Food Cart Vendor License

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To sell food or drinks from a pushcart or truck, you need both a Mobile Food Vending Permit and a Mobile Food Vending License.

To apply for a license, you must attend and pass a Mobile Food Vendor Food Protection Course. You must have a license before you apply for a permit.

Fee

The license fee is $50. United States veterans are exempt from the fee.

The cost of the course is $53. Applicants apply for the license and register for the class at the same time.

Currently, only in-person applications and registrations are available.

Expiration Date

The license expires every 2 years on staggered dates.

A new local law changes how mobile food vendors can get a new full-term (year-round) mobile food vending permit. To get a new, full-term mobile food vending permit, you will need a new type of license called a supervisory license.

The NYC Health Department has established a waiting list for the supervisory license. It's currently closed to new applicants.

The waiting list for supervisory licenses for veterans and people with disabilities opened on February 22, 2023.

Learn about supervisory licenses, permits, and waiting lists.

You can download or request a license application. It includes forms and information about requirements.

Online

Visit the Department of Health's permits and licenses page.

By Mail

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to request a copy.

New applicants can submit an application by mail or in person.

By Mail

DCWP Licensing Center
42 Broadway
New York, NY 10004

In Person

You can schedule an appointment at:

  • DCWP Licensing Center
    42 Broadway
    New York, NY 10004
    Mon - Thu: 8 AM - 4 PM; last appointment at 3:30 PM
     
  • NYC Small Business Support Center
    90-27 Sutphin Boulevard, 4th Floor
    Jamaica, NY 11435
    Mon - Thu: 8 AM - 4 PM; last appointment at 3:30 PM

Schedule by Email

LicensingAppointments@dcwp.nyc.gov

Schedule by Phone

  • Agency: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
  • Division: Licensing Appointment Line
  • Phone Number: (212) 436-0441
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

You can get information on renewing your license online through the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's website. 

Visit the Department of Health's permits and licenses page.

Licensed mobile food vendors must take an online refresher course in food protection and safe operating practices and pass a final exam every four years to maintain their license. 

The course takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and is free. Registration is required. 

Take the Mobile Food Vending Refresher Course.

You can check the status of your application by phone.

  • Agency: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
  • Division: Licensing Center
  • Phone Number: (212) 487-4104
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

Visit the following pages for help with:

If you have permit-specific questions or concerns, you can get help by phone.

  • Agency: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
  • Division: Licensing Center
  • Phone Number: (212) 487-4104
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

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