New York, NY Business License Guide

Last updated: August 2025

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How NYC business licensing actually works (and what you really need)

First thing: NYC does not have one “general business license.” You register your business and taxes, then you add only the licenses and permits your activity requires. That could mean none for a simple consulting firm, or several for a restaurant or contractor.

Key truths (with official sources):

  • NYC licensing is agency‑specific. Common agencies include:
    • Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) — trades like home improvement contractors, general vendors, tobacco dealers. Source: DCWP licenses directory
    • Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) — food service, mobile food vending, tattooing, pools, etc. Source: DOHMH permits and licenses
    • Department of Buildings (DOB) — construction permits, signs, place of assembly; building use/occupancy. Source: NYC DOB
    • Fire Department (FDNY) — fire permits (flammable liquids, cooking exhaust/hoods, assembly spaces, etc.). Source: FDNY permits and Certificates of Fitness
    • Department of Transportation (DOT) — outdoor dining and certain street/sidewalk uses. Source: Dining Out NYC
    • State of New York (Albany) for alcohol, cannabis, some professions. Sources: NYS Liquor Authority, NYS Office of Cannabis Management
  • Most “licenses” come after formation and tax registration. NYC will ask for your legal name/DBA, EIN or SSN, proof of authority to collect sales tax (if relevant), insurance, and sometimes fingerprints/background checks. See requirements in each section below.
  • Sales tax registration is statewide and required before you open your doors or advertise you’re open. Source: NYS DTF — Certificate of Authority
  • NYC has its own business taxes like Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT) and Business Corporation Tax (BCT). Source: NYC Department of Finance — Business Taxes
  • Many licenses take weeks. Plan for inspections, training (like the Food Protection Course), and neighborhood approvals (for alcohol or sidewalk dining). Timelines vary by agency; check the official links in each section.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Table 1 — NYC licenses and permits at a glance (who issues what)

Activity/business type Typical NYC/State license or permit Agency Where to check and apply
Restaurant/cafe/bar (indoor operations) Food Service Establishment permit; food handler training; fire permits; occupancy/use approvals DOHMH, FDNY, DOB Food Service permits (DOHMH), FDNY permits, DOB
Outdoor dining Dining Out NYC authorization DOT Dining Out NYC
Home improvement contractor DCWP license (contractor and salesperson) DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license
Tobacco/vape retail Tobacco Retail Dealer license; other health compliance DCWP, DOHMH Tobacco Dealer license (DCWP)
General street vending General Vendor license (lottery/caps apply) DCWP General Vendor license (DCWP)
Liquor/beer/wine sales On/Off‑premises liquor license NYSLA NYS Liquor Authority
Cannabis retail/processing Adult‑Use licenses NYS OCM New York OCM
Construction/signage Building/alteration/sign permits; Certificates of Occupancy DOB NYC DOB
Events/assembly Place of Assembly, FDNY fire safety DOB, FDNY DOB permits, FDNY permits
Sources: Official NYC and NYS agency portals linked in the table. Review each agency’s page for the current rules and fees.

Step 1 — Choose a legal structure and register your business

This is always the first move because every license application asks who you are legally.

  • If you are a sole proprietor using your own legal name (e.g., “Jane Smith”), there’s no state formation filing. If you use a business name (“Doing Business As,” or DBA like “Jane’s Bagels”), sole proprietors and partnerships file the business certificate with the relevant County Clerk. Source: NYS DOS — County Clerks directory
  • If you want liability protection, consider an LLC or corporation. You file with the New York Department of State. Source: NYS DOS — Corporations/LLCs
  • Publication requirement: New York State requires newly formed LLCs to publish notices in two newspapers for 6 consecutive weeks and file an affidavit. Costs vary by county and newspaper. Check: NYS DOS — Limited Liability Company (LLC) publication
  • If you’ll operate under an assumed name as a corporation or LLC, file the Certificate of Assumed Name with the DOS (state level). Source: NYS DOS — Assumed names

Required documents (varies by entity type):

  • Government‑issued ID (for responsible persons)
  • Articles of Organization (LLC) or Certificate of Incorporation (Corp)
  • Operating Agreement (LLC) or bylaws (Corp) — kept internally but often requested by banks/insurers
  • County Clerk business certificate if sole prop/partnership using a DBA
  • Business address and contact information

Useful links:

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Get free formation guidance from NYC SBS advisors: Book at a Business Solutions Center
  • Consider speaking with a New York business attorney for entity choice and publication strategy.

Table 2 — Where to register your business (NYC edition)

Business type Where you register Key notes Official link
Sole Proprietor under your legal name No registration required for name Still register taxes and get licenses NYC Business — Start
Sole Proprietor using a DBA County Clerk in your business county File a Business Certificate (“assumed name”) NYS DOS — County Clerks
General Partnership (DBA) County Clerk Similar to sole props for DBA filing NYS DOS — County Clerks
LLC NYS Department of State LLC publication rules apply NYS DOS — LLCs
Corporation (Inc.) NYS Department of State Corporate bylaws, minutes kept internally NYS DOS — Corporations
Source: New York State Department of State.

Step 2 — Get your federal EIN (free)

Most businesses need an EIN for taxes, banking, payroll, and license applications. Applying online is free.

  • Apply online (fastest): IRS — Apply for an EIN
  • Cost: $0
  • Time: Immediate issuance if you apply online during IRS hours. Source: IRS link above.
  • Phone support (IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line): 800-829-4933. Source: IRS — Contact

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you don’t have a Social Security Number or ITIN, the IRS has paper and fax options (Form SS‑4). See instructions on the IRS page linked above.
  • Free help: NYC SBS centers or a tax professional.

Step 3 — Register for New York State taxes (sales tax and employer taxes)

If you sell taxable goods or services in NY, you must register for sales tax before you start selling or even advertise you’re open for business.

Documents you’ll usually need:

  • EIN
  • Legal business name and any assumed names
  • Business address and NAICS code
  • Owner/responsible officer info
  • Start date of business and projected taxable sales

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Step 4 — Know your NYC taxes (UBT, BCT) and register with NYC Department of Finance

Beyond state taxes, many NYC businesses must file city business taxes.

  • Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT) — applies to individuals, partnerships, and unincorporated entities doing business in NYC. Source: NYC DOF — UBT
  • Business Corporation Tax (BCT) — for corporations doing business in NYC. Source: NYC DOF — Business taxes
  • Filing and payments are generally through NYC e‑Services or combined with state systems for some filers. See DOF’s current instructions. Source: NYC e‑Services
  • Many new businesses also need to register for withholding NYC personal income tax for employees who live/work in NYC; your payroll provider or accountant can help align city withholding.

Important reality check:

  • NYC tax rules are complex, with specific allocations and add‑ons. Don’t guess. Use the DOF pages above for up‑to‑date forms and instructions or consult a NYC tax professional.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Step 5 — Figure out which NYC licenses and permits you actually need

Don’t apply for everything. Apply only for what your business does.

Start here:

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Call 311 and say “Business license.”
  • Get help from an SBS Business Solutions Center advisor: Find a Center

Real‑world examples (NYC scenarios with the exact agencies you’ll deal with)

  • Queens cafe with indoor seating and iced coffee to go
  • Brooklyn home improvement contractor (kitchens, baths)
    • DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license (and possibly Salesperson license): Home Improvement Contractor — Apply
    • Proof of insurance, disclosure forms, contract rules (DCWP page lists requirements)
    • DOB permits for specific jobs (plumbing/electrical require licensed trades): DOB permits
    • City taxes (UBT or BCT depending on entity): NYC DOF
  • Manhattan boutique retail clothing shop

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Use the NYC Business Wizard and DCWP license directory to confirm your exact needs (links above) and book free help with NYC SBS.

Table 3 — Taxes to register for in NYC (what most businesses face)

Tax/program Who typically needs it Where to register or learn more Notes
Federal EIN Most businesses IRS — EIN Cost $0
NYS Sales Tax (Certificate of Authority) Selling taxable goods/services in NY NYS DTF — Sales tax registration Must have before making taxable sales
NYS Employer Withholding & UI Any employer with W‑2 staff NYS DOL — UI employers Register before first payroll
NYC Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT) Unincorporated businesses in NYC NYC DOF — Business taxes Filing thresholds and rules apply
NYC Business Corporation Tax (BCT) Corporations in NYC NYC DOF — Business taxes Replaced GCT for most corps
Sources: IRS, NYS DTF, NYS DOL, NYC DOF pages linked above.

