You can apply for a General Vendor License if:
- You're a veteran or surviving spouse or domestic partner of a veteran and you live in New York State. See license application requirements.
- The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) contacts you with a waiting list number.
Full Answer
Do I need a vendor license in New York State?
You must have a General Vendor License to sell, lease, or offer to sell or lease goods or services in a public place that is not a store. You can apply for a General Vendor License if: You're a veteran or surviving spouse or domestic partner of a veteran and you live in New York State.
Who can apply for a general vendor license?
Only the following individuals may submit an application for a General Vendor License: an individual with a valid waiting list number issued by DCA an honorably discharged veteran residing in New York State the surviving spouse or domestic partner of an honorably discharged veteran residing in New York State
How many general vendor licenses can a non-veteran apply for?
Please note: The maximum number of General Vendor Licenses that the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) issues to non-veterans is limited by law to 853. DCA’s waiting list for non-veteran applicants is currently closed.
Do I need a license to sell goods and services?
You must have a General Vendor License to sell, lease, or offer to sell or lease goods or services in a public place that is not a store. You can apply for a General Vendor License if:
What is a veteran spouse?
What is a general vendor license?
Do you need a license to sell food?
About this website

General Vendor License · NYC311 - Government of New York City
Online. To apply online, you need a Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) account. Log in or register for a DCA account. In Person. If you’re applying in person, you will have to complete an application and bring it to the Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Center or the NYC Small Business Support Center.
Vendor Enrollment - New York City
1. Business Information: Provide information regarding your business revenue and contact information. 2. Contacts: Identify and add all of your principals and/or officers to your organization’s
Vendors License in New York
We Make the Process of Getting a New York Vendors License Simple. When you choose to work with Business Licenses, LLC, our experienced professionals can handle even the hardest parts of obtaining a vendors license for you.
Permits, licenses, and registrations - Government of New York
Permits, licenses, and registrations. Depending on the type and size of your business, you may have to obtain other business permits, licenses, and registrations from New York State.
How long before your license expires can you renew it?
About three months before your license expires, the Department of Consumer Affairs will mail you a renewal package. You can complete and submit the application DCA sent you in person, or you can renew online. Once your license expires, you are considered unlicensed and you may get penalties if you continue to operate.
Where to drop off DCA pin?
In Person. You can drop off your completed application and any required documents at the Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Center or the NYC Small Business Support Center.
Where to apply for a small business license in NYC?
If you’re applying in person, you will have to complete an application and bring it to the Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Center or the NYC Small Business Support Center.
Can a veteran get a general vendor license in New York?
Eligible veterans and the surviving spouses or domestic partners of eligible veterans who live in New York State can apply for a General Vendor License. The number of licenses issued to non-veterans is limited by law to 853.
When does the state of emergency extend licenses?
In general, the extension applies to licenses with expiration dates on or after March 12, 2020 when the Mayor first declared a state of emergency.
Do you need a general vendor license to sell?
You must have a General Vendor License to sell, lease, or offer to sell or lease goods or services in a public place that is not a store.
Can you walk in to DCA?
For health and safety reasons, the DCA Licensing Center and NYC Small Business Support Center cannot serve walk-ins, but you can schedule an appointment.
What is a granting authority to act affirmation?
Granting Authority to Act Affirmation ( download) If this application will be filed by someone other than the license applicant, the license applicant must submit a Granting Authority to Act Affirmation. License Fee. Must be paid by credit card, money order, or check.
How to get a certificate of doing business in good standing in New York?
Businesses incorporated out of state must obtain a Certificate of Doing Business in Good Standing from your home state’s Secretary of State and file this with an application for Authority to Conduct Business in New York with the New York State Secretary of State.
How long does it take to notify DCA of a cancelled policy?
Note: You must notify DCA within 14 days if your insurance policy is cancelled, expired, or was terminated for any reason. Notification must be in writing and submitted in person OR by mail to:
How long does it take to get a certificate of authority in New York?
You will need a NY.gov ID to access the application form. To request a paper application, call (518) 485-2889. Allow four to six weeks after applying to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to receive your Certificate of Authority.
What is the minimum amount of insurance for a truck?
Your Insurance Certificate must name the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) as the certificate holder. Minimum amounts of coverage are: $50,000 for injury to or destruction of property of one or more persons resulting from any one accident.
What credit cards are accepted at DCA?
Must be paid by credit card, money order, or check. Cards accepted at the DCA Licensing Center include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card. Credit card payments are subject to a convenience fee. Checks or money orders must be payable to NYC Department of Consumer Affairs.
