Specialized Vending License/Midtown Core Waiting List Application Checklist

Important Note about Eligibility

You can only apply for the Citywide Specialized vending license (Yellow) and Midtown Core Zone vending license (Blue) if:

You hold a valid DCWP General Vendor license AND/OR a Mobile Food Vending license from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). AND
You are a veteran with a service-related disability.

About Specialized Vending Licenses

Specialized vending licenses are for veterans with a service-related disability. Vendors who hold the Yellow or Blue specialized license can vend in certain restricted areas.

This description is only a general explanation of specialized vending licenses.

Quick List of Requirements to Apply for a Specialized Vending License

See Requirements section for detailed descriptions. Make sure you provide all requirements; otherwise, your application is incomplete. DCWP can only consider complete applications for license issuance.

General Vendor AND Mobile Food Vending licensees must submit:

Proof of Valid DCWP General Vendor License and/or DOHMH Mobile Food Vending License
General Vendor/Specialized Vending Questionnaire
Proof of Eligibility to Apply for a Specialized Vending License
Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (if applicable)

Mobile Food Vending licensees must also submit:

Basic Individual License Application
One Current Color Passport-size Photograph of License Applicant
General Vendor/Specialized Vending Non-NYC Resident Form (if applicable)

Submitting your application does not mean your license is automatically approved.

Additional City or State Permits/Licenses/Clearances You May Need

You must have a General Vendor license from DCWP to sell, lease, or offer to sell or lease goods or services in a public place that is not a store.

You must have a Mobile Food Vending License and your pushcart or vehicle must have a Mobile Food Vending Permit from DOHMH to sell food on the street.

Important: If you fail to renew your General Vendor or Mobile Food Vending license, DCWP will void your Specialized Vending (Yellow or Blue) license and you will lose your priority number and waiting list number, respectively. If you fail to renew, you will be required to reapply for these Specialized Vending licenses.

Requirements

DCWP will deny your application if you do not submit these required documents and information:

Basic Individual License Application.
Required if you are a Mobile Food Vending licensee.

Online submission: After reviewing the requirements, please click the Apply Online link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.

In-person submission: Download the Basic Individual License Application Form.

Proof of Valid DCWP General Vendor License and/or DOHMH Mobile Food Vending License.

One Current Color Passport-size Photograph of License Applicant.
In Person: DCWP will photograph license applicants at no cost in the DCWP Licensing Center. Applicants can also submit a current color passport-size photograph.

Online: License applicants can upload an image file of digital passport photo quality. A digital camera with a resolution of 1 mega-pixel is adequate.

General Vendor/Specialized Vending Questionnaire (download Questionnaire).

Proof of Eligibility to Apply for a Specialized Vending License.
You must submit or have submitted to DCWP already the following:
1. A letter with a signature from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) confirming your service-related disability. AND
2. Proof of discharge from the VA (if not included in the letter above), such as:
  - Original statement of service OR
  - Original DD Form 214, Discharge Papers, or Separation Documents OR
  - Member 4 copy of the DD Form 214, Discharge Papers, or Separation Documents OR
  - Other official or government records confirming your status as a discharged veteran with a qualifying condition or a discharged LGBT veteran. This refers to:
    - Veterans residing in New York State who received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable who submit proof, in a form approved by the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, of a qualifying condition, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. OR
    - LGBT veterans residing in New York State who received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable who submit proof, in a form approved by the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, that discharge was due to their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression or due to statements, conduct, or acts related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression that were prohibited by the military or naval service at the time of discharge.
  - If you are the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner of a veteran, provide ALL of the following documents:
    - Proof of marriage or domestic partnership (e.g., original marriage certificate, original certificate of domestic partnership, joint lease or mortgage documents). Please note that proof is subject to DCWP’s review and approval. AND
    - Original death certificate. AND
    - ONE proof of discharge (see above).

General Vendor/Specialized Vending Non-NYC Resident Form (download Form).
Required if you are a Mobile Food Vending licensee.

Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (download Affirmation).
Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application.

Note: The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.

Application Filing Process

File Online

Review requirements and gather all materials.
Click the Apply Online button below to login or create an account to start your online license application.

Important: If you need to file another license application, return to the Apply for a DCWP License page to read requirements and proceed to the next online application.

File In Person
Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center

DCWP LICENSING CENTER
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

NYC SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER
90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

By Email: LicensingAppointments@dcwp.nyc.gov
By Phone*: Call (212) 436-0441. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

*This number is to schedule an appointment for in-person service only. For general questions, email onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov.

Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, visit our Accommodations page.

Additional Resources for Specialized Vending License Holders

For the laws and rules that may affect your business, visit our Laws page.

For educational resources for specialized vending license holders, visit nyc.gov/vendingenforcement

For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.

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