Step 6 — Industry deep‑dives: Food businesses

If you prepare or serve food in NYC, assume you’ll need DOHMH permits and at least one trained supervisor.

Start here:

Typical documents DOHMH requests:

  • Proof of identity for owner/responsible party
  • Business formation documents; EIN
  • Proof of sales tax authority (if applicable)
  • Menu and layout plans (some projects need plan review)
  • Proof of Food Protection Course completion (or plan to complete quickly)

Inspections and timeline:

  • DOHMH inspects before issuing permits for new FSEs. Timelines vary based on readiness and scheduling. Always review the DOHMH page for how to schedule inspections and current timeframes: DOHMH FSE permits
  • If vented cooking is used, FDNY permits and DOB approvals for hoods/ducts may be required before DOHMH issues final approval. See: FDNY permits and DOB approvals

Sidewalk/outdoor dining:

  • Outdoor seating now falls under DOT’s Dining Out NYC rules (not the old “sidewalk café” permits). Apply/comply here: Dining Out NYC

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Book a free consultation with an SBS center and ask for a “restaurant opening” checklist: NYC SBS — Find a Center
  • Use the DOHMH contact info on their permit pages to ask about plan review and inspection scheduling.

Table 4 — Food business roadmap (NYC)

Step What it is Agency Where to check/apply Notes
1 Confirm zoning/use and space suitability DOB/City Planning ZoLa map, DOB Ensure food use is permitted
2 Plan review/build-out DOB DOB permits Mechanical, plumbing, hoods
3 Sales tax registration NYS DTF Register for sales tax Must be done before opening
4 Food Protection Course DOHMH Food Protection Course Supervisor required
5 FSE permit application DOHMH FSE permits Pre‑opening inspection
6 FDNY permits (if cooking) FDNY FDNY permits For fuel, hoods, etc.
7 Outdoor dining approval (if any) DOT Dining Out NYC Separate authorization

Step 7 — Contractors, construction, and signage

Home Improvement Contractors (HIC):

  • If you do work on residential properties (1–4 family homes) in NYC for more than a small threshold, you likely need a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license. Requirements include background checks, insurance, and disclosure. Source: DCWP — Home Improvement Contractor
  • Salespeople who solicit or negotiate home improvement contracts may also need a separate DCWP Home Improvement Salesperson license. Source: DCWP link above.

DOB permits:

  • Many construction activities require DOB permits and, for certain trades (plumbing/electrical), licensed master tradespeople must pull the permit. Source: NYC DOB
  • Sign permits are required for most exterior signage beyond small exceptions. Source: DOB — Signs

FDNY:

  • Fire Code permits apply to various construction site activities, cutting/welding (hot work), flammable/combustible materials, and more. Source: FDNY permits

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Use the DCWP HIC page to verify whether your specific scope needs the license and how to apply.
  • Contact DOB through their help centers or use their online systems (DOB NOW/Buildings Information System) via the main page to see property history, permits, and violations: NYC DOB
  • Attend an SBS licensing workshop: NYC SBS events

Step 8 — Alcohol and tobacco (state and city rules)

Alcohol (NYS Liquor Authority):

  • Bars/restaurants/shops selling alcohol must apply to the NYS Liquor Authority (SLA). There are notice requirements (like 30‑day Community Board notice in NYC for on‑premises licenses). Source: NYSLA — Licensing
  • Community Board contact info is on NYC’s site: NYC Community Boards directory
  • Expect background checks, diagrams, lease proof, methods of operation, and possibly SLA hearings. See SLA application guidance: SLA — Applying for a license

Tobacco retail (DCWP):

  • To sell cigarettes or tobacco products you need a Tobacco Retail Dealer license from DCWP. Vaping products have additional rules. Source: DCWP — Tobacco Dealer

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • For liquor licensing strategy, consider a consultation with an attorney due to community board and SLA considerations.
  • For tobacco retail, use DCWP’s page and 311 for application assistance.

Step 9 — Cannabis (NYS Office of Cannabis Management)

Adult‑use cannabis licenses (retail, microbusiness, processing, cultivation) are issued by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), not NYC.

