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.
- To request approval, call (215) 686-2414 or email vending@phila.gov.
- 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
A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due upon application approval.
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
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
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
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