Electronics Store License
A business must have an Electronics Store license if it sells electronic goods, such as: cell phones, tablets, audio equipment, video equipment, photographic equipment, computers or computer equipment, or calculators. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) issues this license.
A license is not required if: -The area used to display electronic goods is less than 20 percent of the total display space, as measured by linear feet and not square feet. OR -Fewer than 30 electronic goods are on display.
You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. Although DCWP does not require submission of your Business Certificate in order to process your application, DCWP may request this document under section 20-104 of the New York City Administrative Code.
- Sole proprietors operating under a name other than your own must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
- Partnerships must have a Partnership Certificate and, if applicable, an Assumed Name Certificate for your business.
- Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships must register and remain active with the New York State Division of Corporations. You can check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.
Complete the Basic License Application.
The Basic License Application requires business information, including applicable identification numbers (such as EIN, SSN, or ITIN); contact information for the business location and business owner, history of criminal and / or civil charges for the business owners, partners, shareholders, and officers; and any DCWP license history for individuals named on the application and their relatives.
The business must provide their New York State Sales Tax Identification Number or Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation Number on the Basic License Application.
If the license application will be filed by someone other than the applicant, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
List of Fees.
- $340: License Fee for applicants who file for a new electronics store license from January 1 of years that end in an odd number to June 30 of years that end in an odd number.
- $255: License Fee for applicants who file for a new electronics store license from July 1 of years that end in an odd number to December 31 of years that end in an odd number.
- $170: License Fee for applicants who file for a new electronics store license from January 1 of years that end in an even number to June 30 of years that end in an even number.
- $85: License Fee for applicants who file for a new electronics store license from July 1 of years that end in an even number to December 31 of years that end in an even number.
- Non-Refundable Convenience Fee for paying with a credit card.
- $340: License Renewal Fee
List of accepted payment methods.
- Check (Payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in person application submissions.)
- Money Order (Payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in person application submissions.)
- Credit card including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.
- If the application is approved, DCWP will issue the applicant a license document.
- If the application requires additional information, DCWP will notify the applicant by mail with instructions on how to submit this information. If the applicant does not submit the requested materials to DCWP within 10 days of receiving this notification letter, the application will be denied.
- If the application is denied, DCWP will provide an explanation for the denial and information about the reapplication process.