Local Law 54 of 2026 authorises the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to make 10,500 additional General Vendor licences available from 15 January 2027. The change replaces a cap of 853 citywide licences for non veterans with two larger categories.
The new limits are 3,478 citywide licences and 7,875 licences valid outside Manhattan. Together they create capacity for 11,353 non veteran licences, exactly 10,500 more than the old citywide cap.
This expansion covers General Vendors, who sell goods or services such as clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, home goods and toys in public space. It does not cover food carts or trucks, which use a separate food vending licence and permit system.
The expansion is not immediate permission to trade. DCWP is working through the 2016 waitlist first, then will open two new waitlists from 2 November to 5 p.m. on 16 December 2026.
What the law changes
From 15 January 2027, DCWP may issue up to 3,478 Citywide General Vendor licences to non veterans. These are known as white licences and allow vending across all five boroughs, subject to location and operating rules.
The law also creates up to 7,875 Non Manhattan General Vendor licences, known as green licences. They allow vending in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, but not Manhattan.
The number of General Vendor licences for eligible veterans and their surviving spouses or domestic partners remains uncapped. Existing specialised rules and street restrictions still apply.
Priority for the 2016 waitlist
People on the 2016 General Vendor waitlist receive priority. DCWP says it sent offer letters to eligible applicants in late July and early August 2026.
A recipient must submit a complete licence application by 29 October 2026. If the application is approved, DCWP will issue either a citywide or Non Manhattan licence based on availability and the applicant's 2016 priority number.
Anyone who expected an offer but had not received one by 15 August was told to contact DCWP with their name and priority number. Missing the application deadline or receiving a denial means losing the 2016 priority number.
The new 2026 waitlists
People who are not on the 2016 list can apply for the 2026 Citywide waitlist, the 2026 Non Manhattan waitlist or both. One application can cover both lists.
The application window runs from 2 November until 5 p.m. on 16 December 2026. Applicants must submit a completed waitlist form and photo identification. Postal applications must be postmarked by 16 December.
DCWP plans to issue priority numbers in February 2027. Joining a list does not grant authority to vend. An applicant must wait for an offer letter, then submit the full licence application, supporting documents and fees within the time allowed.
What a licence does and does not cover
A General Vendor licence covers the sale or lease of certain non food goods and services in public space. It is not required for newspapers, books, pamphlets, qualifying artwork, food or a private property garage sale.
Food vending remains separate under the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The General Vendor expansion should not be added to food cart permit totals or described as 10,500 new food vendors.
A licence also does not guarantee a pitch. Vendors must still follow rules on location, street restrictions, pavement access, display size, sanitation and other operating conditions. The Department of Sanitation leads street vendor enforcement.
The delivery record
The law creates licence capacity, but delivery depends on application support, clear priority numbers, processing time and whether approved vendors can find lawful places to work.
The city created an Office of Street Vendor Services at the Department of Small Business Services in May 2026. It should help applicants in multiple languages and publish practical guidance that connects licensing, tax registration, location rules and enforcement.
The public record should separate four numbers: people who join a waitlist, offer letters sent, complete applications approved and active licences issued. Only the last figure shows how much legal vending capacity has actually reached the street.
Public record
- Publish the final number of valid 2016 waitlist records and offer letters sent.
- Report complete applications, approvals, denials and licences issued by category and borough.
- Publish the method used to assign 2026 priority numbers and remove duplicate applications.
- State the average time between an offer letter, a complete application and licence issuance.
- Show where citywide and Non Manhattan licence holders may lawfully vend.
- Keep General Vendor figures separate from mobile food vending licences and permits.
What to check next
Anyone who received an offer must submit the full application by 29 October 2026.
Apply to either or both 2026 waitlists between 2 November and 5 p.m. on 16 December 2026.
Look for the priority number by post or through the NYC Business Toolbox in February 2027.
Wait for an offer letter and an approved licence, then check the location and operating rules.