Attention: U.S. Armed Forces Veterans

If you are a U.S. Armed Forces VETERAN or a WIDOW OR WIDOWER OF A VETERAN (HONORABLY DISCHARGED - New York State resident), you are eligible to apply for a general vendor license. In order to receive an application, you must first submit one of the following documents to the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs:

• *STATEMENT OF SERVICE*
  Copies only; issued by the Veterans Administration regional office at 245 West Houston Street, New York

OR

• *DD-214 FORM*
  Type #4 copies 
  You can request a DD-214 electronically by visiting the National Archives' National Personnel Records Center Web page.

Please use ONE of the methods below to submit documents to DCA. Please be sure to specify your name and mailing address.

MAIL TO:          NEW YORK CITY LICENSING CENTER
                       42 BROADWAY, 5TH FLOOR
                       NEW YORK, NY 10004

OR

FAX TO:            (212) 487-4212

Attention: All Non-Veterans

The maximum number of general vendor licenses that the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs issues to non-veterans is strictly limited to 853. This is in accordance with the law governing general vendors, as established by the City Council. The DCA waiting list for non-veteran applicants is currently closed. The waiting list will not re-open for further registration until we have run through the current pool of non-veteran applicants. However, this cap does not apply to the sale of written matter (including newspapers, books, periodicals and similar items) and artwork (including paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures). Written matter and artwork may be sold on the City's streets without a General Vendor license. However, in order to sell these items on City streets you must have a New York State Certificate of Authority. To obtain an application for a Certificate of Authority, visit the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance online or call toll-free (800) 698-2909. In addition to the tax form, you can ask for publication 750 (A Guide to Sales Tax in New York State). Allow four to six weeks after applying to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to receive your Certificate of Authority.

If you are unable to obtain a general vendor license, there are other options available. DCA offers a 30-day Street Fair Permit under the General Vendor licensing law. These permits are issued to individuals who are authorized by event sponsors to participate in street fairs or events registered with the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit, and are valid for the duration of the event. These events usually take place during the spring through fall seasons.

The sale of new non-food items on private property, such as flea markets and concessions, does not require a General Vendor license. However, you must have a New York State Certificate of Authority in order to sell merchandise on private property. To obtain an application for a Certificate of Authority, visit the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance online or call toll-free (800) 698-2909. In addition to the tax form, you can ask for publication 750 (A Guide to Sales Tax in New York State). Allow four to six weeks after applying to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to receive your Certificate of Authority.

Note: New York City businesses must comply with all relevant federal, state, and City laws and rules. All laws and rules of the City of New York, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules, are accessible using the Public Access Portal. For convenience, sections of the New York City Licensing Law (and Rules, if enacted) are available as a downloadable handout. The Law (and Rules) are current as of January 2009.

Please note that businesses are responsible for knowing and complying with the most current laws, including any City Council amendments. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is not responsible for errors or omissions in the handout. The information is not legal advice. You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer.