Licensing Guides
New York Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in New York
Septic, NY
October 1st, 2026
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in New York?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in New York?
Septic License Requirements in New York
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as on-site sewage facilities (OSSF) or onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems.
In New York state, 22% of homes use septic systems, according to the Cornell University Geospatial Information Repository.
There are 30,650 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and New York employs 1,550.
The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,900 job openings projected each year. In New York, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is double the national number at 16% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
If you’re thinking about starting a septic business or working in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
In New York, both the state and local jurisdictions issue septic licenses. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issues waste transporter permits for those who transport and dispose of septage.
Local jurisdictions also set licensing rules for septic installers, pumpers, and haulers. Typically, county health departments require septic contractors to complete training and receive a license. Since each jurisdiction follows different rules, it’s important to check with government agencies in each locality where you plan to work to ensure you meet all licensing or registration guidelines.
The New York State Department of Health Center for Environmental Health provides septic system standards and guidelines. Its design handbook informs property owners about the septic system installation process, such as percolation tests, septic tank size determinations, and leach field placement. It also educates the public about system components and operational recommendations, such as regular pump outs and effluent pump maintenance.
New York Code Title 10, Department of Health Chapter II, Part 75, Appendix 75-A sets out the state sanitary code and design standards for residential onsite wastewater systems, and New York Code Title 6, Chapter IV sets out waste transporter permitting requirements. These guidelines work to protect drinking water quality, the surrounding water bodies, and public health.
Types of Septic Licenses in New York
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issues waste transporter permits for those who transport and dispose of septage. Local jurisdictions also issue permits or licenses for septic contractors who install, service, pump, and haul septage.
The types of local septic licenses vary based on the jurisdiction, so you’ll need to check with local health departments and government agencies where you plan to work to meet local licensing requirements.
We’ll cover New York’s waste transporter permit and the licensing requirements in Suffolk County, which has the largest number of septic systems in the state, according to the Suffolk County Stormwater Management Program.
New York Waste Transporter Permit
The DEC issues a Part 364 Permit for transporting septage. A Part 364 Registration is for transporting commercial solid waste.
The Part 364 Permit allows businesses to transport:
Residential septage
Residential raw sewage, including portable toilet wastes
Non-residential raw sewage or sewage-contaminated wastes
Sludge from a sewage treatment plant or water supply treatment plant
Septic businesses must carry a copy of the waste transporter permit in each vehicle used to transport waste, and follow additional state requirements. For a full list of permitted waste types and requirements, visit the DEC’s waste transporter page.
Suffolk County Liquid Waste License
Local septic licenses vary based on jurisdiction. The Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs issues the following liquid waste licensing endorsements relating to septic system installation and service.
The license is for the member, officer, owner, or partner of the business. Applicants must have work experience for five of the past 10 years of employment in the appropriate field.
Septic tank pumping, cleaning, and maintenance (Endorsement 1)
This endorsement requires:
Proof of ownership of a dedicated pump/vacuum truck for sanitary and/or organic waste.
A Long Island Liquid Waste Association (LILWA) certification or completion of a National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) vacuum truck technician class.
Waste line cleaning and inspection (Endorsement 5)
This endorsement requires:
Proof of ownership of dedicated jetting or waste line cleaning equipment.
A LILWA certification.
Bulk liquid waste transportation (Endorsement 6)
This endorsement requires:
Proof of ownership of a dedicated pump/vacuum truck for sanitary and/or organic waste.
A LILWA certification or completion of a NAWT vacuum truck technician class.
Vactor (pump/vacuum) services (Endorsement 7)
This endorsement requires:
Proof of ownership of a dedicated pump/vacuum truck for sanitary and/or organic waste.
A LILWA certification or completion of a NAWT vacuum truck technician class.
Conventional septic system installation (Endorsement 9)
This endorsement requires:
Current LILWA certification, or completion of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services with University of Rhode Island’s conventional system installation overview class, or the NAWT onsite installer certificate of completion professional training class.
Innovative and alternative treatment system installer (Endorsement 10)
This endorsement requires:
An Endorsement 9 for conventional septic system installation.
Completion of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services with University of Rhode Island’s innovative and alternative onsite wastewater treatment technology class.
Prior to installing any systems, the applicant must have an installation training certificate from the manufacturers.
Innovative and alternative treatment system service provider (Endorsement 11)
This endorsement requires:
Completion of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services with University of Rhode Island’s innovative and alternative onsite wastewater treatment technology class.
Prior to servicing any systems, the applicant must have an installation training certificate from the manufacturers.
Steps to Get a Septic License in New York
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides all the information about getting a waste transporter permit for transporting septage on its website.
To get a waste transporter permit, follow these steps.
Download and complete the waste transporter permit application.
Include business contact information, receiving facility, and vehicle information.
