New York

Brooklyn412
New York362
Rochester323
New York308
Port Chester271
Brooklyn261
Brewster252
New Rochelle222
White Plains213
Bronx204

New York Licensing Board

Department of State Division of Licensing Services

Visit Official Site

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