NEWSSTAND (024)

DCA Licensing Center
42 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004
For more information, call 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside of New York City). 

This description is only a general explanation of which businesses need to have a Newsstand license.

Note: New York City businesses must comply with all relevant federal, state, and City laws and rules. All laws and rules of the City of New York, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules, are accessible using the Public Access Portal. For convenience, sections of the New York City Licensing Law (and Rules, if enacted) are available as a downloadable handout. 

Please note that businesses are responsible for knowing and complying with the most current laws, including any City Council amendments. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is not responsible for errors or omissions in the handout. The information is not legal advice. You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer.

ADDITIONAL CITY PERMIT YOU MAY NEED: 

• If you plan to sell cigarettes at your newsstand, you must also obtain a Cigarette Retail Dealer license.
  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

Before You File Your DCA License Application:

• You must confirm with DCA that your proposed newsstand location is vacant and available for use. DCA contact information is provided above.
  
  
• You must send via certified or registered mail a letter of notification to the owner of the building or lot directly adjacent to the site of your proposed newsstand. The letter must indicate that you will submit a Newsstand license application to the Department of Consumer Affairs within 30 days and include basic information about the proposed stand (i.e., dimensions, distance and direction from the closest intersection). Download a model letter
  
  Note: The New York City Department of Finance and the New York State Department of State maintain online databases that may help you identify the name and mailing address of the owner of record or the owner’s agent. For convenience, DCA created the handout Finding Name and Address of Building Owner of Record or Owner’s Agent to help you navigate these online databases. 

When You File Your DCA License Application:
Below are requirements when filing your license application:

• Basic License Application
  Please note that the address of the proposed newsstand should be the address of the building in front of which the newsstand will be located.   

Newsstand applicants can now submit new license applications online. Applying for the license online does not mean the license is automatically approved. A major credit card is required to submit applications online. Convenience fees apply. After reviewing application requirements, please click the Apply Online link at the bottom of this Web page to submit your application online.

For in-person application submission, applicants can download and complete the Basic License Application Form (in PDF).

• Current color passport-size photograph of License Applicant
  
  
• Proof of Owner Notification
  You must submit a letter stating that you sent a notification letter to the owner of the building or lot directly adjacent to the site of your proposed newsstand. (See requirement above). You must also submit an original certified mail receipt as proof that you sent a notification letter to the owner.
  
  
• Landowner’s Consent to Operate a Newsstand (download)
  If your proposed newsstand will be located within three feet of private property, you must submit an original, notarized Landowner’s Consent to Operate a Newsstand.
  
  
• Principal Employment Affirmation (download)
  Complete the form to affirm that your principal employment will be the newsstand.
  
  
• Scale Drawings of Proposed Newsstand
  Submit six (6) copies of the scale drawing plan with a scale key of ¼" (quarter inch) equal to 1' (one foot). The plan must include the dimensions of the proposed newsstand and the distance from each obstruction within 25' of either side of the proposed newsstand. Obstructions include streets, sidewalks, sidewalk furniture, property lines, crosswalks, buildings and building entrances, subway entrances, grates, hydrants, traffic control devices, light poles, sign posts, public phones, garbage receptacles, mailboxes, parking meters, manhole covers, and trees. Please refer to the Newsstand Size and Clearance Requirements.
  
  Note: 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" (tabloid size).
  
  
• Photos of Proposed Location
  Submit eight 5" x 7" color photos of the location where the proposed newsstand will be located. The eight 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 and the location must be identified with an “X.”
  
  Note:
  • Photos that cut off a portion of the view will not be accepted.
  • DCA accepts standard photographs, color paper copies, Polaroids, or other facsimile.
  • Photos must be keyed to the plans, i.e., there must be a direct relationship between the plans submitted and the photos.
    
    
• Documentation from Physician (if applicable)
  Legally blind applicants must provide original documentation from a bona fide physician proving that they are legally blind in order to have the DCA license fee waived.
  
  
• Child Support Certification Form (download)
   
  
• Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (download)
  If this application will be filed by someone other than the license applicant, the license applicant must submit a Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.   
  

