NYC Commercial Contractor License Fee Calculator
Estimate your New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) commercial contractor license application, renewal, and registration fees based on license type and renewal period.
Formula
Total Fee = License Fee + Application Fee (new only) + Exam Fee + Reinstatement Surcharge + Expedited Processing Fee
- License Fee = Annual Base Rate × Renewal Term (years)
- Annual Base Rate: Varies by license type and entity type (individual vs. corporation); ranges from $150/yr (rigger, sign hanger, blaster) to $600/yr (GC / fire suppression – corporation).
- Application Fee: One-time, non-refundable filing fee for new applications only; ranges from $100 to $300 depending on license type.
- Exam Fee: Charged for first-time applicants where a DOB/Prometric exam is required (e.g., LMP, LME, site safety); ranges from $100 to $225.
- Reinstatement Surcharge = max(License Fee × 25%, $50); applies when reinstating a lapsed license.
- Expedited Processing Fee: Flat $520 if expedited review is requested.
Assumptions & References
- Fees are based on the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) Fee Schedule under NYC Administrative Code Title 28, Chapter 4 (§28-401 et seq.) and the DOB's published fee tables.
- Standard renewal term is 2 years; some licenses allow 1- or 3-year terms at the same per-year rate.
- Exam fees reflect Prometric / DOB examination fees as published on the NYC DOB Licensing & Registrations page.
- General Contractor and Fire Suppression Contractor licenses do not require a DOB-administered written exam; eligibility is determined by experience affidavit, insurance, and background review.
- Fees do not include: insurance / surety bond costs, fingerprinting fees (~$75–$100), notarization, or third-party continuing education costs.
- Corporation / LLC applicants must also file a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of New York; minimum coverage amounts vary by license type.
- Reinstatement surcharge is estimated at 25% of the applicable license fee with a $50 minimum, consistent with DOB late-renewal penalty guidance.
- Expedited processing fee of $520 is per the NYC DOB Expedite Program fee schedule.
- All fees are subject to change; verify current amounts at nyc.gov/buildings before submitting an application.
- This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.