LIC38: NYC Electrical License Application

Box 1, Application Type: select the transaction type: Original, Renewal, Reissue or Change.

Box 2, License Type: type an (X) in the appropriate box to indicate whether you are applying for a Master or Special Electrician.

Box 3, License Number: for renewal applicants type your license number; original applicants leave this section blank.⁠^[2]

Applicant Information is required for all applications, and the applicant must provide a complete set of information in this section; *Mobile Telephone is optional. Provide last name, first name, middle initial, social security number, date of birth, home address, home telephone number, city, state, zip code and driver license information.⁠^[2]

Box 5, Responsible Representative: this section must be completed by the licensee, and there can be only one (1) responsible representative per company.

Are you the Responsible Representative for the business?

Responsible Representative Only: Are there additional licensees in the business? If so, print their First Name, Last Name and License Number (for additional space, attach a second sheet). Do you authorize this person(s) to file electrical applications under the business name? Initial here.⁠^[2]

Box 6, Business Information: complete this section if you are employed by or associated with a business or you are an officer of a business. Office address is required. Firm Number is required. If you are establishing a new business or changing the address of your business, the address must be approved by the Department of Buildings.

All firms, partnerships, or corporations, must have “Electric or Electrical” included as part of the official name.

All electrician license holders must have a business address that meets the zoning requirements of the city of New York. Before a license is issued you must have your business address verified and approved. Submit the LIC33 form by mail or fax to the Licensing Unit - 280 Broadway, 6th floor, NYC 10007. Fax (646) 500-6249.

Be sure to provide a telephone number and/or email address where you can be notified of the results.⁠^[2]

Box 7, License Use: type an (X) in the appropriate box to indicate if you will use your license as an individual, on behalf of a corporation, on behalf of a partnership or as a trade.

Box 8, Partner or Officer Information: complete this section if you have filled out the Business Information Section (6). Provide the name, address, telephone number, license number (if any), percent owned by each partner or officer and the title of each partner or officer.⁠^[2]

Box 9, Convictions and Fines: type an (X) in the appropriate box to indicate your answer to each of the questions in this section. If your answer is “Yes” to either of these questions, you MUST complete the Licensing Supplemental Affidavit (LIC34) and attach it to your completed License Application form (LIC38). You do not need to include parking related offenses. However, you must include parking related fines.

Yes or No: Have you ever been convicted of a crime (for renewals, convicted since your last renewal)?

Yes or No: Do you as licensee or the master electrician business have outstanding notices of violation owed to the Department?

Yes or No: Does any company associated with your Department-issued Electrician’s license currently have any unpaid firm account (permit and/or application) fees?

Yes or No: Have any licenses or privileges granted to you or your associated business(es) by the Department of Buildings or any other government entity ever been rescinded, revoked, surrendered, suspended, otherwise disciplined, or have you or your related business(es) ever been disqualified from performing inspections?⁠^[2]

As a condition of being granted a license from the Department of Buildings, I hereby agree to comply with all Administrative Code Provisions and Department Rules, Regulations and Directives regarding how licensees conduct their specific trades.

“I affirm compliance with Section 27-3013(a) and the definition of responsible representative found in Section 27-3004, when the designated responsible representative of the business is submitting this renewal application.”

Original applicants must make an appointment with the Licensing Unit prior to appearing to submit documentation.⁠^[2]

Electrician’s Seal, and Notarization: State of New York, County of: Notary Seal. Sworn to or affirmed under penalty of perjury. Day of 20. Notary Signature.

All renewal applicants must renew their license annually, prior to the expiration date. To avoid a late fee, renewal applications must be submitted 30-60 days before the expiration date of your license. The expiration date is indicated on your license card. Any renewal applications (LIC38) submitted after the expiration date is subject to late fees and Board approval. Any application submitted after 90 days will not be accepted and the applicant must reapply for a new license including retaking the examinations.⁠^[2]

LIC38 Instructions (Rev 10/14) License Application (LIC38): Electrician License transactions must be completed in person Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 12:45pm at: NYC Department of Buildings Licensing Unit 280 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY 10007 Tel. (212) 393-2259.⁠^[2]

License Fees for a Master/Special Electrician: Original Fee $310; Renewal Fee $60; Seal Renewal Fee $30; Late Renewal Fee $400; Reissue Fee $50 (checked November 2, 2026).⁠^[2]

Falsification of any statement is a misdemeanor under section 28-211.1, 28-201.2.1.2, and 28-203.1.1 of the Administrative Code and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment, or both. Bribery is a crime: A person who gives or offers a bribe to any employee of the City of New York or an employee who takes or solicits a bride, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment, a fine, or both.