Licensed jobs in New York
New York: 8 occupations, 6 licensing agencies, and no state license for plumbers. For each one: the board, the main credential, its training, application fee and renewal cycle, from the boards' own pages.
On this page
Occupations we cover in New York
New York licenses 7 of the 8 occupations below at the state level; plumbers is licensed only by cities or counties, if at all. Security guards have the most levels here (4 credentials); each occupation page covers every level.
| Occupation | Main license | Board | Training or experience | Application fee | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | Cosmetology (appearance enhancement operator license) | New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services | Training 1,000 clock hours1 | $402 | Every 4 years3 |
| Notary public | Notary Public 2 credentials in all | DOS | – | $606 | Every 4 years7 |
| Registered nurse (RN) | Registered Professional Nurse (RN) 2 credentials in all | State Board for Nursing | Training 2 clock hours8 | $1439 | Every 3 years9 |
| Insurance agent | Excess lines broker license 3 credentials in all | DFS | – | – | Every 2 years12 |
| Plumber | No state license14 | – | – | – | – |
| Certified nursing assistant (CNA) | Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), listed on the New York State Nurse Aide Registry (nursing home / RHCF nurse aide) | New York State Nurse Aide Registry | Training 100 clock hours15 | – | Every 2 years16 |
| Security guard | Security Guard Registration 4 credentials in all | New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services | Training 8 clock hours18 | $3619 | Every 2 years20 |
| Massage therapist | Licensed Massage Therapist (license as a massage therapist, masseur or masseuse) 2 credentials in all | State Board for Massage Therapy | Training 1,000 clock hours21 | $5022 | Every 3 years23 |
Licensing boards
6 agencies issue the New York licenses we cover:
- New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services: cosmetologists and security guards
- New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS): insurance agents
- New York Department of State (DOS): notaries
- State Board for Nursing: registered nurses
- State Board for Massage Therapy: massage therapists
- New York State Nurse Aide Registry: nursing assistants
Moving to New York with a license
For cosmetologists, the New York board names the states whose licenses it accepts. The boards for notaries, insurance agents and security guards publish no transfer route, so you apply as a new applicant. Conditions, fees and forms are on each occupation page.
| Occupation | Routes the board publishes |
|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | Reciprocity agreements, License by endorsement, Exam waiver and Military service members and spouses451 |
| Notary public | No reciprocity route7 |
| Registered nurse (RN) | License by endorsement and Military service members and spouses1011 |
| Insurance agent | No reciprocity route13 |
| Certified nursing assistant (CNA) | License by endorsement17 |
| Security guard | No reciprocity route18 |
| Massage therapist | License by endorsement22 |
Check a license
Every board above runs its own license search. The New York license lookup page lists them in one place, with the links to report an unlicensed or problem provider.
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Become a CosmetologistNYS Department of State Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Cosmetology Application (DOS-0034-a)New York Business Express (Empire State Development / NYS Department of State listing)Checked November 7, 2026
- CosmetologyNYS Department of State Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Cosmetology ReciprocityNYS Department of State Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Endorsement StatesNYS Department of State Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- A.7755 (2023-2024), amending Executive Law 131-133, 135-c (notary appointment and reappointment)New York State Legislature (NY Senate Open Legislation)Checked November 7, 2026
- Notaries - Sullivan County NYSullivan County Clerk, Sullivan County, New YorkChecked November 7, 2026
- RN Mandated Training Child AbuseNYSED Office of the ProfessionsChecked November 7, 2026
- RN License RequirementsNYSED Office of the ProfessionsChecked November 7, 2026
- RN FAQNYSED Office of the ProfessionsDated August 15, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
- Skip to main contentNew York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (compilation of Education Law)Checked November 6, 2026
- Application FeesNew York State Department of Financial ServicesDated August 13, 2026Checked November 8, 2026
- Information for Insurance Agents and BrokersNew York State Department of Financial ServicesDated September 30, 2026Checked November 8, 2026
- General City Law § 45New York State Senate (Open Legislation, official consolidated laws)Checked November 7, 2026
- Nursing Home Nurse Aide Training Program and CertificationNew York State Department of HealthDated January 2017Checked November 7, 2026
- 10 NYCRR 415.26 Organization and administrationNew York State Department of HealthDated December 16, 2020Checked November 7, 2026
- 10 NYCRR 415.13 Nursing servicesNew York State Department of HealthDated December 7, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
- Security Guard Training RequirementsNew York State Department of State, Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Become a Security GuardNew York State Department of State, Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Renew or Update Security Guard LicenseNew York State Department of State, Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- 8 NYCRR 52.15 - Massage Therapy programs (NYSED copy)NYSED Office of the ProfessionsChecked November 7, 2026
- Massage Therapy License RequirementsNYSED Office of the ProfessionsChecked November 8, 2026
- Massage Therapy Frequently Asked Questions (page 1)NYSED Office of the ProfessionsChecked November 8, 2026