Contractor License from Illinois to New York: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: No statewide contractor licensing board — licensing is municipal (example: NYC Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection) ↗
New York does not offer contractor reciprocity with any state. Expect a full application to the No statewide contractor licensing board — licensing is municipal (example: NYC Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection), including New York's exams.
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Verdict
No reciprocity offered
New York recognizes no state's contractor license, so coming from Illinois changes nothing — it is a full application either way. The practical plan: identify which New York license class matches your work, book the business/law and trade exams, and prepare the financial statement and bond early. Nothing about your Illinois license is wasted, but none of it substitutes for New York's process.
What changes, Illinois → New York
| Illinois (current) | New York (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | No reciprocity/endorsement fee exists because there is no reciprocity path; standard plumber licensing fees apply and were not captured. | No statewide fee; set by each municipality (e.g., NYC DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license) |
| Processing time | Not applicable — no reciprocity path. | Varies by municipality; no statewide standard |
| Licensing authority | Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing Program (general contractors are licensed municipally) | No statewide contractor licensing board — licensing is municipal (example: NYC Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — New York sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Review New York's initial-licensure requirements on the No statewide contractor licensing board — licensing is municipal (example: NYC Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection) website (linked below).
- Expect to meet New York's education/experience requirements and pass its required exams — prior out-of-state licensure may still count toward experience.
- Submit the standard (new applicant) application with fees (No statewide fee; set by each municipality (e.g., NYC DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license)).
- Allow Varies by municipality; no statewide standard.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does New York accept a Illinois contractor license?
New York does not offer contractor reciprocity with any state. Expect a full application to the No statewide contractor licensing board — licensing is municipal (example: NYC Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection), including New York's exams.
What still applies even if reciprocity covers my trade?
New York's business and law exam, financial statement, bond, and registration — reciprocity waives the trade exam only, not these.
What does the Illinois-to-New York move cost and how long does it take?
No statewide fee; set by each municipality (e.g., NYC DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license); processing Varies by municipality; no statewide standard.
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
If you do commercial general-building work, possibly — about 15 states accept the NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building exam toward licensure. Check whether New York is one on the No statewide contractor licensing board — licensing is municipal (example: NYC Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection) site.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- NYC Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection — Home Improvement Contractor License (municipal license required in NYC) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing (licensing, forms; reciprocity form is Chicago-only) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Illinois IDFPR — Roofing Contractors (no reciprocity provision) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]