Contractors on New York Public and Certain Private Projects Must Register With State

New York has a new law on the books requiring contractors and subcontractors who submit bids or perform construction work on public projects or certain private projects to register with the state.

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) said that contractors must register before submitting any new bids or beginning work on a covered project starting December 30, 2024. Subcontractors need to register before starting new work on a covered project on or after that date.

The registration requirement applies only to contractors and subcontractors submitting bids or performing construction work on public work projects or on certain private projects covered by Article 8 of the Labor Law. Private projects subject to Article 8 include public subsidy funded projects, renewable energy systems, broadband projects, climate risk-related and energy transition projects, and roadway excavations.

NYSDOL encourages all contractors and subcontractors to register as soon as possible to obtain a Certificate of Registration to avoid potential delays in the bidding process or project schedules.

Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said the law “provides public funding accountability that will benefit law-abiding contractors and subcontractors while cutting off those who seek to exploit workers.”

To register, contractors and subcontractors must apply through NYSDOL’s Contractor Registry portal. All applications must be submitted electronically, and fees must be paid by credit card.

In addition to information about the company, its unemployment insurance registration, and past workplace safety or tax violations, registrants must provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance.

If approved, a Certificate of Registration will be issued electronically. Contractors and subcontractors are encouraged to download and print the certificate.

Registration is not valid until a certificate has been issued, which the state says could take three or four weeks. Incomplete or inaccurate applications could result in delays.

If an application is not approved, registrants will have the opportunity to address the issue or request a hearing within 30 days of notification.

Each registration certificate is valid for two calendar years from the date of issuance. Contractors and subcontractors must renew their registration at least 90 days before their current registration expires. Certificates or the status of an application may be checked at any time through the contractor registry portal.

The NYSDOL website has a frequently asked questions section.

Topics New York Contractors