Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in New York City, New York County, New York.

$2500 -- $6000 4–8 months to obtain all licenses (NYC exam process is lengthy) 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

New York City / New York County Requirements

3 requirements
1

NYC Master Plumber License

New York City has its own Master Plumber licensing system separate from New York State. Issued by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). To qualify as a Master Plumber in NYC, you must have 7 years of plumbing experience (including 2 as a journeyman), pass a written and practical exam, and carry $1,000,000 liability insurance. This license is required for the qualifying individual who signs permits.

$600 application fee; $400 biennial renewal3–6 months (exam scheduling and processing)
Official government source
2

NYC Plumbing Contractor Registration

To operate a plumbing contracting business in NYC, the business entity must register separately with the NYC Department of Buildings. The business must have a licensed NYC Master Plumber as its qualifying individual. Registration is required to pull permits under the company name.

$1,300 biennial registration fee2–4 weeks after master plumber license obtained
Official government source
3

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection — Business License

While no separate general business license is required to operate a plumbing company in NYC, businesses should ensure they are registered for city business taxes. An NYC business certificate is required if operating under a trade name.

No fee for general NYC business operation (DBA: $100 at county clerk)1–5 days
Official government source

New York State Requirements

2 requirements
1

New York State — No Separate State Plumber License

New York State does not issue a statewide plumbing contractor license. Licensing is handled at the local/municipal level. NYC has its own Master Plumber license; outside NYC, individual municipalities or counties may have their own requirements. New York requires plumbing work to be done by or under the supervision of a licensed plumber.

N/A (licensing is local)N/A
Official government source
2

New York State Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

LLCs and corporations operating in New York State must file with the New York Department of State. LLCs must also publish a formation notice in newspapers for 6 consecutive weeks.

$200 (LLC filing fee) + $1,000–$2,000 (publication requirement)1–2 weeks for filing; 6 weeks for publication
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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