  • Start here: OCM — Licensing
  • Local zoning and property approvals still matter in NYC; landlords may restrict cannabis uses. Review OCM guidance for NYC.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Use OCM’s contact resources and NYC SBS advisors for navigation and referrals.

Step 10 — Insurance and worker protections (required in many cases)

Workers’ compensation, disability, and paid family leave:

  • New York requires most employers to carry Workers’ Compensation and Disability/Paid Family Leave coverage. Source: NYS Workers’ Compensation Board
  • Contractors and many permit types must show proof of coverage to DCWP, DOB, or FDNY before approvals. Check each application’s document checklist.

Unemployment insurance:

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Contact WCB’s employer assistance via the official site: WCB — Employer resources
  • Ask your insurance broker for NYC‑specific certificates of insurance wording often required by agencies and landlords.

Step 11 — Zoning, Certificate of Occupancy, and location approvals

Before signing a lease, confirm that your proposed use is permitted at the address and that the space’s Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) matches the intended use.

  • Zoning lookup: NYC ZoLa (Zoning and Land Use)
  • Building info and C of O: Use DOB’s portals via NYC DOB
  • If your use is not permitted, you may need a change of use and new DOB approvals; this can take time and money.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Have a NYC architect or expeditor check the property before you sign.
  • Get free lease review coaching via SBS and consider an attorney for lease clauses tied to approvals.

Required documents that come up repeatedly

If you prepare these early, you’ll move faster:

  • Government ID for owners/officers
  • EIN confirmation letter (IRS CP 575) or SS‑4 if pending
  • Formation documents (Articles of Organization/ Incorporation) or County Clerk DBA for sole props
  • Proof of authority to collect sales tax (if applicable)
  • Lease or deed; letter of permission from landlord for certain permits
  • Certificates of insurance (Workers’ Comp, Disability/PFL, General Liability, sometimes Auto)
  • Floor plans/site plans (for food service, DOB, FDNY)
  • Training certificates (Food Protection Course, others as required)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Use the specific agency’s application checklist (linked throughout this guide) and match their document names exactly.
  • Bring your draft packet to an SBS advisor for a quick gap check.

Table 5 — Agency checklists you’ll likely use

Agency Common permits/licenses Typical documents they ask for Where to find official list
DCWP Home Improvement Contractor, General Vendor, Tobacco Dealer ID, formation docs, insurance, photos, disclosures, background checks DCWP licenses directory
DOHMH Food Service Establishment, Mobile food vending ID, EIN/sales tax, plans, training certificates, inspection DOHMH permits
DOB Building/alteration, signs, C of O Plans by design professionals, permits by licensed trades NYC DOB
FDNY Fire permits, Certificates of Fitness COIs, equipment details, site inspection FDNY — Permits/COF
DOT Dining Out NYC Site plan, seating layout, clear path of travel DOT — Dining Out NYC

Processing times, fees, and reality checks

Because fees and processing times change, always confirm the current numbers on the linked pages. Some items that are stable:

  • IRS EIN: $0 and immediate online issuance. Source: IRS EIN
  • NYS Sales Tax Certificate of Authority: $0 to register. Source: NYS DTF — Register
  • New York minimum wage in NYC is scheduled to be indexed upward annually; confirm current rate for 2025 on: NYS DOL — Minimum wage

For all other fees (DCWP, DOHMH, DOB, FDNY, DOT, SLA, OCM), check the official fee pages embedded above. If a specific dollar amount isn’t cited here, it means you should verify the current figure on the official page before you budget.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If the online fee schedules are unclear, use the agencies’ contact pages or call 311 and request the specific agency.
  • Ask SBS to review your licensing plan; they can flag typical add‑on costs you may be missing (like signage, fire suppression, or hood cleaning requirements).

Table 6 — Typical NYC licensing timeline by business type (estimate and where to confirm)

Business type Key approvals When to start Time considerations Where to confirm details
Cafe/restaurant DOHMH FSE, DOB build‑out, FDNY permits, sales tax, DOT (if outdoor) Before lease signing for zoning; immediately after for permits Build‑out and inspections can take weeks to months depending on scope DOHMH FSE, DOB, FDNY, DOT Dining
Retail shop Sales tax, DOB signs, possible DCWP (tobacco) 4–8 weeks before opening Sign permits and inspections vary NYS DTF sales tax, DOB signs, DCWP tobacco
Home improvement contractor DCWP HIC license (and Salesperson if needed), insurance 4–6 weeks before marketing Background checks and insurance verification can add time DCWP HIC
Bar/restaurant with alcohol SLA license, Community Board notice, DOHMH/DOB/FDNY Start SLA prep months ahead Community review adds time; secure a temporary beer/wine path if eligible NYSLA
Note: The table provides planning guidance. Always check the agency pages for current processing times and any expedited options.