Provide a certificate of insurance for workers’ compensation insurance, showing the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation as the certificate holder; or provide a certificate of attestation of exemption; or provide a certificate of workers’ compensation self insurance.
Email new permit applications to: transport@dec.ny.gov; fax to (518) 402-9034; or mail to:New York State Department of Environmental ConservationDivision of Materials Management625 Broadway, 9th FloorAlbany, NY 12233-7251
Applicants do not send payment with the application. The DEC will send applicants an invoice. Annual fees include $250 for the first vehicle transporting residential septage and residential raw sewage or portable toilet waste and $100 for each additional vehicle of the same waste type. For all other regulated waste, the cost is $500 for the first vehicle and $200 for each additional vehicle of the same waste type. The DEC provides a regulatory fee PDF for more information.
The DEC also provides a FAQ section for general information about waste transporter permits on its waste transporter page. For other questions, contact the department at (518) 402-8792 or email transport@dec.ny.gov.
Other licensing requirements, including business licenses, vary depending on local regulations. To get a license to install or service septic systems, check with the local jurisdictions where you plan to work. Some localities require completion of initial training, while others require a specific number of years of work experience. In Suffolk County, the application requirements for a Liquid Waste License can be found on its application.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in New York
Earning the right license or permit to work on septic and onsite wastewater systems in New York comes with real advantages:
It is required by law. Transporting septage without a New York State DEC waste transporter permit, or working without the license your county requires, is illegal.
A license or permit is proof of your experience and skill to customers and employers.
Only properly licensed businesses can legally operate and advertise septic services in the jurisdictions that require a license.
Licensing lets you bid on public and municipal work and pass required inspections.
It protects both your customers and your business, and it can increase your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in New York?
The national annual mean wage for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners is $53,500, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and in New York, it's $56,030.
Wages vary based on experience and specialization. According to the BLS,here is the percentile breakdown for septic tank servicers and sewer pipecleaners in Idaho:
10th percentile: $38,520
25th percentile: $38,310
Median (50th percentile): $46,860
75th percentile: $53,340
90th percentile: $74,720
Wages tend to rise with experience, certifications, and business ownership, and they vary by region within the state.
The terms “mean wage” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean wage is the mathematical average of what everyone in the field earns.
Median salary is the point at which half of workers earn less and half earn more, and it is usually a better indicator of what most people actually take home.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in New York?
To obtain an annual New York waste transporter permit, it costs $250 for the first vehicle transporting residential septage and residential raw sewage or portable toilet waste and $100 for each additional vehicle of the same waste type.
The cost of other septic licenses in the state vary depending on local regulations. For instance, in Suffolk County, a liquid waste license application for septic tank installations or servicing costs $200. Applicants also pay a $400 license fee for one endorsement, with additional endorsements costing $200. Applicants must also hold a certification and/or complete a training class, which incurs an additional cost.
How to Get a Septic License in New York
Because septic work in New York is regulated at both the state and local level, your path depends on the kind of work you do and where you do it.
To haul and dispose of septage anywhere in the state, you need a New York State DEC waste transporter permit. There are no prior training or education requirements. You download and complete the waste transporter permit application, include business, receiving-facility, and vehicle details, and provide a certificate of workers’ compensation insurance (or a certificate of attestation of exemption). You submit the application by email, fax, or mail, and the DEC invoices you for the annual fee rather than collecting payment up front.
To install, pump, clean, or service septic systems, you apply through the local jurisdiction where you work. Requirements vary by county and can include a set number of years of work experience, a certification such as a LILWA certification, or completion of an approved training class. Some counties also require you to pass a local exam and to register your business separately.
If you plan to run your own septic company, check with your county and municipality about business registration, insurance, and bonding requirements before you begin operating.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic operator license, no matter where technicians are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
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To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in New York?
The time it takes to get a septic license in New York depends on the requirements and processing times of local agencies. Getting a New York waste transporter permit can be accomplished fairly quickly, since there are no prior training or education requirements.
Some localities require training or a specific number of years of work experience before the applicant is qualified for a license. For instance, in Suffolk County, septic contractors seeking a particular license endorsement must have worked five of the past 10 years employed in the same field. They also must obtain a specific certification and/or complete a training class.
New York Septic Training Programs and Schools
The state waste transporter permit does not require completion of a training program. Approved training programs and schools depend on the regulations of the local jurisdiction. Many county health departments require septic contractors to complete training through a licensing instruction program.
In Suffolk County, applicants for the liquid waste license conventional septic system installation endorsement must hold a LILWA certification, or complete the Suffolk County Department of Health Services with University of Rhode Island’s conventional system installation overview class, or complete the NAWT onsite installer professional training class.
It’s important to check with agencies in the county or city where you plan to work in order to meet training requirements.
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New York Septic Licensing Exam Details
Whether a septic license requires an exam depends on the licensing requirements of local agencies. Some counties require septic system contractors to pass an exam before receiving a license. Those applying for the state’s waste transporter permit for transporting septage do not need to pass an exam.
