You need a permit to make and serve food at a temporary special event. This includes food from booths, stands, kiosks, vehicles or carts.

Special events can be:

• Street fairs
• Flea markets
• Carnivals
• Circuses
• Public exhibitions
• Advertising campaigns
• Business promotions
• Religious or fraternal events
• Temporary gatherings

If you have one of these permits from the NYC Health Department, you can use it at a special event:

• Food service establishment (restaurant) permit: Keep a copy at the event. A supervisor or someone with a food protection certificate must be there.

• Mobile food vending permit: The unit must be run by a licensed mobile food vendor. The event must be in the area where the unit can legally operate.

If you don't have either permit, you need a temporary food service establishment (TFSE) permit.

A TFSE permit can be used if the event:

• Lasts 14 days or less
• Happens up to three days a week at the same place
• Occurs at different places in the same week that do not occur at the same location, day or time and are not more than three days

The permit fee is $70.00. If you make frozen desserts, you need an extra permit to make frozen desserts.

You must apply for a new TFSE permit each year. It is not renewable.

Review the application and requirements

Check the application and requirements to apply for a temporary food service establishment permit. Review the Requirements Checklist for a New Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit (PDF).

Complete the application

Fill out the application. Use the Requirements Checklist for the needed documents. Complete the Standard Application for a New License or Permit (PDF).

Understand the rules and guidelines

Read the Rules and Guidelines for operating a Temporary Food Service Establishment. Read the Food Safety Guidelines for Operating a Temporary FSE.

Special event sponsors

If you are a sponsor of an event where food or drinks will be served, read the guidelines and requirements to ensure food safety and compliance. Read the Food Vending FAQs for Special Events Sponsors (PDF).

Frozen desserts permit

If you will make and serve frozen desserts, you need an extra permit. Submit a separate application and payment. Learn more about the Manufacturing of Frozen Desserts - Retail.

Pay outstanding fines

Pay any outstanding fines for Health Code Violations before applying or renewing a permit. You can pay in person at the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection or online. Pay your outstanding fines online.

Food protection course

A supervising manager with a Food Protection Certificate must be on site at all times. Some non-DOHMH certifications may be acceptable. Contact the Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation to see if your certification is acceptable. Learn more about the Food Protection Certificate.

Permit fees

• $70 for an annual permit (valid for one year from the end of the month it is issued)
• $114 for the Food Protection Course (separate from the permit application fee)
• $25 for an additional permit to manufacture frozen desserts

Accepted payment methods

A 2 percent service fee is added for credit or debit card payments.

• Personal check (payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene)
• Certified check (payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene)
• Government check (payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene)
• Money order (payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene)
• American Express
• Discover
• Mastercard

Photo ID and proof of address

Provide a copy of your photo ID and proof of home/business address when applying. Check the Requirements Checklist for acceptable examples.

Power of attorney

If someone other than the business owner submits the application, a completed Power of Attorney/Authority to Act form is needed. The person must also show acceptable photo ID. Complete the Authority to Act form (PDF).

• The DCWP Citywide Licensing Center will give you a receipt.
• The receipt is proof of your permit until you get the permit in the mail.
• You must have the receipt or permit with you at every event.
• Inspectors and police will accept the receipt as proof.
• Your permit is valid for one year from the end of the month you applied.
• You do not need a separate permit for each event.
• If you lose your permit, call 311 to ask for a new one.

• Always carry copies of your Food Protection Certificate and your temporary food service establishment permit.
• If you have a mobile food vending license, carry the original license and your temporary food establishment permit.
• If you have a Food Service Establishment (FSE) permit, carry a copy of your original permit.

You must follow the rules set by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. You can find these rules in the Operating Guidelines for a Temporary Food Service Establishment.

You cannot renew this permit. You must apply for a new permit every year.

You can submit an application online. Pay Fines Online

In-person services are by appointment only at Manhattan and Queens locations. Schedule an appointment to meet with a DCWP representative. No walk-ins allowed.