The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) licenses more than 71,000 small businesses Citywide in 57 different industries. In order to operate legally in New York City, many businesses must obtain a license from DCA.
DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED A DCA LICENSE?
Go to the complete list of DCA license categories
Go to the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
DO YOU NEED TO RENEW YOUR DCA LICENSE?
Learn about DCA's online license renewal service
DO YOU NEED A DOHMH LICENSE?
The DCA Licensing Center administers 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 and Permits Web page
Get information on Green Carts
Attention: 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.
Important Note
Some businesses need licenses or permits from other city and state agencies. It is the business owner's responsibility to apply for all other permits, licenses, and authorizations required by other city and state agencies. To identify the requirements to start and operate a business in the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation, Food Services, Health Care, Retail, Services, and Wholesale Trade sectors, visit NYC Business Express