What You Need to Know About Licenses and Permits
Some types of businesses are required by law to obtain licenses and / or permits prior to commencement. Listed below are some of the more common types of businesses requiring licenses and / or permits from agencies or departments of New York state, Suffolk County, or local municipalities.

New York State Licenses or Permits
Some businesses require specific New York State Permits. (The Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform defines a permit as any required license, registration or similar form of Back to Top What You Need to Know About Licenses and Permits Some types of businesses are required by law to obtain licenses and / or permits prior to commencement. Listed below are some of the more common types of businesses requiring licenses and / or permits from agencies or departments of New York state, Suffolk County, or local municipalities.

New York State Licenses or Permits Some businesses require specific New York State Permits. (The Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform defines a permit as any required license, registration or similar form of authorization required by New York State.) Examples of businesses that require a permit include auto repair shops, beauty shops, food establishments, real estate brokers, and day care centers.

For assistance in identifying New York state permits, contact:

Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform
Governor Alfred E. Smith Office Building
P.O. Box 7027, 17th Floor
Albany, NY 12225
(518) 474-8275 or toll-free 1-800-342-3464
website: www.nys-permits.org
www.gorr.state.ny.us

Suffolk County Licenses or Permits
Certain occupations require licenses, such as appliance repair shops, auctioneers, contractors, electricians, plumbers, precious metals dealers and second hand dealers. For assistance or more information, contact:

The County Executive Office of Consumer Affairs
Building 340
North County Complex, Suffolk County Center
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-4600


For sanitary requirements for operation of food stores, food storage warehouses, meat or poultry establishments, food serving or vending businesses, mobile food vehicles, and frozen dessert establishments, contact:

Suffolk County Department of Health Services Food Control Unit
496 Smithtown By-Pass
Smithtown, NY 11787

For businesses in Western Suffolk, call:
(631) 854-0410 or (631)854-0411.

For businesses in Brookhaven Town and Eastern Suffolk County, call:
(631) 852-2068.

Motels, Hotels, day camps, and other facilities of temporary residence, contact:

Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services Camp and Sanitation Unit
496 Smithtown By-Pass Smithtown, NY 11787

For businesses in Western Suffolk, call:
(631) 854-0421.

For businesses in Brookhaven Town and Eastern Suffolk County, call:
(631) 852-2069.

All commercial and residential buildings must comply with county health codes. For more information, contact:

Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services
Waste Water Management
County Center, Room 5238
Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 852-2100

Vending, peddling or soliciting* (except selling junk or liquor) by veterans in unincorporated areas, contact:

Suffolk County Clerk
310 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901-3392
(631) 852-2000

* Necessary requirements:
1. Six-month proof of residency
2. Original discharge or DD214.

Businesses Requiring Municipal Licenses Village licenses: There are 30 incorporated villages in Suffolk County. According to state law, each may require a permit. Contact the village clerk in each village in which you will be conducting business to determine if a permit is required. Click here for a list of Suffolk County villages.
Town licenses: According to state law, each township may require permits. To determine if a permit is required, contact the town clerk of each town in which you will be conducting business. Click here for a list of Suffolk County towns.