You can report over 550 different types of professionals and businesses licensed by New York State Department of State (DOS).

You can get help when:

  • The NYS licensee has refused to resolve your complaint about its product or service, and
  • There is no legal action pending between you and the NYS licensee

You can also report an unlicensed business.

Complaints are only accepted online and by mail.

Online

Submit a complaint to the Department of State Division of Consumer Protection.

By Mail

Complete, print and sign the Printable Complaint Form and submit it to:

New York State Department of State
Division of Consumer Protection
Consumer Assistance Unit
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12231-0001

You can get help by phone if you:

  • Have questions about the complaint filing process
  • Need a paper application mailed to you

Please note that complaints must be submitted in writing and cannot be filed by phone.

  • Agency: New York State Department of State
  • Division: Consumer Assistance Hotline
  • Phone Number: (800) 697-1220
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

DOS licenses various occupations, including (but not limited to):

  • Apartment Information Vendors and Apartment Sharing Agents
  • Appearance Enhancement Business/Area Renter
  • Appraisal Management Company
  • Armored Car Services
  • Athlete Agent
  • Automobile Broker
  • Bail Enforcement Agent
  • Barber
  • Bedding Manufacturer & Refurbisher
  • Central Dispatch Facility
  • Children's Product Safety and Recall Act
  • Coin Processor
  • Cosmetology
  • Document Destruction Contractor
  • Esthetics
  • Health Club Services
  • Hearing Aid Dispensers
  • Home Inspectors
  • Manufactured Housing
  • Nail Specialty
  • Nail Specialty Trainee
  • Natural Hair Styling
  • Notaries Public
  • Pet Cemetery & Pet Crematorium
  • Private Investigator
  • Real Estate Appraiser/Broker/Salesperson
  • Security Guard
  • Security or Fire Alarm Installer
  • Telemarketer Business
  • Ticket Reseller
  • Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency
  • Waxing