NYS DOL Contractor Registration (Labor Law 220-i)
Administered by New York State Department of Labor
Private consulting firm, not a government agency. We are not affiliated with any city, state or federal agency. You can apply directly with any agency yourself, and NYC and NYS M/WBE certification are free to apply for. We charge for our help, not for the certification. Official agency links are listed at the bottom of this page.
What this program is
New York's Labor Law section 220-i requires contractors and subcontractors on public work to hold a Certificate of Registration from the NYS Department of Labor. It took effect December 30, 2024, and agencies such as NYC DEP and NYCHA now call it out in their bid documents.
What it unlocks
The right to bid and work on public work projects in New York State. Prime contractors must be registered before they bid. Subcontractors must be registered before they start work.
Key facts at a glance
- In effect since
- December 30, 2024
- Fee
- $200, or $100 for NYS-certified MWBEs
- Valid for
- 2 years
- Who files
- Primes before bidding; subs before starting work
Can I bid on New York public work? Start with 220-i.
Loading the free eligibility check. If it does not appear, take the full eligibility check here.
You may qualify if
- You bid on, or work on, New York public work as a prime or subcontractor
- You can certify your company's compliance history as the application requires
These are screening indicators only, not a guarantee of eligibility. Eligibility is determined solely by the certifying agency.
Documents you'll need to gather
Most delays come from missing paperwork, not the questions. Here's what to pull together, organized by where you'll find it.
Business information
- Legal business name, EIN and business address
- Owner and officer information
If you're an MWBE
- Your NYS MWBE certification, to qualify for the reduced $100 fee
Typical preparation flow
- 1Check whether your upcoming bids or subcontracts are public work. If they are, you need this.
- 2File the registration online with NYS DOL and pay the fee.
- 3Keep your certificate on file. Primes show it at bid time and subs show it before mobilizing.
- 4Calendar the 2-year renewal so a lapse doesn't knock you out of a bid.
This is separate from any certification or prequalified list. Even a fully certified M/WBE needs its own DOL registration to work on public jobs.
Official sources
- NYS DOL: Contractor Registry FAQs
- NYS DOL: How to register for the Contractor and Subcontractor Registry
- NYC DEP: DOL Certificate of Registration notice (Dec 2024)
Last reviewed October 2026. Agencies change their rules; always confirm on the agency's site before you file.
Not sure if NYS DOL Registry is the right one for you?
Take the free eligibility check and see every program your company may qualify to pursue (city, state, federal and agency) in the right order.
or call 212-812-2219Other programs you may qualify for
NYC Get Certified is an independent consulting service powered by Managed Construction. We are not a government agency. We do not guarantee certification approval, prequalification, or contract awards. Program requirements are set by the certifying agencies and change over time.