New York: State guide

New York licenses home inspectors through the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, under Article 12-B of the Real Property Law. A Department of State decision states the licensing act became effective December 31, 2005, and current DOS pages provide licensing requirements, eAccessNY lookup, and the official complaint form. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/home-inspector-licensing-law-0))

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

Official resources in New York

Become a Home Inspector

Official DOS page with current licensing requirements, examination options, and application link. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/become-home-inspector))

Home Inspection Professional Licensing Law

Official DOS publication compiling Article 12-B and home-inspector regulations. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/home-inspector-licensing-law-0))

Preliminary Statement of Complaint

Official DOS complaint form used by the Division of Licensing Services complaint review office. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/preliminary-statement-complaint-english?utm_source=openai))

Licensing Complaint Resolution Process

Official explanation of how DOS investigates complaints and what outcomes a hearing can produce. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/node/23876?utm_source=openai))

Key facts for New York

New York licenses home inspectors under Article 12-B of the Real Property Law. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/home-inspector-licensing-law-0))
An official DOS decision states Article 12-B became effective December 31, 2005. ([docs.dos.ny.gov](https://docs.dos.ny.gov/ooah/decisions/homeinspector/Neubauer_Josef.htm?utm_source=openai))
Applicants need a 140-hour approved course; 40 hours must be unpaid supervised field inspections. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/become-home-inspector))
New York accepts either the NY State Home Inspector License Examination or the National Home Inspector Examination. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/become-home-inspector))
Every licensed home inspector engaged in home inspection must maintain and file proof of liability coverage with the Secretary. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/home-inspector-licensing-law-0))
DOS says complaint cases can end in dismissal, reprimand, suspension, revocation, a fine, and/or restitution. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/node/23876?utm_source=openai))

What to do next

Search the inspector in eAccessNY before hiring and confirm the record matches the person or business you’re considering. ([appext20.dos.ny.gov](https://appext20.dos.ny.gov/nydos/details.do?anchor=a4432de.0.0&utm_source=openai))
If filing a complaint, use the DOS preliminary complaint form and include the license number if known. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/preliminary-statement-complaint-english?utm_source=openai))
If you want the legal standards, read the DOS law compilation alongside the current licensing page. ([dos.ny.gov](https://dos.ny.gov/home-inspector-licensing-law-0))

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