NYSDOL Public Work Contractor and Subcontractor Registry

What is It?

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) requires all businesses working on publicly funded projects to register through its Public Work Contractor and Subcontractor Registry. This system ensures compliance with labor laws, fair wages, and workforce diversity

Who Does This Apply To?

This applies to any business or individual contractor working on a public works project in New York State. This includes:

  • Prime Contractors – Main contractors on public projects
  • Subcontractors – Hired by prime contractors
  • Vendors/Service Providers – Supplying labor, materials, or services
  • Trade Workers – Performing physical labor like plumbing, electrical, or carpentry

What Project Types Are Covered?

The registry applies to any publicly funded project that involves construction, repair, maintenance, or service contracts. This includes:

  • Infrastructure Projects – Roads, bridges, tunnels, and public transit improvements.
  • Public Building Construction – Schools, libraries, government offices, and other publicly owned buildings.
  • Renovation and Maintenance – Repairs, upgrades, and facility maintenance using public funds.
  • Public Utility Work – Water, sewage, and electrical infrastructure projects.

Why Register?

  • Legal Requirement: Contractors and subcontractors must register before working on public projects.
  • Fair Wage Compliance: Ensures workers are paid according to NYS prevailing wage schedules.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Helps contractors maintain accurate records and avoid penalties.
  • Workforce Participation Goals: Supports hiring women and minority workers to promote diversity.
  • Contract Eligibility: Only registered vendors can bid on or participate in public works contracts.
  • Avoid Penalties: Failure to register or comply can result in fines, contract delays, or disqualification from future projects.

When to Register?

Before starting work on any public project. Keep your registration updated with any business or labor changes.

How Much Does It Cost?

There is a nonrefundable fee of $200 to register with NYSDOL. There is a reduced nonrefundable fee of $100 for New York State certified Minority or Women Owned Business Entrepreneurs (MWBE) to register with NYSDOL. There is an additional $1.97 credit card processing fee for all applications.

Resources

To assist contractors and subcontractors in navigating the registration and compliance process, the following resources are available:

NYSDOL Registry – Official site for registration and compliance information.

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