New York Home inspector License: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply (2026)

New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services

New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services

New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://dos.ny.gov/become-home-inspector

Become a Home Inspector

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://dos.ny.gov/home-inspector-application

Home Inspector License Application

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

High school or equivalent.

High school or equivalent.

Have successfully completed high school or its equivalent;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Education pathway: at least 140 approved hours, including 40 hours of unpaid field inspections under direct supervision of a New York licensed home inspector, professional engineer or architect.

Education pathway: at least 140 approved hours, including 40 hours of unpaid field inspections under direct supervision of a New York licensed home inspector, professional engineer or architect.

Education: Taken and successfully completed a course of study of not less than 140 hours approved by the Department. Of those hours, 40 must be unpaid field based inspections in the presence of and under direct supervision of a Home Inspector licensed by NYS, or a professional engineer or architect, regulated by NYS,

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Alternative to the education pathway: at least 100 paid or unpaid home inspections under direct supervision of a New York licensed home inspector, professional engineer or architect.

Alternative to the education pathway: at least 100 paid or unpaid home inspections under direct supervision of a New York licensed home inspector, professional engineer or architect.

Have performed not less than 100 home inspections (paid or unpaid) in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a Home Inspector licensed by NYS, or a professional engineer or architect regulated by NYS,

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Pass the New York written examination or the National Home Inspector Examination.

Pass the New York written examination or the National Home Inspector Examination.

Have passed the NYS written examination or have taken and passed the National Home Inspector examination.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

General liability coverage of at least $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate.

General liability coverage of at least $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate.

Applicants must submit proof of general liability insurance which shall be a minimum amount of $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$250

250

$250 - Initial Application

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$50

50

$50 - Written Exam

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$100

100

$100 - Renewal

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

2 years

2

the license will be effective for 2 years.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

2 years

2

Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $100 for a two year term.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The renewal application is mailed to the Home Inspector approximately 3 months before the expiration of his or her license. The application must be completed and submitted with a $100 fee to the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.

The renewal application is mailed to the Home Inspector approximately 3 months prior to the expiration of his or her license. The application must be completed and submitted with a $100 fee to the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Applies to: New York home inspector licenses

The renewal application is mailed to the Home Inspector approximately 3 months prior to the expiration of his or her license. The application must be completed and submitted with a $100 fee to the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

24 hours

24

Home inspectors are required to complete 24 hours of approved continuing education within their two-year license renewal period prior to the expiration date in order to renew their license.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Reciprocity depends on a New York agreement and equivalent state requirements. Submit the application, fee and proof of current licensure for review; education and examination requirements are waived when equivalence is found.

Reciprocity depends on a New York agreement and equivalent state requirements. Submit the application, fee and proof of current licensure for review; education and examination requirements are waived when equivalence is found.

Yes, if NYS has entered into a reciprocity agreement with another state. Upon submission of an application and fee, we will review application requests from individuals submitting proof of current licensure from another state where requirements are equivalent to NYS. Where found equivalent, education and exam requirements will be waived, and a license issued.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Architects, professional engineers and certified code enforcement officers working within their profession are excluded; opening a home inspection business requires a license.

Architects, professional engineers and certified code enforcement officers working within their profession are excluded; opening a home inspection business requires a license.

Explicitly excluded are Architects, Professional Engineers, and Certified Code Enforcement Officers. Whether new to the field or existing, they can continue engaging in home inspections without need of this license provided they are working within the scope of their profession. However, if they open a home inspection business they will be required to obtain a license.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The $50 examination fee shown is for the New York written exam.

The $50 examination fee shown is for the New York written exam.

$50 - Written Exam

Last verified Oct 25, 2026