How to Become a New York City Tour Guide

Show visitors the landmarks of the Big Apple.

Guiding visitors on tours in the Big Apple can be an interesting and rewarding job, allowing you, the guide, to learn new things about the city and its culture all the time. You are required to embark upon this profession by first obtaining a license from the city of New York to conduct sightseeing tours from the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• Study Guide
• Exam fee
• Passport photo
• License fee

Instructions

Submit in Person

1. Visit the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs' website and search the "Business Toolbox" link to apply for a license as a Sightseeing Guide.

2. Download the Basic Individual License application on the NYC Consumer Affairs website (see the Reference section for a link to this page).

3. Fill out all sections of the application.

4. Download and fill out the Child Support Certification Form, also available on the NYC Consumer Affairs website.

5. Download the Study Reference on the same page to prepare for the exam on guiding tours. The Guides Association of New York City also recommends "The Blue Guide of NYC" and "New York: A Guide to the Metropolis" as helpful resources for the test. Taking tours in NYC yourself is also helpful.

6. Bring your application to the Department of Consumer Affairs' Licensing Center, where you will first need to take the license test. Bring a valid photo ID for the test.

7. Pay the fee for the test, which is separate from the fee to turn in the application.

8. Have a passport-sized photo taken at no extra cost at the Licensing Center, or bring one with you.

9. Turn in your application and pay the fee for submitting.

Submit Online

1. Visit the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs' website and search the "Business Toolbox" link to apply for a license as a Sightseeing Guide.

2. Download the Study Reference to prepare for the Sightseeing Guide exam. Read the previously mentioned books on New York and take tours, as per the advice of the Guides Association of New York City. It is worth studying for this exam before submitting the application because you will have to take this test within 5 days of completing the online application.

3. Fill out the online application for your license, which you will be directed to from the Department of Consumer Affairs' website.

4. Upload a passport-sized photo with your online application. If you choose not to do this, you can also take one free of charge at the Department of Consumer Affairs' Licensing Office.

5. Use a major credit card to pay the fees with your online application. Pay the fee for the exam and the fee for the license at the same time when you pay online.

6. Visit the Department of Consumer Affairs' Licensing Office within 5 business days to take the Sightseeing Guide exam to complete your application. Instructions will be on a printable confirmation page after you submit your online application. Bring a photo ID with you.

References

• NYC Department of Consumer Affairs: Sightseeing Guide
• Guides Association of New York City: FAQs for Guides