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Newsstand
Newsstand License Application Checklist
Before the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) can issue a Newsstand license, DCWP must receive approval from other agencies. See Review and Approval Process section.
Holding a Newsstand License as a Business Entity
- Business entities, such as corporations, partnerships, and Limited Liability Companies (LLC), can apply for a Newsstand license. You must be a corporate officer, director, principal, shareholder, partner, member, or manager of the business to submit the application.
Updates from JCDecaux, City’s Street Furniture Vendor:
- The cost of a newsstand is $40,800 in 2025, and the cost will increase each year based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
- You must pay the full cost of the newsstand to JCDecaux up front. You can no longer choose to pay for the cost of the newsstand with a loan from JCDecaux.
Who Must Have a Newsstand License?
A business must have a Newsstand license to operate a stand or booth on a public sidewalk that is not readily removable and is primarily used to sell newspapers and periodicals. No one may hold a license for more than two newsstands at a given time, and DCWP will not process more than two applications from a single applicant at any given time.
If you will hold a Newsstand license in your name as an individual or sole proprietor, the following will count toward the two-license limit:
- any additional Newsstand license that you obtain in your name;
- any additional Newsstand license held by your dependent child; and/or
- any additional Newsstand license held by a business entity of which you are a shareholder, partner, corporate officer, director, member, or manager.
If you will hold a Newsstand license as a business, the following will count toward the two-license limit:
- any additional Newsstand license held in the name of a shareholder, partner, corporate officer, director, member, or manager of the business; and/or
- any additional Newsstand license held in the name of a related business entity, such as another corporation with a common officer, director, or shareholder or a corporation in which a common shareholder has an interest.
This description is only a general explanation of who must have a Newsstand license.
License Requirements
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will deny your application if you fail to provide the required documents and information.
Before you file your DCWP license application, you must do the following:
Confirm with DCWP that your proposed newsstand location is vacant and open for use
Verify Newsstand Location online.
Note: Please read the Location Verification Form available at nyc.gov/BusinessToolbox. DCWP will verify the availability of up to three locations per applicant within 5-7 business days. DCWP does not reserve available locations. DCWP reviews and accepts complete applications on a first-come first-served basis.
You must send by certified mail notification to the owner or owner’s agent 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 DCWP within 30 days and include basic information about the proposed stand (dimensions, distance and direction from the closest intersection, etc.). Download a model letter.
Note: The NYC 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, DCWP 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 DCWP license application, you must submit the following materials:
Basic License Application
Download Basic License Application
Apply Online! Review requirements and click the link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.
Request to Hold Newsstand License as a Business Entity and supporting documents (if applicable)
One Current Color Passport-size Photograph of License Applicant
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.
Proof of Owner Notification
You must provide evidence to DCWP that you sent a notification letter to the owner(s) of the building(s) or lot(s) directly adjacent to the site of your proposed newsstand. 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
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.
Newsstand Affirmation
You must complete and affirm the information provided on this form. Download the Newsstand Affirmation.
Scale Drawings of Proposed Newsstand
Submit six 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. Please refer to the Newsstand Size and Clearance Requirements section below.
*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.
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″ (or larger) color photos of the location where the proposed newsstand will be located taken within 30 days of the date you submit the application.
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
- two front views from across the street
Photos must clearly show the area surrounding the proposed newsstand location, and the proposed location of the newsstand must be identified with an “X.”
Note:
- Photos that cut off a portion of the view will not be accepted.
- DCWP accepts standard photographs, color paper copies, Polaroids, or other facsimile.
- Photos must reflect the plans, i.e., there must be a direct relationship between the plans submitted and the photos.
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 the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
License Fee
Exception: If you are legally blind, you are eligible for fee exemption. See the requirement Documentation from Physician.
