Service overview
You need a Newsstand License to operate a newsstand that sells:
- Publications.
- Tobacco products.
- Wrapped candy.
- State Lottery tickets.
All newsstands must sell newspapers.
You need a separate license for each newsstand you run. If you’re the new owner of an existing newsstand, you must apply for your own license. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
To sell newspapers from an unattended, self-service box, you need an Honor Box License.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT)
- Commercial Activity License
- Scales and Scanners License if you plan to weigh and measure products or use an electronic scanner
If you want to sell prepackaged food, like chips or bottled soda, you’ll also need:
- Approval from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health
- Food Establishment, Retail, Non-Permanent Location License
Other documents
- Proof of your identity and address.
- Two photographs of yourself. These pictures should be between two and three inches square.
- If you are the new owner of an existing newsstand, a copy of your notarized Bill of Sale.
- Proof of bond in the amount of $1500.
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
In person
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied to the balance of the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
If your license is approved, you must post a bond. The bond covers the cost of removal or relocation of the newsstand if it is abandoned.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect a fee of $20.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
Late license payment
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If you pass the inspection, L&I will approve your application.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
Bring your approval letters with you when you apply.
If you pass the inspection, L&I will approve your application.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Abandoned newsstands
If you don’t operate your newsstand for 20 days, it will be considered abandoned. You will receive a notice and have 30 days to appeal. If you don’t appeal or the appeal is denied, the newsstand will be removed.
Renewal requirements
Annual renewal:
- Renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permits and Licenses Center.
Required for renewal:
- Must be current on all City taxes
- Valid email address
Forms & instructions
Related content
- Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT)
- Get a Scales and Scanner License
- Get a Food Establishment Retail, Non-Permanent Location License
- Apply for newsstand approval from the Art Commission
- Get an Honor Box License
- Use eCLIPSE to apply for licenses
- Apply for a plan review for a stationary food business