Service overview
You need this license to operate as a vendor in Philadelphia’s special vending districts. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues these licenses.
There are three types of special vending district license:
- Neighborhood Vending: For businesses in special districts other than Center City
- Special Vending: For food trucks in University City
- Center City Vending: For vending in Center City
There are only a limited number of these licenses available:
- There is a waitlist for Neighborhood Vending and Special Vending Licenses.
- Center City Licenses are awarded by lottery. All applicable vendors are automatically entered into this lottery which is held only when enough spaces are available.
Active special vending districts:
- Center City
- University City
- 52nd St. Business District
- Central Germantown Business District
- Germantown Corridor Business District
- Temple University
- Morris Street District
Special Vending Licenses are not transferable. Selling or giving a license away could result in fines.
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
- The appropriate vending license for your business. For example, a Motor Vehicle Vending License or a Sidewalk Sales License.
Vending Unit approval
Award letter from the L&I Vending Unit showing your approved location.
- To request approval, contact the Vending Unit by phone (215) 686-2414 or email vending@phila.gov.
- The Vending Unit will review your request and let you know if you are approved.
- If approved, you will receive an award letter and can apply for your license online using eCLIPSE or in person. The Vending Unit will explain what you need to apply for your specific license.
Identification
- Proof of your identity and address.
- Two photographs of yourself. 2 in. x 2 in., color
Where and when
Vending Unit
Phone (215) 686-2414
Email: vending@phila.gov
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
Renewal fee: $417
Cost per vehicle
Renewal fee: $3,483
Renewal fee: $417
Renewal late fee: 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.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 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.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
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 will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
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
In order to apply for a license to vend in the City’s special districts, you must first get approval from the Vending Unit. Once approved, you can apply online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
If you have been approved for any special vending licenses, you must present your award letter. L&I can review most applications while you wait.
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