Our Mission
The Division of Licensing Services provides employment opportunities in New York State through the issuance of occupational and business licenses while ensuring the health, safety and well-being of the public.
Core Services
New York Department of State's Division of Licensing Services (DLS), oversees the licensure, registration, and regulation of 35 occupations throughout the state. DLS develops and administers examinations, approves curriculum and instructors, processes license applications, investigates consumer complaints and conducts state initiated inspections. The Division is also responsible for the authentication of public documents for use in other countries.
Who We Serve
Beauty Enhancement: Cosmetology; Nail Specialty; Nail Specialty Trainee; Waxing; Natural Hair Styling; Esthetics; Barbering, Appearance Enhancement and Barber Businesses
Real Estate: Real Estate Salespersons and Brokers; Real Estate Appraisers; Apartment Information Vendor/Sharing Agents; Home Inspectors; Manufactured Housing
Security and Secured Services: Security Guards; Armored Car Services; Private Investigators; Bail Enforcement Agents; Watch, Guard or Patrol Agencies; Security or Fire Alarm Installers; Document Destruction Contractors; Coin Processors
Miscellaneous Services: Notary; Athlete Agent; Pet Cemetery & Pet Crematorium; Telemarketer; Central Dispatch; Ticket Reseller; Hearing Aid Dispenser; Bedding Manufacturer & Refurbisher; Durable Juvenile Product Manufacturer; Automobile Broker; Health Clubs
Contact Contact the Division of Licensing Services
Contact
Mailing Information:
NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services
PO Box 22001
Albany NY 12201-2001
Please note: If you utilize express services or next day ground services such as UPS, Federal Express, DHL, etc. you should use the physical address of the building.
Albany Physical Address
Division of Licensing Services
1 Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor
Albany, NY 12231
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Phone Information:
General Information (518) 474-4429
Security Guard and Armored Car Guard Information (518) 474-7569
Call Center Representatives are available from 8:45am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday except on Legal Holidays.
Deaf, hard of hearing and speech-disabled callers, please use 7-1-1
For all other inquiries, email Licensing Services
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Visitor & Customer Service Center Information:
Below is a listing of Licensing Customer Service Centers and the hours of operation. Please monitor this page for updates to office hours, guidelines and or any closures.
Albany: This office is open for all services.
NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services
1 Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor
Albany, NY 12231
Customer Service hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
*Important note about Apostille and Certification of Authentication Services: Apostille and Certification of Authentication documents may be dropped off for processing. Customers may provide prepaid envelopes for priority returns. Priority appointments based on travel plans within two weeks may be scheduled at our Albany or New York City customer service office. For further information, please visit https://dos.ny.gov/apostille-or-certificate-authentication
Parking
Limited on street metered parking is available for 1 Commerce Plaza in Albany. The Office of General Services has various parking lots throughout downtown Albany which have limited visitor parking. To find out more information about the OGS lots, please visit their website.
New York City: This office is open for all services with the exception of walk-in apostille processing. Apostilles will not be processed without a previously scheduled priority appointment.
NYS Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
123 William St. 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10038-3804
Customer Service hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 3:30pm
*Important note about Apostille and Certification of Authentication Services: Apostille and Certification of Authentication documents may be dropped off for processing. Customers may provide prepaid envelopes for priority returns. Individuals who have a documented emergency circumstance or travel plans within two weeks may schedule an appointment to have their documents completed at our Albany or New York City customer service office. For further information, please visit https://dos.ny.gov/apostille-or-certificate-authentication
Binghamton: Effective July 7, 2023, Licensing Customer Service Center will be closed until further notice. Licensing examinations will continue to be held as scheduled.
NYS Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
State Office Building
44 Hawley Street, Room 1506
Binghamton, NY 13901-4455
(518) 474-4429
Buffalo: Effective November 10, 2022, Licensing Customer Service Center will be closed until further notice. Licensing examinations will continue to be held as scheduled.
NYS Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
295 Main Street, 8th Floor, Suite 821
Buffalo, NY 14203
(518) 474-4429
Hauppauge: Effective June 21, 2023, Licensing Customer Service Center will be closed until further notice. Licensing examinations will continue to be held as scheduled.
NYS Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
State Office Building
250 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788-5519
(518) 474-4429
Utica: This office is closed until further notice. Licensing examinations will continue to be held as scheduled.
NYS Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
State Office Building
207 Genesee Street Utica, NY 13501-2812
(518) 474-4429