Where to file for DCA license?
File in person at the DCA Licensing Center, 42 Broadway, in Manhattan between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where to drop off a NYC license?
You can drop off your completed application and any required documents at the Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Center or the NYC Small Business Support Center.
Where to apply for a small business license in NYC?
If you’re applying in person, you will have to complete an application and bring it to the Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Center or the NYC Small Business Support Center.
When does the state of emergency extend licenses?
In general, the extension applies to licenses with expiration dates on or after March 12, 2020 when the Mayor first declared a state of emergency.
Do you need a general vendor license to drive goods to a public place?
You must have a General Vendor Distributor License to drive goods to a public place in order to sell them to a general vendor.
Can you walk in to DCA?
For health and safety reasons, the DCA Licensing Center and NYC Small Business Support Center cannot serve walk-ins, but you can schedule an appointment.
What is street vendor project?
The Street Vendor Project is a membership-based project with more than 1,800 active vendor members who are working together to create a vendors’ movement for permanent change. SVP works to correct social and economic injustice faced by NYC street vendors.
What is the Pushcart Fund?
The Pushcart Fund gives funding to New York City street vendors who need capital to sustain or grow their small businesses. Many vendors need loans to buy new pushcarts or stock up on merchandise. Others need loans to pay their fines and renew their licenses so they can stay in business. It is run by Accompany Capital and The Street Vendor Project.
How many permits are there for a general vendor in NYC?
The General Vendor license for merchandise is issued by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) — formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) — and is limited by law to 853 permits for non-veteran applicants. Because the demand is higher than the amount of permits available, there is a waiting list that has been closed for more than a decade.
What is a green cart permit?
The Green Cart permit allows individuals to operate a food cart for the sale of whole, raw fruits and vegetables in designated areas of the City. Here is the link to apply for a green cart permit.
What is a mobile food license?
The Mobile Food Vending license is issued to an individual who will prepare and/or serve food from a permitted mobile food vending unit (truck or pushcart). The license is issued by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) as a photo ID badge, and it must be submitted by the applicant in person. Due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, appointments must be made in advance .
What is documented news?
Documented is the only NYC newsroom that creates journalism with and for immigrant communities. Help fuel this mission for $10/month.
Can disabled veterans get a vending license?
Disabled veterans, who also hold a valid General Vendor license, can submit an application for specialized vending licenses, which allows them to vend on restricted streets as noted §2-314 of Title 6 of the Rules of the City of New York. There are two types of specialized licenses: Citywide Specialized vending license (Yellow) and Midtown Core Zone vending license (Blue) .
How Can I Apply for a New York Vendors License?
Applying for a New York Vendors License usually requires completing a large list of forms and confusing documentation. It will also involve different steps along the way, depending on the specifics of your business .
What is business license solutions?
BusinessLicenseSolutions.com provides an overview of all of Business Licenses, LLC products and services to streamline corporate licensing requirements.
What is the vendor license number?
If you need any assistance please contact us at 1-800-870-0285.
How to get a vendor license in New York?
A New York Vendors License can only be obtained through an authorized government agency. Depending on the type of business, where you're doing business and other specific regulations that may apply, there may be multiple government agencies that you must contact in order to get a New York Vendors License. Unfortunately trying to figure out ...
What is a veteran spouse?
the surviving spouse or domestic partner of an honorably discharged veteran residing in New York State
What is a general vendor license?
A General Vendor license is required for anyone that will sell, lease, or offer to sell or lease goods or services in a public space that is not a store.
Do you need a license to sell food?
selling food. Please note that food vending requires a license from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Application Requirements
- Before You File Your DCA License Application:
1. Applicable Business Certificates based on your Business's Legal Structure 1.1. Sole Proprietorships operating under a name other than your own must file a Business/Assumed Name Certificate with the clerk of the county in which your business is conducted. 1.2. Sole Proprietors… - When You File Your DCA License Application:
1. Basic License Application Online submission: After reviewing the application requirements, please click the Apply Online link at the bottom of the Web page to submit your application. In-person submission: Download the Basic License Application Form. 1. Sales Tax Identification N…
Application Filing Process
- ONLINE
1. Please review requirements for the license and gather all materials before clicking the button below. 2. If you haven’t registered an account with the City of New York, you will need to register an account before you can proceed to the online application. 3. After you submit the online appli…
Additional Resources For General Vendor Distributor