OPTION 1
License Period: 2 years
Expiration Date: September 30 in Even Years
If You File Your Application Between These Dates:
- From October 1 in an even year to March 31 in an odd year:
- Initial License Application Fee (due when you submit your license application): $269
- Remaining License Fee (due after construction of your newsstand is complete): $807
- Total Fee Paid: $1,076
- From April 1 in an odd year to September 30 in an odd year:
- Initial License Application Fee (due when you submit your license application): $269
- Remaining License Fee (due after construction of your newsstand is complete): $538
- Total Fee Paid: $807
- From October 1 in an odd year to March 31 in an even year:
- Initial License Application Fee (due when you submit your license application): $269
- Remaining License Fee (due after construction of your newsstand is complete): $269
- Total Fee Paid: $538
- From April 1 in an even year to September 30 in an even year:
- Initial License Application Fee (due when you submit your license application): $269
- Remaining License Fee (due after construction of your newsstand is complete): $0
- Total Fee Paid: $269
OPTION 2
License Period: 2 years
Expiration Date: March 31 in Even Years
If You File Your Application Between These Dates:
- From April 1 in an even year to September 30 in an even year:
- Initial License Application Fee (due when you submit your license application): $269
- Remaining License Fee (due after construction of your newsstand is complete): $807
- Total Fee Paid: $1,076
- From October 1 in an even year to March 31 in an odd year:
- Initial License Application Fee (due when you submit your license application): $269
- Remaining License Fee (due after construction of your newsstand is complete): $538
- Total Fee Paid: $807
- From April 1 in an odd year to September 30 in an odd year:
- Initial License Application Fee (due when you submit your license application): $269
- Remaining License Fee (due after construction of your newsstand is complete): $269
- Total Fee Paid: $538
- From October 1 in an odd year to March 31 in an even year:
- Initial License Application Fee (due when you submit your license application): $269
- Remaining License Fee (due after construction of your newsstand is complete): $0
- Total Fee Paid: $269
Pay by:
- Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only)
(Online or in person)
You will be charged a nonrefundable 2% Convenience Fee. - eCheck (Online)
- Check or money order payable to DCWP (In person or by mail)
- 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 DCWP license fee waived.
Before DCWP can issue a Newsstand license, DCWP must receive approval from other agencies. Below is an overview of the process.
- DCWP reviews complete application materials (requirements) within five days.
- DCWP submits a copy of your application to the relevant Community Board, NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), and Public Design Commission for review to ensure your proposed newsstand is in compliance with public safety regulations. Note: The Community Board must forward recommendations to DCWP within 60 calendar days.
- Depending on the location of your proposed newsstand, the Design Commission or Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) will review your application.
- After providing the appropriate Community Board an opportunity to comment on the application and receiving DOT’s approval, DCWP will contact you with instructions on submitting the additional materials listed on the Design Commission Requirements. You must submit the materials to DCWP and DCWP 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 nyc.gov/Landmarks.
- After providing the appropriate Community Board an opportunity to comment on the application and receiving DOT’s approval, DCWP will contact you with instructions on submitting the additional materials listed on the Design Commission Requirements. You must submit the materials to DCWP and DCWP 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.
- DCWP 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 JCDecaux, the City’s vendor. JCDecaux will provide DCWP and DOT with proof of satisfactory payment and DOT will coordinate construction of the newsstand with JCDecaux.
- Once construction of the newsstand is complete, you must submit the following to DCWP:
- A copy of your New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Certificate of Authority with your Sales Tax Identification Number.
- To apply for a Certificate of Authority in order to collect sales tax, visit www.businessexpress.ny.gov.
- Payment for the remaining license fee amount (see License Fee above).
- 8″ x 10″ color archival-quality photographs of the completed structure. The photographs must be of all sides of the newsstand, including at least one photograph each of the front, back, and both sides of the newsstand.
- A copy of your New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Certificate of Authority with your Sales Tax Identification Number.
Note: Three copies of the photographs will be sent to the Design Commission or LPC for archival purposes.
The law requires that a newsstand occupy no more than 72 square feet and not exceed 9 feet in height. This does not include newsstands in close proximity to subway entrances and exits for which special size limitations apply.
For the construction of the JCDecaux newsstands there are nine stand sizes available, including widths of 4, 5, and 6 feet and lengths of 8, 10, and 12 feet. You may apply for the largest stand which fits into your proposed site and complies with all applicable site criteria.
