Licensing Services

Apply, Renew or Manage a Professional License

Access resources and information about New York State licensing services through the Department of State.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
The Division of Licensing Services’ Customer Service Center in Buffalo will be closed from 9:00am - 10:30am on February 23, March 2, and March 23. Licensing examinations will continue to be held as scheduled.
Become a Licensed Professional

New York State offers a wide range of professional licenses. The New York Business Express (NYBE) portal is an online resource to help you start or manage a business or professional license in New York State.

Use Business Express to:

  • Apply for, renew, or update select licenses — including cosmetology, barber, real estate, notary public, and more.

  • Create or log in to your secure NY.GOV ID to build a Business Profile to access your licenses or applications.

  • Access step-by-step guidance, downloadable forms, fee details, exam scheduling, and application tracking.

Review the instructions for your specific license to see if it's available through Business Express or requires a mail-in application.

See important updates from the Division of Licensing Services.

Find a Licensee or File a Complaint

Find a Licensee

Search for a licensee by using our Licensee Search application.

File a Complaint

If a member of the public believes that a licensee has acted in an untrustworthy or incompetent manner, they may file a complaint.

Can't find what you are looking for?
Contact Us!
By using our Licensing Contact Form, you will receive a faster response and avoid wait times.