Contractor License from Illinois to New York: Does It Transfer? (2026)
There is no New York state license to transfer into: New York issues no statewide contractor license or trade license. Any licensing for this work is handled below the state level (a city, county or contractor-level authority), so check with the authority where you will work.
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Verdict
No state license to transfer
There is nothing at state level to transfer your Illinois license into: New York issues no statewide contractor license or trade license. Identify the local authority that governs your jobsite and work from its rules; your Illinois credentials and experience may help there, but no state agreement applies to general contracting.
What changes, Illinois → New York
| Illinois (current) | New York (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | General contractor fee: none at state level — general contractor licensing is local, so the city or county sets any fee | General contractor fee: No statewide fee; set by each municipality (e.g., NYC DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license) |
| Processing time | None at state level — set by the local authority | Varies by municipality; no statewide standard |
| Licensing authority | General contracting: licensed locally (city or county); trade licenses: 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
- New York issues no statewide contractor license or trade license, so there is no state license to transfer: confirm with the authority linked on this page who licenses the work where you will practice.
- Contact that city, county or contractor-level authority for its own requirements, exams and fees.
- Keep records of your current license, exams and documented experience — a local authority may credit them, but nothing transfers at state level.
- Obtain the required license from the municipality/county where you work (no statewide contractor license).
- In New York City, obtain a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).
- General contractor fee: No statewide fee; set by each municipality (e.g., NYC DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does New York accept an Illinois contractor license?
There is no New York state license to transfer into: New York issues no statewide contractor license or trade license. Any licensing for this work is handled below the state level (a city, county or contractor-level authority), so check with the authority where you will work.
What applies in New York without a state general contractor license?
The rules of the local authority that governs your jobsite — New York issues no statewide general contractor license or exam. Trade licenses New York does issue are a separate question for the checker.
What fees apply in New York, and how long does processing take?
New York issues no state general contractor license, so there is no state license fee: general contracting is licensed locally, and the city or county sets any fee and timeline. On file: No statewide fee; set by each municipality (e.g., NYC DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license).
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
Not for general contracting: New York issues no state general contractor license, so there is no state GC exam for NASCLA to replace.
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 the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]