How to Apply for a New York City Street Vendor License
Street vendors are part of the charm and atmosphere of New York City. Anyone who wishes to sell or offer to sell, lease or offer to lease, goods or services in a public place in New York City must first secure a General Vendor license. There are, however, exceptions to the requirement for those who sell newspapers, books or written material, artwork or food. A food vendor requires a Department of Health and Mental Hygiene license. In addition, a vendor at a street fair only needs a Temporary Street Fair Vendor Permit. All others must apply for and be approved for a General Vendor Permit.
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Things You'll Need
- Vendor application
- Proof of discharge
- Color photo, passport-sized
- Proof of home address
- General vendor questionnaire
- General vendor residence form
- Child support certification
- Certficate of authority
Instructions
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Complete the basic individual license application form. You can submit the entire application online through the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, or DCA, website or you can download the application form and submit in person to the DCA Licensing Center.
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2
Obtain an acceptable proof of eligibility to apply for the vendor license. Vendor licenses are only issued to those with an approved DCA waiting list number, to an honorably discharged veteran or the surviving spouse or domestic partner of an honorably discharged veteran. As such, the application must include a letter from the DCA indicating the waiting list or proof of an honorable discharge from the Department of Veteran's Affairs and proof of relationship to the veteran if applying as the surviving spouse or domestic partner. At the time of publication, the waiting list is closed for further applications.
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3
Complete the General Vendor Questionnaire, General Vendor Residence Form and Child Support Certification.
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4
Obtain a Certificate of Authority from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance indicating your sales tax number.
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Prepare the application packet to include: Basic Individual License Application; General Vendor Questionnaire; General Vendor Residence Form; Child Support Certification; Certificate of Authority; proof of honorable discharge and relationship, if applicable, or DCA waiting list number; passport photo; and proof of residence, such as a utility bill.
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Submit the application with supporting documents online or in person along with the required filing fee. At the time of publication, a full year license fee is $200, and a partial year -- March 31 to September 30 -- is $100. Veterans and surviving spouses or domestic partners do not have to pay the filing fee but will incur a $1 convenience fee upon completing the application online.
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