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Mobile Food Vending License

About Apply After You Apply Operating & Renewing

Operating & Renewing

Operating Requirements

  • 1

    Visit the NYC Health Department's Mobile Food Vending webpage for all current operating rules and requirements. 

    • 2

      The Health Department's easy-to-follow compliance guide can help mobile food vendors avoid violations and keep customers safe from foodborne illnesses. Download What Mobile Food Vendors Should Know (PDF).

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      • 3

        All mobile food vendors must obey the regulations regarding vending on restricted streets.

          Restrictions to Vending on NYC Streets (PDF )

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          A full-term license will expire two years from the end of the month in which the applicant applied.  Licensees will receive a renewal notice in the mail with instructions on how to renew.

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            PLEASE REMEMBER: Food cannot be sold from a pushcart, stand, or truck without a valid DOHMH Mobile Unit Permit / Inspection Sticker (decal), even when the operator has a valid Mobile Food Vending License issued by DOHMH.

            • 6

              This license does not satisfy the regulatory requirements of other City and State Agencies. It is the vendor's responsibility to apply for all other permits, licenses, and authorizations required by other City and State Agencies. 

                Rules of the City of New York

                • Ready to Renew?

                Renew Online Renew by Mail Renew in Person

                Steps to renew online:

              • 1

                Renewal applications are not accepted online.

                  • Steps to renew by mail:

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                  You will receive a renewal packet in the mail approximately 90 days before your license expiration date. Please read the packet carefully before submitting your application. This specific package includes:

                  • a summary of any changes to the renewal process 
                  • the renewal application form
                  • the renewal checklist of all required supporting documents and information
                  • NYC Health Department forms and a Clearance Request form

                    Mobile Food Vending License Renewal Packet (PDF )

                  • 2

                    You may submit your renewal application by mail. The completed renewal application form, supporting documentation (copies only), and fee (payable by check or money order only made payable to NYC DOHMH), if required, can be mailed to:

                    NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
                    42 Broadway, Licensing Division
                    New York, NY 10004 


                    If you have not received your renewal application packet, you may request a copy by sending an email to MFVLicenseHelp@health.nyc.gov or you can call 311. 

                    If you are updating your mailing address with your license/permit renewal application at this time and you also have a MFV license/permit which will have to be renewed at another time, write the permit Record ID (Permit #) number next to the Record ID on the license renewal notice. The Licensing Center will then update your address for BOTH records. 

                    You can follow up on the status of your application by sending an email to MFVLicenseHelp@health.nyc.gov. Please allow # weeks for processing before inquiring.

                      • Steps to renew in person:

                    • 1

                      You may renew your permit in person at the DCWP Citywide Licensing Center. If you send someone to renew for you, they must present an Authority to Act on your behalf. 


                        Authority to Act Form (PDF )

                      • 2
                        Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, email LicensingAppointments@dca.nyc.gov or call 212-436-0441. You may submit your documents in Manhattan or Queens.

                        • You must wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth at all times while you are in the Licensing Center. 
                        • You must arrive alone for your appointment. 
                        • Please be prompt and bring with you all needed paperwork. If you arrive late or your application is incomplete, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

                          NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

                          Address
                          Licensing Center


                          42 Broadway, Lobby




                          New York NY 10004