Step 12 — How to apply (step‑by‑step pattern you can reuse)

No matter your business, the application path repeats:

  • Confirm your business structure and name; get your EIN.
  • Register for NYS taxes (sales tax if applicable, employer accounts if hiring).
  • Confirm zoning/use and the space’s Certificate of Occupancy via ZoLa and DOB.
  • Use the NYC Business Wizard to list required licenses/permits for your NAICS.
  • Gather documents (ID, EIN letter, formation/DBA, sales tax authority, lease, COIs, training certificates).
  • Submit applications online via each agency portal linked in this guide.
  • Track status and answer any deficiency letters quickly.
  • Schedule inspections early; keep your site ready and staff trained.
  • Don’t open or advertise restricted activities before your permit or license is issued.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask SBS to review your packet and timeline.
  • For complicated build‑outs, hire a NYC design professional and, if needed, an expeditor to manage DOB and FDNY processes.

Common mistakes to avoid (NYC‑specific)

  • Signing a lease before checking the space’s legal use and C of O.
  • Starting construction without DOB permits or licensed trades.
  • Selling taxable products before receiving your Certificate of Authority.
  • Opening a restaurant before the DOHMH permit is issued and inspections passed.
  • Installing a sign without a DOB permit (fines can be hefty).
  • Missing community board notice before an SLA alcohol application.
  • Operating as a home improvement contractor without DCWP licensing (civil penalties and contract unenforceability risk).
  • Not carrying Workers’ Compensation/Disability/PFL when required (stop‑work orders and fines possible).
  • Assuming “general business license” exists in NYC and skipping the industry license you actually need.
  • Ignoring renewal deadlines and changes to your business (ownership changes often require new applications).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’ve already received a violation, read the notice carefully and use the appeal/cure instructions. Seek help from SBS or a compliance professional.
  • For legal exposure (injuries, major fines), contact a New York attorney.

What to budget for (cost categories to expect)

Your exact numbers depend on your business type and scope, but plan for:

  • State formation and publication (for LLCs)
  • City and state license and permit fees
  • Plan review/inspection fees (DOB/FDNY/DOHMH)
  • Insurance premiums (Workers’ Comp, Disability/PFL, General Liability, Liquor liability if relevant)
  • Architect/engineer and expeditor fees (if building out)
  • Training costs (Food Protection, alcohol server training if applicable)
  • Equipment and code compliance (hoods, fire suppression, grease interceptors, signage)

Important: Fees change. If a specific dollar figure is not listed with a link in this guide, check the official fee page for the current amount before committing.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Use SBS’s free business plan and financial projection tools (via their advisors).
  • Ask your landlord in lease negotiations for build‑out periods and contingencies tied to permit approvals.

Where to get help (real offices, real contacts)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Use the contact or help links on each agency’s page. When calling 311, ask the operator to connect you to the agency’s business unit.
  • Walk into a Business Solutions Center with your questions and documents.

Ten NYC‑specific FAQs (with official links)

  1. Do I need a “general business license” to operate in NYC?
  1. I’m a consultant working from home. Do I need any NYC license?
  • Typically not. You still need to register your business (entity or DBA) and taxes. Check NYC DOF taxes here: NYC Business Taxes
  1. When do I need a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license?
  1. Can I sell coffee and pastries without a DOHMH permit?
  1. How do I know if my storefront can legally be a restaurant?
  • Confirm zoning and the building’s C of O. Use: ZoLa and DOB portal
  1. I want to put tables outside. Do I need a permit?
  • Yes. Outdoor dining is under DOT’s Dining Out NYC program. Apply/comply here: Dining Out NYC
  1. I’m opening a bar. What steps do I take for alcohol?
  1. I sell clothing. Do I need to register for sales tax?
  1. How long does it take to get a DCWP license?
  • It varies by license type and completeness. For current timelines and status tools, use the relevant DCWP license page: DCWP — Licenses
  1. Where can I get free help filling out applications?

