These vendors must stay outside the perimeter of the Mall / Concourse. They must also stay at least six feet away from the building or property line and at least two feet away from the curb. Any tents or umbrellas must stay within the limits of these dimensions. Always stay at least ten feet away from a crosswalk or curb cut. The procedures are included in more detail in Ordinance 9.13, License for Selling on Public Streets. For further information, contact the Street Vending Coordinator at 608-261-9171. If interested, please call ahead to make an appointment.

How to Apply for a Street Vendor License

• Insurance Requirements
• Business Tax Registration:
  • Instructions
  • Application

• The application for this license can be completed on the City of Madison Licenses & Permits portal.
• If you do not have one already, you must create an account on the Licenses & Permits portal to fill out the application. HINT: once you have submitted your registration you will be sent a confirmation email.  Check your junk mail if you do not see it in your inbox. You must click on the link provided in the email to activate your account before you can sign in.
• Once you login to your account go to the Licenses/Registrations section, select Apply for a License/Registration and then choose Street Vending.

Applying for a Street Vendor License By Mail

1. Complete the City of Madison Street Vendor License.
2. Submit an insurance certificate (General liability insurance at a minimum of one million dollars, naming City of Madison as Additional Insured). Go to Insurance Requirements.

Additional Licenses for Non-Mall / Concourse Food Vendors

• Application for Temporary Food Establishment Permit  (Fill-In and Print)
• Temporary Food Stands: Key Points: English / Español
• For more information on Temporary Food Establishment Licensing and Regulation
• Licensing Application & Fee Schedule for Food & Drink License (Public Health Madison & Dane County)
• If you'll be using public electricity, please complete the Application for Electrical Use.