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Permits, violations & licenses

Get an Honor Box License

Service overview

You need an Honor Box License to sell or distribute newspapers or other publications from an unattended point-of-sale.

You need an Honor Box License in these areas:

  • Center City (within Bainbridge St., Columbus Blvd., Vine St., and the Schuylkill River)
  • On the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
  • On the 1700 block of Cottman Ave.
  • On Frankford Ave. from the 5900 block to the 7600 block
  • On Torresdale Ave. from the 5000 block to the 7600 block
  • Manayunk (within the Schuylkill River, Wissahickon Creek, the SEPTA Norristown railroad line, Cresson St., Baker St., and Leverington Ave.)
  • Northern Liberties (within Spring Garden St., N. 6th St., Girard Ave., and Front St.)

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.

Who

Anyone can apply for this license.

Requirements

Other licenses and registrations

Prior approval from the Vending Unit

In order to apply for an Honor Box License, you must first get approval from the Vending Unit.

  1. To request approval, call (215) 686-2414 or email vending@phila.gov.
  2. The Vending Unit will review your request and let you know if you are approved.

List of locations

You should provide a list of desired locations for the boxes on company letterhead.

  • Corner location – List the intersecting streets and the specific corner
  • Mid-block location – List the directional side of the street and the two streets that bracket the location

Tax compliance

You must be current on all City taxes.

Where and when

Online

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

In person

You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center 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

Fee per box
$69

A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due upon application approval.

Renewal fee
$69

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

Once you get approval from the Vending Unit, you can apply for this license online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

Online

1
Upload all required documents.

Applications are reviewed within five business days.

2
If the application is approved, you will receive notice to pay balance.

If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

In person

1
Visit the Permit and License Center.

L&I can review most applications while you wait.

2
L&I will either issue your license or request more information.

Renewal requirements

Annual renewal:

  • Renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center

Required for renewal:

  • Must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes
  • Valid email address

Forms & instructions


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