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Mobile Food Vending License (the person): New York City restaurant guide

NYC DOHMH (issued at the DCWP Licensing Center)

What it is

The personal license every person who sells food from a cart or truck must carry. It is separate from the unit permit for the vehicle (TR-29).

When a restaurant needs it

You or your staff will sell food from a truck, cart or stand on NYC streets.

How to apply

Pass the Food Protection Course for Mobile Food Vendors ($53), then submit the license application in person by appointment at the DCWP Citywide Licensing Center, 42 Broadway, Manhattan (email licensingappointments@dca.nyc.gov or call 212-436-0441).

Documents you’ll need

Fee
$50 for the full-term (two-year) license; no fee for honorably discharged veterans; course $53
Processing time
License mailed within one week after passing the final exam
Renewal
Every 2 years
Who files
Each vendor applies personally, in person.

Good to know

Each person may hold only one license. The license lets you work on a permitted unit — it does not let you put a truck on the street by itself.

Official source

NYC Business — Mobile Food Vending License · DOHMH — Mobile food vendors

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.