NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP, formerly DCA) The city agency, previously called the Department of Consumer Affairs, that licenses home improvement contractors and investigates consumer complaints against them.
DCWP maintains the public license database property owners can use to verify a contractor's Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license and check for prior complaints before signing a repair contract. This is a separate check from DOT's contractor registration, so a legitimate sidewalk contractor working on a private residence generally should be verifiable through both systems. Checking DCWP's records is a quick, free step that can catch a pattern of consumer complaints before an owner commits to a job.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP, formerly DCA)
What does DCWP do?
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses home improvement contractors and investigates consumer complaints against them.
How does DCWP relate to sidewalk work?
Sidewalk repair at a private residence can fall under home improvement licensing rules, so the contractor should hold a DCWP HIC license in addition to DOT registration.
How do I check a contractor's license?
Use DCWP's public license lookup, which shows license status and any complaint history. It is free and takes a few minutes.
Is DCWP licensing the same as DOT registration?
No. They are separate systems covering different aspects of the work, and a legitimate residential sidewalk contractor is generally verifiable in both.