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in New York?
New York’s state waste transporter permit does not require an exam, so there is nothing to study for at the state level. Where a septic license exam applies, it is set by the local county or municipality, and preparation depends on that jurisdiction’s rules.
To prepare, contact the county health department or licensing agency where you plan to work and ask which reference materials and code books the exam covers, how many questions it includes, and whether it is open or closed book. Training programs offered through LILWA and the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) can also help you build the knowledge needed for local certification and testing.
Do I Need to Renew My New York Septic License?
Yes. Those with a New York waste transporter permit must renew their permit annually. Renewal applications must be submitted to the New York State DEC no less than 30 days before permit expiration. The permit costs $250 for the first vehicle transporting residential septage and residential raw sewage or portable toilet waste and $100 for each additional vehicle of the same waste type.
The renewal cycle of local septic licenses depends on the regulations of local jurisdictions.
Does My New York Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No. A New York waste transporter permit and any local septic license you hold are valid only in New York and, for local licenses, only within the issuing jurisdiction. If you plan to work in another state, you will need to apply there and meet that state’s requirements. Likewise, out-of-state septic professionals must obtain the appropriate New York State permit and any local license before working here.
Does New York Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
The state of New York does not hold reciprocity agreements with other states for septic licenses. Waste transporters must obtain an annual permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. In addition, septic contractors will need to meet local licensing or registration requirements, which vary by jurisdiction.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but add to your marketability by showing your commitment to industry standards and environmental health, potentially increasing your opportunity to make more money.
To find local training resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists onsite wastewater treatment training centers by state. You can also learn more about wastewater treatment standards, proper treatment of effluent, and watershed and groundwater protection through other industry associations in New York. These include:
Other Requirements Unique to New York
New York has several state-specific rules worth knowing before you start:
Septic licensing is largely local. Beyond the state waste transporter permit, installation, pumping, and service licensing is set county by county, so you must confirm requirements with each jurisdiction where you work.
The state waste transporter permit requires proof of workers’ compensation insurance (or a certificate of attestation of exemption) with the DEC listed as the certificate holder.
If you work in New York City, the NYC Business Integrity Commission may impose additional requirements, and in Westchester County the Solid Waste Commission has its own rules.
Counties such as Suffolk require several years of documented field experience before issuing certain liquid waste license endorsements.
Are There Septic Scholarships in New York?
Yes. Scholarships for students and workers entering the water, wastewater, and environmental trades are available through trade associations in New York.
The New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) awards more than $50,000 in scholarships each year. These include a $12,000 Environmental Career Scholarship (paid over four years) for New York high school seniors enrolling full-time in an environmental bachelor’s degree program, and the Brian Romeiser Pre-Certification Scholarship, which offers up to $1,000 toward wastewater operator certification training.
To find local training resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists onsite wastewater treatment training centers by state. As a general rule, apply early, review each program’s eligibility criteria, and submit all required materials, including any letters of recommendation, before the posted deadline.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in New York?
How a license is verified depends on who issued it.
For a state waste transporter permit, the status of a DEC application or permit can be checked through the DEC Permit Applications (DART) search, where you can search by company or project name.
For a local license, use the issuing jurisdiction’s lookup tool. In Suffolk County, for example, anyone can confirm a license through the Suffolk County Department of Consumer Affairs license search: select “Liquid Waste License” as the license type, enter the business or license details, and review the returned status. Contact the county health department or consumer affairs office in your area to confirm the correct lookup process.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in New York?
A license or permit can be suspended or revoked when the holder breaks the rules that govern the trade. For a state waste transporter permit, the DEC can suspend or revoke a permit for violating the conditions of the permit or the requirements of Article 27 of the Environmental Conservation Law and its Part 364 regulations. Common triggers include:
Fraud or misrepresentation on an application.
Failing to file required annual waste transporter reports.
Mishandling or improperly disposing of regulated waste.
Letting a permit or local license lapse.
Repeated or willful violations of applicable regulations.
Local licenses are subject to suspension or revocation by the county or municipality that issued them.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in New York?
Transporting septage or other regulated waste without a required permit is illegal in New York. Under Environmental Conservation Law Section 71-2703, a person who violates the state’s solid waste rules or the terms of a waste transporter permit can face a civil penalty of up to $7,500 for each violation, plus an additional penalty of up to $1,500 for each day the violation continues.
The DEC can also pursue administrative enforcement and, through the courts, seek an injunction ordering a person to stop working. Local governments impose their own penalties for performing licensed septic work without the county or municipal license they require.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice.
Continuing Education
The state waste transporter permit for transporting septage does not require continuing education. Whether a septic license requires continuing education before license renewal depends on the regulations of local agencies.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
States have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or general contractor license in New York, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
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