Newsrack Registration Form

The Department of Transportation (DOT) manages newsracks on City sidewalks. A newsrack is a box where you can get newspapers or other written material. These boxes can be self-service or coin-operated. If you own a newsrack, you must register it with DOT before placing it on the sidewalk.

Registration requirements

• After the first registration, you must register your newsrack with DOT every year by November 1.
• You also need to tell DOT right away if any information on your registration form changes, like if you plan to remove the newsrack.

• Insurance requirement: You must have a commercial general liability insurance policy. The insurer must be licensed in New York State.

  • Additional insureds: The insurance policy must name the City of New York and its departments, boards, officers, employees and agents as additional insureds.
  • Protection coverage: The insurance protects against any losses, costs, damages, expenses, claims, judgments or liabilities from the newsrack.

• Submission deadline: Submit an insurance certificate every year by December 31 or by the policy's expiration date, whichever is earlier.

• Annual re-registration: You must re-register your newsrack every year by November 1 using the registration form.

• Inform DOT of changes: If any information in your registration changes, tell the Department of Transportation (DOT) in writing right away. This includes plans to remove newsracks from the sidewalk.

• Keep a maintenance log: You must keep a separate maintenance log for each publication recording how you clean the newsracks. You also need to keep records for three years that show how you remove graffiti or other markings. Keep these logs for three years and show them to DOT if requested. These records should include details about:

  • Materials
  • Employees
  • Contractors
  • Costs

• Certify maintenance activities: Three times a year, you must certify that you have repainted the newsracks or tried your best to remove graffiti and other markings. Submit the Certification of Required Maintenance Activities form by fax or regular mail. You need a separate certification for each publication.

  • Submit the certification form by these dates:

    • For September 1 to December 31, the deadline is January 15.
    • For January 1 to April 30, the deadline is May 15.
    • For May 1 to August 31, the deadline is September 15.

• Submit an insurance certificate: You must submit an insurance certificate every year by December 31 or by the policy's expiration date, whichever comes first. This certificate should show that you meet the insurance requirements described on the Apply page.

• Fill out the registration form.
• Email your request to newsracks@dot.nyc.gov or fax it to 646-892-5019. Include the insurance certificate when applying.