Licenses

You can access many business services online 24/7:

Apply for a license. | Renew your license. | Pay DCWP Fines and Fees.

DCWP Collections services (pay DCWP fines and fees) are available in person by appointment only. Licensing appointments are available in hardship cases that require an in-person visit. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment for an in-person visit.

• Car Washes
• Debt Collection Agencies: Read FAQs: New Rules for Debt Collectors
• Employment Agencies
• General Vendors: Request to Use a Helper | Waiting List Applicants
• Horse Drawn Cabs and Drivers
• Micromobility Device & Lithium-Ion Battery Dealers:
  • Uncertified devices can be dangerous. Learn more about the certifications and labels that businesses are required to post.
• Mobile Food Vendors: Read FAQs: Specialized Vending Licenses for Mobile Food Vendors
• Online Third-Party Food Delivery Services Industry: NYC law regulates online third-party food delivery services and third-party courier services in NYC ("restaurant delivery apps" or “apps") and provides pay and workplace protections for delivery workers.
  • Read requirements for delivery apps.
  • Does your restaurant use an app to take customer orders for delivery or pickup? Know your rights and responsibilities.
• Pedicab Businesses and Drivers
• Pregnancy Services Centers
• Process Server Industry
• Secondhand Dealers for Catalytic Converters
• Temporary Street Fair Vendor Permit:
  • Effective August 30, 2024, street fair vendors are no longer required to obtain a temporary vendor permit from DCWP. Sponsors of street fairs must still comply with all requirements of the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO), including providing SAPO with a list of all vendors who are approved to be at the fair. For more information, visit SAPO’s website
• Tobacco and/or Electronic Cigarette Retail Dealers

Under a New York State law, businesses charging additional fees for credit card purchases must display the highest total price for each purchase (excluding sales tax).

This means that if a purchase with a credit card would be higher than a cash purchase, the credit card purchase price must be displayed to customers.

Business CANNOT:

• Put a sign on the wall or at the register that notifies a fee is applied to all credit card sales.
• Advertise a cash discount without including the higher credit card price.
• Charge separate line items to credit card users on a customer receipt without clearly posting the total price prior to purchase.
• Include a credit card surcharge warning on the item price tag.

For more information and examples, visit https://dos.ny.gov/business-resources.

In the event of a security breach, DCWP licensees must promptly email DCWP a copy of the notification to affected persons required by NY General Business Law § 899-aa(2) or (3). Email DCWP at SecurityNotifications@dcwp.nyc.gov

The Local Law 104 of 2024 requiring hotel operators to obtain a DCWP license took effect on May 3, 2025.

Read Hotel License Application Checklist and Apply Online NOW.
Read Hotel Licensing Law FAQ.

Pay fines and fees

Received a settlement offer from DCWP? Read Frequently Asked Questions – Settlements.

Received a settlement offer from DCWP's Office of Labor Policy & Standards (OLPS)? Read Frequently Asked Questions – Settlement Offers from DCWP Office of Labor Policy & Standards.

Need to have your scales inspected? Submit a request for a scale inspection online or call 311.

If your business received a violation for selling cigarettes, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, or other prohibited products to a person under 21, your business will receive:

• 2 points on your New York State retail dealer’s record OR
• 1 point on your New York State retail dealer’s record if the employee who made the illegal sale held a valid certificate of completion of a New York State Certified Tobacco Sales Training course.

Please complete and submit the Tobacco Sales Training Program Affirmation Form, which will be reviewed by DCWP.

New York City businesses must comply with all relevant federal, State, and City laws and rules. Visit our Laws webpage.

Find more information about opening or operating a business in New York City at nyc.gov/business.