Electronics License

You need an Electronics License if you sell electronic goods or fix or service electronic items and home appliances. This includes cell phones, tablets, audio equipment, video equipment, photographic equipment, computers or computer equipment, and calculators. This also includes off-site repairs.

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gives this license.

You do not need a license if:

• Your store does not provide repair services and the area used to show electronic goods is less than 20 percent of the total display space. This is measured by linear feet, not square feet.
• Your store does not provide repair services and fewer than 30 electronic goods are on display.

• Business certificate:
  You need the right Business Certificate for your business type. You do not need to submit this document with your application, but DCWP may ask for it.

  • Sole proprietors using a name other than your own must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Partnerships must have a Partnership Certificate and, if needed, an Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies or limited liability partnerships must register and stay active with the New York State Division of Corporations. Check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.

• Basic license application:
  You must complete the Basic License Application. This application needs:

  • Business information, including identification numbers (EIN, SSN or ITIN)
  • Contact information for the business location and owner
  • History of criminal and/or civil charges for business owners, partners, shareholders and officers
  • Any DCWP license history for individuals named on the application and their relatives

• Sales tax identification number:
  Provide your New York State Sales Tax Identification Number or Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation Number on the Basic License Application.
  Learn more about sales tax vendor registration.

• Granting authority to act affirmation:
  If someone else will file the application for you, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.

• List of fees:

  • $340: License fee for new applications from January 1 to June 30 of odd-numbered years
  • $255: License fee for new applications from July 1 to December 31 of odd-numbered years
  • $170: License fee for new applications from January 1 to June 30 of even-numbered years
  • $85: License fee for new applications from July 1 to December 31 of even-numbered years
  • Nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee for credit card payments
  • $340: License renewal fee

• Accepted payment methods:

  • Check (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person applications)
  • Money order (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person applications)
  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover)

• Notification by mail: You will get a letter within two weeks after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all needed papers.

  • If your application is approved, DCWP will send you a license.
  • If your application needs more information, DCWP will send you a letter with instructions. You must send the needed materials within 10 days. If you do not, your application will be denied.
  • If your application is denied, DCWP will explain why and tell you how to apply again.

• License validity: Licenses last up to two years. They expire December 31 of even-numbered years.

• Information changes: If your information changes, you must tell the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). You can do this by:

  • Calling 311
  • Visiting the DCWP Licensing Center
    
    It is a good idea to call 311 to check if you need to visit a center for a specific change. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Compliance with laws: Follow all New York City laws and rules. This includes the Consumer Protection Law and Rules. You can find them on the Public Access Portal.

• Review requirements:
  Review the requirements for the license and gather all materials before clicking the Apply online button. You will be redirected to a new web page where you need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application.

• Print confirmation page:
  After submitting an application online, print a copy of the confirmation page. This page lists the additional steps and materials needed to complete the application. These materials are also listed above and must be submitted within five business days of filing the application online if they were not uploaded as part of the online application submission.

• Complete forms:
  Complete the required application forms and gather all necessary documentation identified in the section above.
• Schedule an appointment:
  You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Before your license expires: DCWP will mail you a license renewal application and instructions.
• If you plan to keep operating: You must send your renewal application at least 15 days before your license expires.

• Before your license expires: DCWP will mail you a license renewal application and instructions.
• If you plan to keep operating: You must send your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires.
• You must make an appointment: You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Before your license expires: DCWP will mail you a license renewal application and instructions.
• If you plan to keep operating: You must send your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires.
• Mail these materials: You can mail these materials using the orange return envelope to the DCWP Licensing Center.
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov