This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Permit and tax rules change, and your situation may differ. Always confirm current requirements with the official state agency linked in this guide, and consult a licensed attorney or tax professional for advice about your specific business.Last verified against official state sources: 2026-06-11
Anyone making taxable sales in New York must register and get a Certificate of Authority before selling, even temporary vendors who sell once a year. The state specifically says people who make items at home, like soaps, candles, woodworking, and candy, and bring them elsewhere to sell must register and collect tax. Display the certificate at your selling location, or attach it to your stand if you have no fixed location.
Apply through New York Business Express (averages about 5 days), but you must apply at least 20 days before you begin making taxable sales.
New York's temporary Certificate of Authority exists, but show and entertainment vendors are not allowed to use it. If you sell at a craft show, antique show, or flea market you must get the regular Certificate of Authority even if your sales are isolated or occasional, applying at least 20 days before the event. The regular certificate has a minimum three-year term.
New York's casual sale registration break is essentially limited to selling from your own home: at most three days per calendar year, under $600 expected sales, and no household member in a similar trade (Tax Bulletin TB-ST-807). It does not help craft fair vendors; the state says anyone selling at a show or flea market must register even on an occasional basis.
The state rate is 4 percent plus local city/county rates and an extra 0.375 percent in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (NYC and seven surrounding counties). At a fair you charge the combined rate where the event is held; use the state's Jurisdiction/Rate Lookup by Address tool or Publication 718.
New York has no general state business license for craft sellers; the Certificate of Authority is the key state credential, and sole proprietors using a trade name file an assumed name certificate with their county clerk. New York City public-place vending has its own DCWP licensing rules, so check before selling at NYC street events.
Operating without a Certificate of Authority carries a penalty of up to $500 for the first day plus up to $200 per additional day, capped at $10,000.
Promoters operating four or more shows a year need a Permit to Operate a Show (Form DTF-723), may only admit vendors who hold and display a valid Certificate of Authority, must keep vendor records, and must file a Report of Show (DTF-727) after each event. Letting unregistered vendors sell carries a penalty up to $10,000 per show.
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Anyone making taxable sales in New York must register and get a Certificate of Authority before selling, even temporary vendors who sell once a year. The state specifically says people who make items at home, like soaps, candles, woodworking, and candy, and bring them elsewhere to sell must register and collect tax. Display the certificate at your selling location, or attach it to your stand if you have no fixed location.
Certificate of Authority (sales tax), issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Cost: Free. Apply through New York Business Express (averages about 5 days), but you must apply at least 20 days before you begin making taxable sales.
New York's casual sale registration break is essentially limited to selling from your own home: at most three days per calendar year, under $600 expected sales, and no household member in a similar trade (Tax Bulletin TB-ST-807). It does not help craft fair vendors; the state says anyone selling at a show or flea market must register even on an occasional basis.
The state rate is 4 percent plus local city/county rates and an extra 0.375 percent in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (NYC and seven surrounding counties). At a fair you charge the combined rate where the event is held; use the state's Jurisdiction/Rate Lookup by Address tool or Publication 718.
New York has no general state business license for craft sellers; the Certificate of Authority is the key state credential, and sole proprietors using a trade name file an assumed name certificate with their county clerk. New York City public-place vending has its own DCWP licensing rules, so check before selling at NYC street events.
Browse upcoming craft fairs in New York with booth fees and application deadlines, read our picks for the best New York craft fairs, and use the booth ROI calculator to plan your season.
Last verified: 2026-06-11. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.