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Department of Consumer Affairs
Office of Financial Empowerment
Cities for Financial Empowerment
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License Applications



The businesses listed below must obtain a license from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) in order to operate legally in New York City. Please click on the industry to review the application requirements and filing process and download sections of relevant laws and rules.

NEW! First-time applicants for licenses marked with the blue Apply Online button can now submit applications online. This online service will expand to include additional industries in the months ahead. Please check this Web page for updates.

Important Notes:

  • New York City businesses must comply with all relevant federal, state, and City laws and rules. All laws and rules of the City of New York, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules, are accessible using the Public Access Portal. For convenience, sections of relevant New York State Law and/or New York City Law and Rules are available as a downloadable handout within each license Web page. 
  • Ticket Resellers: Effective January 1, 2008, DCA no longer issues the licenses required to resell tickets of admission. The New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services now licenses Ticket Resellers.
Amusement Arcade
Permanent / Portable / Temporary Amusement Ride
   Auction House (Premises)
   Auctioneer
Billiard Room
Bingo Game Operator and Commercial Lessor  (Note: You will be redirected to the NYS Racing and Wagering Board Web site)
     Download a copy of the Bingo Licensing Law
Booting Company
Cabaret (including discos)
Catering Establishment
Cigarette Retail Dealer
   Dealer in Products for the Disabled
   Debt Collection Agency
   Electronic & Home Appliance Service Dealer
   Electronics Store
Employment Agency & Employment Agency Manager
Games of Chance   (Note: You will be redirected to the NYS Racing and Wagering Board Web site)
     Download a copy of the Games of Chance Licensing Law
Gaming Café
Garage and Parking Lot
General Vendor
General Vendor Distributor
Home Improvement Contractor
Home Improvement Salesperson
Horse-Drawn Cab & Horse-Drawn Cab Driver
   Laundry
   Laundry Jobber
   Locksmith
   Locksmith Apprentice
   Motion Picture Projectionist
Newsstand, all types
   Pawnbroker
Pedicab Business
Pedicab Driver
   Process Server Individual
   Process Server Organization
   Scale Dealer/Repairer
   Scrap Metal Processor
   Secondhand Dealer Auto
Secondhand Dealer Firearms
   Secondhand Dealer General
Sidewalk Café license application and design guidelines
     Download a copy of the Sidewalk Café Law and Rules
    *UPDATED* DCA published its Final Rule to allow unenclosed sidewalk café to operate approved portable natural gas heaters. Read the FAQs about heater usage and see a sample floor plan.
Sightseeing Bus
   Sightseeing Guide
Special Sale  (Going Out of Business, Liquidation, etc.)
   Stoop Line Stand
Storage Warehouse
   Temporary Street Fair Vendor Permit
Tow Truck Driver and Tow Company
Tow Truck Exemption

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