New York · 3 jurisdictions covered
Business licences and permits in New York
New York is the only state that makes a new LLC advertise itself in two newspapers for six weeks, in papers the county clerk chooses. It licenses no general contractors and registers no veterinary premises; food permitting is a county matter.
What applies everywhere in New York
12 requirements are set by New York itself and apply whichever city you open in. Local permits sit on top of them.
| Requirement | Issued by | Fee | Applies | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance Enhancement Business Licence | New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services | $60 per four-year licence | To every business | 2026-09-03 |
| Articles of Organization (LLC) | New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code | $200 one-time filing | Only in some cases | 2026-09-03 |
| Barber Shop Owner Licence | New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services | $60 per four-year licence | To every business | 2026-09-03 |
| Biennial Statement | New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code | $9 per filing, every two years | Only in some cases | 2026-09-03 |
| Certificate of Incorporation | New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code | $125 one-time filing | Only in some cases | 2026-09-03 |
| Certificate of Publication (LLC) | New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code | $50 state filing fee only | To every business | 2026-09-03 |
| Child Day Care Centre Licence | New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Child Care Services | No fee | To every business | 2026-09-03 |
| Contractor Licence (local, not state) | New York State Department of Labor | No fee | To every business | 2026-09-03 |
| Food Service Establishment Permit | New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food Protection | No fee | To every business | 2026-09-03 |
| Food Worker Training (no statewide requirement) | New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food Protection | No fee | Only in some cases | 2026-09-03 |
| Sales Tax Certificate of Authority | New York State Department of Taxation and Finance | No fee — no fee — issued without charge by statute | Only in some cases | 2026-09-03 |
| Veterinary Licence (individual, no premises registration) | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions | $372 initial individual licence | To every business | 2026-09-03 |
Which New York city are you opening in?
- New York, NYNo general business licence exists — each trade is licensed separately by DOHMH, DOB, DCWP or FDNY, never by a borough or county office. A Food Protection Certificate never expires even though the underlying restaurant permit renews annually. Mobile food vending needs two credentials at once — an individual licence plus a unit permit — now administered by NYC Health after DCWP's own page describing it was retired.9 published records
- Buffalo, NYErie County Department of Health permits Buffalo's restaurants, while the City separately requires its own Restaurant business licence on top of that county permit — two governments, two fees, for the same business.7 published records
- Yonkers, NYWestchester County permits Yonkers's food establishments, having absorbed the city's own health district in 1973 — but Yonkers licenses its own contractors directly, since the county's parallel licence explicitly excludes any city already regulating the trade itself.7 published records
Is there a single New York business licence?
No. New York has no single licence that covers every business. What you need depends on your industry, your city and your county, and most of the obligations that matter are issued locally rather than at state level.
The state-level registrations that do apply to nearly everyone are tax accounts rather than licences — which is why they are easy to miss.
Who issues permits in New York?
- New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial CodeArticles of organization and certificates of incorporation · Biennial statements · Certificates of publication4 permits
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food ProtectionFood service establishment regulation under 10 NYCRR Subpart 14-1 · Permits where no local health department has jurisdiction2 permits
- New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing ServicesAppearance enhancement businesses · Barber shop owner licences · Thirty-six licensed occupations, not including construction2 permits
- New York State Department of LaborContractor and subcontractor registry for public work1 permit
- New York State Department of Taxation and FinanceSales tax Certificate of Authority · Vendor registration1 permit
- New York State Education Department, Office of the ProfessionsVeterinarian licensing · Professional entity authorisation1 permit
- New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Child Care ServicesChild day care centre licensing outside New York City1 permit
By industry
Commercial Compliance Hub publishes information, not legal advice. Requirements change — confirm anything you rely on with the issuing agency before you file.