How to Get a NYC Street Vendors License

Street commerce in the Big Apple requires grit, determination, a steely resolve ... and a license from the State of New York.

To keep their business legal, street vendors in New York City need documents issued by the city, including a General Vendor's License and a tax certificate. In theory, the application is fairly straightforward and processing takes about a month. However, the city requires you to get on a waiting list, which is often closed. There are exceptions to the rule, including those made for veterans and their widows or widowers.

Things You'll Need

• General Vendor's License application
• Application for State Tax Certificate of Authority
• Application fee of $75

Instructions

Street Vendor Licensing

1. New York City limits the number of non-food vendor licenses to 853, and food vendor licenses to 3,100. The waiting list currently runs about 25 years and has been closed to new applicants since 1993. Veterans and their survivors do not need to join the waiting list. The general vendor license limit does not apply to those selling written matter, including books and periodicals, or artwork. You don't need a General Vendor's License to sell these items on the street.

2. Alternatively, you may rent a license from a vendor that already possesses one. Vendor permits are leased on an underground market and through classified advertising on sites such as craigslist.org. These permits, however, are invalid in the view of city ordinances, and you may be cited for using a rented license.

3. To vend on the street you will also need a New York State Sales Tax Certificate of Authority (Form DTF-17), which is a form that authorizes you to collect and pay sales tax on the items you sell. The application form is available at http://www.tax.state.ny.us/pdf/2007/fillin/st/dtf17_407_fill_in.pdf. This is a fill-in form that can be filed online; there is no application fee. The normal turnaround time for a Certificate of Authority is four to six weeks.

4. For selling at a temporary flea-market or exhibition, contact the promoter of the event, who must issue temporary permits to the vendors costing $50 to $200. Current New York City promoters include Mort and Ray Productions, Mardi Gras Productions, Hell's Kitchen Flea Markets, Clearview Festival Productions, and Green Flea. You won't need a tax certificate.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a veteran, you must submit a Statement of Service issued by the Veterans Administration office at 245 West Houston Street in Manhattan, or a DD-214 form, which you can obtain from the National Personnel Records Center at http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/standard-form-180.html. Submit the document to New York City Licensing Center, 42 Broadway, Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10004, or fax it to [phone].

• The city does not require a license for those selling on private property.

• State law requires you to make the applications at least 20 days, but no more than 90 days, before you begin operations. Don't open your business before obtaining the necessary documents. You will be subject to a citation and a fine levied by the city.

• Selling food or vegetables is subject to another set of license requirements, including a Certificate of Authority and permits from the Department of Health.

References

• New York City Department of Consumer Affairs
• New York State Business Taxpayer Answer Center
• Business.gov

Resources

• Street Vendor Project