Below shows a summary of the required minimum clearances from sidewalk obstructions, as inspected by DOT, to use when drawing site plans. (For complete details of all clearance requirements, including specific requirements in Pedestrian Plazas, see the Rules of the City of New York § 2-65.)
| Access Plates | 2' | Information and Wayfinding Kiosks | 15' |
| Automated Public Toilets | 15' | Newsstands | 15' |
| Benches | 5' | Other Retail Entrances and Building Entrances | 15' |
| Bicycle Racks | 8' | Parking Meters | 3' |
| Bike-Share and Micromobility Parking Areas | 15' | Pedestrian Ramps | 10' |
| Bridge, Viaduct, Overpass, Elevated Roadway | 25' | Planters Installed at the Curb | 15' |
| Building Canopies or Marquees | 5' | Property lines extended at intersection of two streets | 10' |
| Building Vaults | 2' | Service or Freight Entrances | 10' |
| Bus Shelters | 15' | Siamese Connections | 10' |
| Cellar Doors | 2' | Sidewalk Cafés | 15' |
| Crosswalks | 10' | Standpipes | 10' |
| Curbs | 1'6" | Street Lights | 3' |
| Curb Cuts* | 15' | Street Signs | 3' |
| Edge of Tree Pit or Planting Areas | 5' | Subway Entrances/Exits and Elevators | 15' |
| Elevated Subway Stanchions | 5' | Telephones | 3' |
| Elevator Lobby of a Building | 15' | Traffic Signal Poles | 3' |
| Entrances to Houses of Worship, Medical Facilities, and Schools |
15' | Transformer Vaults | 2' |
| Fire Hydrants | 10' | Trunk of any tree (in any direction) or canopy | 5' |
| Fixed Litter Baskets/Mailboxes | 3' | Utility Access Covers | 2' |
| Governmental Buildings | 15' | Ventilation or Other Grills | 2' |
*A 15-foot clearance is required from curb cuts leading to garages, driveways, parking lots, gas stations, and truck service areas. All clearances from curb cuts must also meet DOT safety and operational requirements.
Newsstands may not be placed under fire escapes, in taxi stands or bus stops, ambulette stops, or designated for-hire vehicle pick-up or drop-off locations, and may not be placed within the frontage of any building having more than three floors of retail use.
Newsstands may not be located in areas where they interfere with the free passage of pedestrians. DOT will measure sidewalk congestion (or pedestrian level of service) to determine if a proposed location meets public safety standards.
Important Message about Business Certificate
You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. Although DCWP does not require submission of your Business Certificate in order to process your application, DCWP may request this document under section 20-104 of the New York City Administrative Code.
Sole Proprietors
Sole proprietors operating under a name other than your own must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
Partnerships
Partnerships must have a Partnership Certificate and, if applicable, an Assumed Name Certificate for your business.
Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships
Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships must register and remain active with the New York State Division of Corporations. You can check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.
Additional City or State Permits/Licenses/Clearances You May Need
You must have a Tobacco Retail Dealer license to sell cigarettes or tobacco products, such as cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, snus, bidi, snuff, shisha, or dissolvable tobacco products directly to consumers.
You must have an Electronic Cigarette Retail Dealer license to sell electronic cigarettes directly to consumers.
Both licenses are subject to community district caps. For a list of the current community district caps, visit NYC Open Data at opendata.cityofnewyork.us.
This is not meant to be a complete list. See Additional Resources section.
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: SpecialAppsUnit3@dcwp.nyc.gov
Phone: (212) 487-4209. (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.
- For the laws and rules that may affect your business, visit our Laws page.
- Download Inspection Checklist: Newsstands
- Download How to Transfer Your Newsstand License to a Business
- For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.
- Reminder: Newsstand Laws and Rules
- DCWP may revoke your license if you do not use the newsstand for a period of two consecutive months or more.
- The newsstand structure belongs to JCDecaux. You may not rent or attempt to rent the newsstand to another person.
- You or any members of your business entity may not have any income that exceeds the income from operating the newsstand, with the exception of investment income.
- Death or Disability of Licensee
If an individual or sole proprietor who holds a Newsstand license becomes permanently disabled or dies, the right to operate the newsstand may be transferred to a dependent spouse, domestic partner, child, employee, or other individual who was financially dependent on the licensee. The eligible individual should submit an Application to Transfer Newsstand Due to Death or Disability of License Holder (Individual or Sole Proprietor), within 120 days of the death or disability of the licensee. Submissions made after 120 days will be considered on a case-by-case basis. To start the transfer, the applicant should contact DCWP at (212) 487-4209 or newsstand@dcwp.nyc.gov.
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