Newsstand License
A Newsstand License is required for a business that will operate a stand or booth on a public sidewalk that is not readily removable and is primarily used for the sale of newspapers and periodicals. A newsstand may sell cigarettes, lottery tickets, and prepackaged snacks if the business has obtained the appropriate licenses and permits.
The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) issues this license.
You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. 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.
- Sole proprietors operating under a name other than your own must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
- Partnerships must have a Partnership Certificate and, if applicable, an Assumed Name Certificate for your business.
- Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships must register and remain active with the New York State Division of Corporations. You can check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.
Complete the Basic License Application.
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.
Submit proof of owner notification. 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>
Finding Name and Address of Building Owner of Record or Owner’s Agent
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.
Submit six copies of a scale drawing plan of the proposed newsstand with a scale key of one quarter inch equal to one foot. 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.
- 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).
If the license application will be filed by someone other than the applicant, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
List of Fees.
- $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.
List of accepted payment methods.
- 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.