Sightseeing Guide License

You need a Sightseeing Guide license to guide or direct people to any place or point of interest or to describe, explain or lecture about any such place to any person in connection with a sightseeing trip or tour within the City.

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

• Complete the Basic Individual License Application.
  Download Basic Individual License Application

• Submit photo identification (ID).
  Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • US-issued driver's license or non-driver's license identification
  • License or permit issued by a government agency
  • Passport
  • Alien card/green card
  • City, state or federal employee ID card
  • Municipal ID card

• Submit a current color passport-size photograph.
  Note: You can be photographed at the DCWP Licensing Center at no cost or upload your photo online.

• Pay the required fees.

  • $50: License Fee (April 1-September 30 of even-numbered years)
  • $38: License Fee (October 1-March 31 of odd-numbered years)
  • $25: License Fee (April 1-September 30 of odd-numbered years)
  • $13: License Fee (October 1-March 31 of even-numbered years)
  • $50: Exam Fee
  • Non-Refundable 2 percent convenience fee for credit card payments

• Choose a payment method.

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

• Schedule an appointment: You must set up a time with ExamBuilder to take the Sightseeing Guide Exam.
• Scheduling the exam: You can set up the exam 24 hours after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has processed your application.
• Processing requirements: You cannot set up the exam until DCWP has received and processed your documents and payments.
• Information processing: Once DCWP has processed your application, it takes 24 hours for your information to appear in ExamBuilder's system.
• Exam timeline: You have 60 days to take and pass the exam from the time your information appears in ExamBuilder's system.
• Test center hours: Test centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day in many locations. ExamBuilder can confirm available locations when you set up your exam.

Scheduling the exam

You can set up the exam in two ways:

• Online: Visit dcaschedule.exambuilder.com. Enter your Application Number, then click Continue. You can find the Application Number on your License Application Confirmation Page or payment receipt.
• By phone: Call 646 974-8244. Customer service is available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day.

Exam details

• The exam has 150 questions.
• You must answer at least 97 questions correctly to pass.
• The $50 exam fee is separate from the license fee and is nonrefundable.
• If you fail the exam twice, you must pay the exam fee again to retake the exam.

Download the Frequently Asked Questions: Exams and Study Reference to help you prepare for the exam.

After DCWP receives all required materials

Within two weeks of DCWP receiving all required materials, you will get one of the following notifications by mail:

• Application approved: DCWP will send you a license document.
• Additional information required: DCWP will tell you what extra information is needed and how to send it. If you do not send the requested materials within 10 days, your application will be denied.
• Application denied: DCWP will explain why and tell you how to reapply.

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

• Information updates: If your information changes, tell the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Call 311 or visit the DCWP Licensing Center. It is best to call 311 first to see if you need to visit. You must make an appointment to visit in person. 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: 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 the requirements and gather materials.
  Note: You will be redirected to a new web page and need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application.

• Print the Confirmation Page after submitting your application.
  The Confirmation Page will list additional steps and materials required to complete the application. These materials must be submitted within five business days if not uploaded online.

• Complete the required forms and gather documentation.

• Schedule an appointment to file in person. You can file at the DCWP Licensing Center. 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.

• Renewal application: DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires. If you want to keep operating, send in your renewal application at least 15 days before your license expires.

• Renewal application: DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires. If you want to keep operating, send in your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires. You must make an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. 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.

• Renewal application: DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires. If you want to keep operating, send in your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires. Use the orange return envelope to mail your materials 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