• License Fee
  The License Fee must be paid by credit card, money order, or check. Cards accepted at the DCA Licensing Center include MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card. Credit card payments are subject to a 2.49% convenience fee. Checks or money orders must be payable to NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. You will pay $269 when you submit your license application. Once construction of your newsstand is complete, you must pay the remaining prorated license fee amount. The chart below lists the total license fee amount due depending on the license expiration date you are assigned and when you file your application. Note: An odd year is any year ending in an odd digit; for example, 2011, 2013, etc. An even year is any year ending in an even digit; for example, 2012, 2014, etc.

Exception: If you are legally blind and submitted Documentation from Physician (page 3), you do not need to pay a DCA license fee. However, you must pay a $1 convenience fee if you submit your license application online.

Please note that convenience fees apply if you submit your license application online. A major credit card is required to submit applications online.

APPLICATION FILING PROCESS: 

ONLINE SUBMISSION:
Please make sure that you have reviewed and recorded the information required to submit a license application online before clicking the button below. Note: As outlined in the “When You File” section, applicants must submit the following supporting documents: Proof of Owner Notification; Photograph; Landowner’s Consent to Operate a Newsstand (if applicable); Principal Employment Affirmation; Scale Drawings of Proposed Newsstand; Photos of Proposed Location; Documentation from Physician (if applicable); Child Support Certification Form; and Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (if applicable). You must fax, e-mail, or bring documents to the DCA Licensing Center within five (5) business days after successfully filing the application form online. Please note that the image file you e-mail must be digital passport photo quality. A digital camera with a resolution of 1 mega-pixel will be more than adequate. Applicants can be photographed at no cost in the Licensing Center. Applicants should follow instructions on the printed confirmation page. Your license application will not be complete without these requirements.

You will be routed to NYC Business Express.

IN-PERSON SUBMISSION:
Applications may be filed in person at the DCA Licensing Center at the address above between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

REVIEW PROCESS:
Before DCA can issue a Newsstand License, DCA must receive approval from other agencies. Below is an overview of the process.

1. DCA reviews complete application materials (requirements) within five days.
   
   
2. DCA submits a copy of your application to the relevant Community Board, Department of Transportation (DOT), and Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for review to ensure your proposed newsstand is in compliance with public safety regulations. Note: The Community Board must forward recommendations to DCA within 60 calendar days.
   
   
3. Depending on the location of your proposed newsstand, the Design Commission or LPC will review your application.
   • After providing the appropriate Community Board an opportunity to comment on the application and receiving DOT’s approval, DCA will contact you with instructions on submitting the additional materials listed on the Design Commission Requirements (download). You must submit the materials to DCA and DCA will forward all relevant information to the Design Commission. The Design Commission reviews the proposed newsstand’s aesthetic appropriateness and visual compatibility with the surrounding area.
     OR
   • If the proposed newsstand is located in a landmarked area, you must obtain a permit from LPC approving the construction of a newsstand. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks 
   
   
   
4. DCA will notify DOT with the results of the Design Commission’s or LPC’s review. If your newsstand is approved, DOT will contact you to confirm details on cost and provide you with instructions on how to pay Cemusa, the City’s vendor. Cemusa will provide DCA and DOT with proof of satisfactory payment and DOT will coordinate construction of the newsstand with Cemusa.
   
   Please note that the cost of a newsstand was $28,825 in 2010 and the cost will increase each year based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). For updated cost information, please call 311 and asked to be transferred to DCA with a question about your Newsstand license application.
   
   
5. Once construction of the newsstand is complete, you must submit the following to DCA:
   
   • A copy of your New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Certificate of Authority with your Sales Tax Identification Number. To obtain an application for a Certificate of Authority, visit the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance online at http://tax.ny.gov or call (518) 485-2889. Allow four to six weeks after applying to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to receive your Certificate of Authority.
   • Payment for the remaining license fee amount (please refer to the fee chart above).
   • Five 8″ x 10″ color archival-quality photographs of the completed structure. Note: Three copies of the photographs will be sent to the Design Commission or LPC for archival purposes.