What to do if your application stalls (Plan B for common roadblocks)

  • Silence after you apply
    • Check your email (including spam) for deficiency notices.
    • Log in to the agency portal to see status and messages.
    • Contact the agency via the “Contact” or “Help” link on the application page.
    • Ask an SBS advisor to review your submission for gaps.
  • Failed inspection
    • Read the inspector’s notes, fix issues, and reschedule quickly.
    • Ask for pre‑inspection coaching from an SBS advisor.
  • Lease doesn’t match use
    • Negotiate a lease amendment or change of use with DOB permits.
    • Consider a different space; sunk costs are better than ongoing violations.
  • Community board pushback (alcohol/outdoor seating)
    • Meet with the board chair or district manager early, adjust your operating plan, security, or hours.
    • Consider a different license class (e.g., beer/wine) while you build a record.

Step‑by‑step checklists you can copy

Opening a small cafe in Queens:

  • Form LLC and get EIN.
  • Register for sales tax (Certificate of Authority).
  • Verify zoning and space use; get architect for plan review if needed.
  • Start DOB build‑out permits if any.
  • Complete Food Protection Course.
  • Apply for DOHMH Food Service Establishment permit; schedule inspection.
  • If outdoor seating: apply to DOT Dining Out NYC.
  • Get FDNY permits for fuel/hood (if applicable).
  • Purchase insurance (GL, Workers’ Comp, Disability/PFL).
  • Prepare employee paperwork and payroll setup.
  • Pass inspections, receive permits, and open.

Opening as a home improvement contractor:

  • Register entity or file DBA; get EIN.
  • Purchase required insurance.
  • Apply for DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license (and Salesperson if needed).
  • Learn DOB permit rules for your scope and partner with licensed trades.
  • Register for NYC and NYS taxes.
  • Use compliant contracts (DCWP has requirements).
  • Market only after you have the license in hand.

Links you’ll use repeatedly (bookmark these)

About timelines and “how long will this take?”

  • Entity formation: NYS DOS filings can be quick, but LLC publication adds weeks depending on newspapers/county. Confirm details with DOS: NYS DOS — LLCs
  • Sales tax registration: Often quick online, but allow processing time to receive the Certificate of Authority before selling. NYS DTF
  • DCWP licenses: Vary by license type; check the specific license page for current processing times. DCWP licenses
  • DOHMH permits: Require inspection and readiness; timelines vary by workload and your build‑out. DOHMH FSE
  • DOB permits: Plans and inspections drive timing. Larger scopes take longer. NYC DOB
  • SLA alcohol licenses: Community review makes this one of the longer processes. NYSLA — Licensing

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Build a Gantt‑style checklist with dependencies (e.g., sales tax before DOHMH, DOB before FDNY, etc.). Ask an SBS advisor to review.
  • Consider soft‑opening without restricted activities (e.g., food without outdoor dining) while other approvals finish — but only if allowed by your issued permits.

About money: fees and wage facts you asked us to cite

For license and permit fees (DCWP, DOHMH, DOB, FDNY, DOT, SLA, OCM), use the official fee tables on their pages because these change. If you cannot find a number quickly on the linked pages, call 311 or use the agency’s contact form.

About This Guide

  • Purpose: Give NYC entrepreneurs a practical, source‑linked roadmap to the exact licenses, permits, taxes, and steps they need, without fluff.
  • Sources: Every claim here points to an official NYC or NYS agency page. Please click through to verify details and fees before you apply. Where specific dollar amounts were not listed, it’s because fee schedules change; use the agency link to get the current figure.
  • Help: NYC Small Business Services provides free one‑on‑one help. Book at SBS — Business Solutions Centers or call 311.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or compliance advice. Rules, fees, deadlines, and processes change, sometimes quickly. Always confirm current requirements and amounts directly with the relevant NYC or NYS agency using the official links provided in this guide. If you have specific questions about your situation, consider consulting a qualified professional.

Source list and dates

Access and verification reminder: Please click each official link to confirm the most current requirements and fees for August 2025.