Specialized Vending License/Midtown Core Waiting List Application Checklist

Specialized Vending License Application Checklist

IMPORTANT:

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 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. AND
You reside in New York State.

Who Must Have a Specialized Vending License?

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.

License Requirements

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The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will deny your application if you fail to provide the required documents and information:

Basic License Application

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

Apply Online! Review requirements and click the link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.

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

See Additional City or State Permits/Licenses/Clearances You May Need below for more information.

One Current Color Passport-size Photograph of License Applicant

Required if you are a Mobile Food Vending licensee.

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

Mail: Applicants can submit a current color passport-size photograph.

In Person By Appointment Only: See Questions section to contact DCWP.
DCWP will photograph license applicants at no cost.

General Vendor/Specialized Vending Questionnaire

Download the General Vendor/Specialized Vending Questionnaire.

Proof of Eligibility to Apply for a Specialized Vending License

You must submit or have submitted to DCWP already the following:

A letter with a signature from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) confirming your service-related disability. AND
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:
  - Honorably discharged veterans residing in New York State. OR
  - 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.

General Vendor/Specialized Vending Non-NYC Resident Form (if applicable)

Required if you are a Mobile Food Vending licensee who lives outside New York City. You must reside in New York State. Download the General Vendor/Specialized Vending Non-NYC Resident Form.

Granting Authority to Act Affirmation

Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application. The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms. Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.

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.

Submit Your License Application to DCWP

You can submit your license application online or in person at the DCWP Licensing Center.

ONLINE OPTION: After reviewing requirements above, click the Apply Online button below to login or create an account to start your online license application.

IN-PERSON OPTION: Licensing appointments are available in hardship cases that require an in-person visit. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment for an in-person visit.

Questions? We’re here to help!

Email: hic-gvunit@dcwp.nyc.gov

Phone: (212) 487-4075. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

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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