NYC requires mobile food vendors to obtain both a DOHMH Food Vendor License (for the person) and a Mobile Food Vending Unit Permit (for the truck/cart) under Admin Code §17-307. The number of permits is capped by law, creating years-long waiting lists. Green cart permits for fruits and vegetables have separate allocations.
NYC's mobile food vending system is one of the most regulated in the country. Under Admin Code §17-307, every food vendor needs a personal Mobile Food Vendor License from DOHMH (2-year, currently $50 application fee) AND a Mobile Food Vending Unit Permit for each vehicle or cart (2-year, $200 for food processing units). The total number of citywide permits is capped by law: approximately 5,100 permits total (about 3,000 for food processing and 2,100 for food manufacturing). This cap has created a black market where permits are sublet for $15,000–$25,000+ annually despite city efforts to curb subletting. Green Cart permits (approximately 1,000) are limited to designated areas in underserved neighborhoods for fresh fruit and vegetable sales. All food trucks must pass DOHMH inspections and maintain letter grades (A, B, C). Vendors must comply with vending zone restrictions — no vending within 20 feet of a building entrance, within bus stops, crosswalks, or in metered parking spaces without DOT approval. The NYC Street Vendor Project and advocacy groups have pushed for permit cap expansion.
Vending without a license: $250–$1,000. Vending without a unit permit: $500–$1,000. Health code violations: letter grade downgrade and fines. Operating in restricted zones: $50–$250. Permit subletting: permit revocation. Unlicensed vendors may have equipment confiscated.
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