Newsstand License

You need a Newsstand License to run a stand on a public sidewalk. This stand is not easy to move. It is mainly for selling newspapers and magazines. You can also sell cigarettes, lottery tickets and snacks if you have the right permits.

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gives out this license.

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
Licensing Center
42 Broadway
New York, NY 10004

Website:

http://www.nyc.gov/dcwp

Email:

onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov

Phone:

For more help, please call 311 and ask for Newsstand License

• Check location availability:

  • Make sure your newsstand spot is open. Contact the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Read the Location Verification Form.

• Notify nearby property owner:

  • Send a certified mail to the owner of the building next to your newsstand spot. The letter must say you will apply for a newsstand license in 30 days. Download a model letter.

• Get a Business Certificate:
  Get the right Business Certificate for your business type. You do not need to submit this document with your application, but DCWP may ask for it.

  • Sole proprietors need a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Partnerships need a Partnership Certificate and maybe an Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Corporations, Limited Partnerships, LLCs or LLPs must register with the New York State Division of Corporations. Check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.

• Fill out Basic License Application:

  • Complete the Basic License Application with your business details, ID numbers (Employer Identification number, Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number), contact information and license history.
  • Complete the Basic License Application with your business details, identification numbers (), contact information, and license history.
  • Download Basic License Application (PDF).

• Request to hold license as a business entity:

  • If you want the license in your business name, fill out the Request to Hold Newsstand License as a Business Entity.

• Submit a passport-size photo:

  • Provide a current color passport-size photo of yourself. You can get it taken for free at the DCWP Licensing Center or upload it online.

• Show proof of owner notification:

  • Show proof that you sent a letter to the owner of the building next to your newsstand spot. Submit the original certified mail receipt. Read Finding Name and Address of Building Owner of Record or Owner Agent (PDF).

• Get landowner's consent:

  • If your newsstand is within three feet of private property, submit a notarized Landowner's Consent. Download Landowner Consent to Operate a Newsstand (PDF).

• Submit Newsstand Affirmation:

  • Complete and submit the Newsstand Affirmation.

• Submit scale drawing plan:

  • Provide six copies of a scale drawing plan of your newsstand. The plan must show dimensions and distances from obstructions. Download Newsstand Size and Clearance Requirements (PDF).

• Submit photos of location:

  • Submit eight 5x7 inch photos of your newsstand spot. Photos must show all sides and the area around it. Mark the spot with an "X." Photos must match the drawing plan.

• Proof of legal blindness:

  • If you are legally blind, provide a doctor's note to waive the DCWP license fee.

• Granting authority to act:

  • If someone else will file the application, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.

• List of fees:
  Fees depend on when you apply:

  • $269: Initial license fee

  • $0 to $807: Remaining license fees, pro-rated (based on application date and expiration date)

  • $35,681.47: Newsstand cost in 2022. Cost increases yearly based on CPI-U. Must be paid up front to JCDecaux. Call 311 for updated cost

  • $1,076: License renewal fee. View Newsstand License Fee Table (PDF)

  • Nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee for credit card payments

  • Accepted payment methods:

    • Check (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, in person only)
    • Money order (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, in person only)
    • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover card)

DCWP needs approval from other City agencies before it can give you your Newsstand License.

• Learn about the review and approval steps: Review and Approval Process.

• Licenses last up to two years. They end on March 31 or September 30 of even years.
• You can have a license for no more than two newsstands at once. DCWP will handle no more than two of your applications at a time.
• You must follow all New York City laws and rules. This includes the Consumer Protection Law and Rules. You can find these rules on the public access portal.

1. DCWP will send you a renewal application and instructions before your license ends.
2. If you want to keep operating, send in your renewal application at least 15 days before your license ends.

1. DCWP will send you a renewal application and instructions before your license ends.
2. If you want to keep operating, send in your renewal application, needed papers and fees at least 15 days before your license ends.
3. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

1. DCWP will send you a renewal application and instructions before your license ends.
2. If you want to keep operating, send in your renewal application, needed papers and fees at least 15 days before your license ends.
3. Use the orange return envelope to mail your papers to the DCWP Licensing Center.

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
Licensing Center
42 Broadway
New York, NY 10004

Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov