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Newsstand License

About Apply After You Apply Operating & Renewing

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Before you submit your application

  • 1

    You must confirm with DCWP that your proposed newsstand location is vacant and available for use. Read Location Verification Form.

    • 2

      You must send by certified mail notification to the owner or owner’s agent of the building or lot directly adjacent to the site of your proposed newsstand. More info

        The letter must indicate that you will submit a Newsstand license application to DCWP within 30 days and include basic information about the proposed stand (dimensions, distance and direction from the closest intersection, etc.). Download a model letter.

    • 3

      You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. More info

        Although DCWP does not require submission of your Business Certificate in order to process your application, DCWP may request this document under section 20-104 of the New York City Administrative Code.

    • 4

      Complete the Basic License Application. More info

         

        The Basic License Application requires business information, including applicable identification numbers (such as EIN, SSN, or ITIN); contact information for the business location and business owner, history of criminal and / or civil charges for the business owners, partners, shareholders, and officers; and any DCWP license history for individuals named on the application and their relatives.

      Download Basic License Application (PDF )

    • 5

      If applicant plans to have the newsstand license as a business entity, complete Request to Hold Newsstand License as a Business Entity.

      • 6

        Applicants must submit a current color passport-size photograph of themselves. Note: Applicants can be photographed at the DCWP Licensing Center at no cost or upload their photo online.

        • 7

          Submit proof of owner notification. More info

            Applicant must provide evidence to DCWP that you sent a notification letter to the owner(s) of the building(s) or lot(s) directly adjacent to the site of your proposed newsstand. You must also submit an original certified mail receipt as proof that you sent a notification letter to the owner./p>

          Read Finding Name and Address of Building Owner of Record or Owner Agent (PDF )

        • 8

          If the applicant's proposed newsstand will be located within three feet of private property, submit a notarized Landowner's Consent to Operate a Newsstand to show that the landowner of the private property agrees to allow the newsstand.

            Download Landowner Consent to Operate a Newsstand (PDF )

          • 9

            Submit Newsstand Affirmation.

            • 10

              Submit six copies of a scale drawing plan of the proposed newsstand with a scale key of one quarter inch equal to one foot. More info

                The plan must include the dimensions of the proposed newsstand and the distance of the newsstand from any obstruction within 25 feet of any side of the proposed newsstand. Refer to the Newsstand Size and Clearance Requirements for a complete list of obstructions. Please note that the plan does not need to be drawn by an architect but must be accurate and drawn to scale on paper no larger than 11 x 17 inches.

              Download Newsstand Size and Clearance Requirements (PDF )

            • 11

              Submit eight 5x7 inch photos of the proposed newsstand location. More info

                Photos should show one image of the left side of the newsstand, one of the right side, two of the front, two of the back, and two front views from across the street. Photos must clearly show the area surrounding the proposed newsstand location. The newsstand location must be marked with an "X." Please note the following:

                - Photos that do not completely show the proposed location will not be accepted.
                - Standard photographs, color paper copies, Polaroids, or other facsimiles are acceptable.
                - Photos must be keyed to the plans (they must match).

            • 12

              Legally blind applicants must provide original documentation from a bona fide physician proving that they are legally blind in order to have the DCWP license fee waived.

              • 13

                If the license application will be filed by someone other than the applicant, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.

                  Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (PDF )

                • 14

                  List of Fees. More info

                    • $269: Initial License Fee for applicants who file for a new Newsstand License.
                    • $0 to $807: Remaining License Fees are pro-rated depending on the time the application is filed and the expiration date you are assigned. Please refer to the Newsstand License Fee Table.
                    • Non-Refundable Convenience Fee for paying with a credit card.
                    • $35,681.47: Newsstand cost in 2022. Please note that the cost will increase each year based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Note: You must pay the full cost of the newsstand to JCDecaux up front. For updated cost information, please call 311 and asked to be transferred to DCWP with a question about a newsstand license.
                    • $1,076: License Renewal Fee.

                  View Newsstand License Fee Table (PDF )

                • 15

                  List of accepted payment methods. More info

                    • Check (Payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in person application submissions.)
                    • Money Order (Payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in person application submissions.)
                    • Credit card including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.

                  • Ready to Apply?

                  Apply Online Apply in Person

                  Steps to apply online:

                • 1

                  Applicant must obtain a verbal or written confirmation from the DCWP Licensing Center that the applicant's proposed newsstand location is vacant and available for use.

                    NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

                    Address
                    Licensing Center


                    42 Broadway, Lobby




                    New York NY 10004
                  • 2

                    Review the requirements for the license and gather all materials before clicking the Apply Online button. Note: You will be redirected to a new web page where you will need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application.

                      • Apply Online
                      Apply Online open_in_new
                    • 3

                      After submitting an application online, print a copy of the Confirmation Page. The Confirmation Page will list the additional steps and materials required to complete the application. These materials are also listed above and must be submitted within five business days of filing the application online if they were not uploaded as part of the online application submission.

                        • Steps to apply in person:

                      • 1

                        Applicant must obtain a verbal or written confirmation from the DCWP Licensing Center that the applicant's proposed newsstand location is vacant and available for use.

                          NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

                          Address
                          Licensing Center


                          42 Broadway, Lobby




                          New York NY 10004
                        • 2

                          Complete the required application forms and gather all necessary documentation identified in the section above.

                          • 3

                            Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment.

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