Becoming a trader

Application form for Street Trading Licence

  • download the street trading Getting Started leaflet [PDF file] for the latest details of what commodities we will register traders to sell

All traders must register as a casual trader first, (excluding traders selling food - there is a different procedure if you wish to obtain a food site - see Food sites)

To become a casual trader, print and complete the Application form for Street Trading Licence [PDF file]

Bring the completed form with you to the Market Office, 72 Tavistock Road, London W11 1AD, with the following details:

  • Third Party Public Liability Insurance
  • two sources of identification
  • proof of National Insurance Number (either the National Insurance card, a payslip, P45 or another authorised document from the HM Revenue and Customs, or Department of Work and Pensions)
  • photo ID such as a passport or a driving licence photocard or a national ID card
  • proof of address (bank statement, utility bill or driving licence)

Third Party Public Liability Insurance

This is a legal requirement and can be used at other markets. It can be easily obtained from:


Sources of identification (two items)

We need to see proof of who you are and where you live such as driving licence, utilities bill (not a phone bill). 

These details are kept confidential under the Data Protection Act. You are able to view any information you provide us with at any time. It is also available to some other agencies if it is deemed necessary within the terms of the Data Protection Act.

When you attend the Market Office you will be asked to complete an application form and provide a detailed list of what you wish to sell. You will be photographed using our digital camera so do not need to bring your own photographs. There is a one off registration fee of £9.00. You will also need a sign to display your name and site number once you start trading. These are available for an additional £2.50. Your registration will be deleted if you fail to renew your insurance; are absent for 3 months; or do not take up offers of permanent sites.

Registration takes place at the Market Office, 72 Tavistock Road, London W11 1AN only between the following times at the discretion of the Council Officers:

  • Monday to Thursday 9am to 1pm

Please note: It is possible new traders will not be registered between 1 December and 31 December due to high capacities of traders wishing to work in the run-up to Christmas. Please call the street trading office if you wish to register during December.

Before registering as a trader it is essential that you have carried out some basic business research and checked the working environment of these Markets.


What can I sell?

We have a duty to ensure that a variety of commodities are on offer to the public and for this reason we vet all enquiries for the type of goods a person may wish to sell. The majority of enquiries are from those people wishing to sell hot food, refreshments, ladies fashions, accessories and jewellery. We do not register traders selling food.

Quite often we become oversubscribed with a particular commodity and may have to put a hold an registering more people selling these items. 

For these reason we may impose restrictions at short notice and enquirers are advised to telephone the market office on 020 7727 7684 and check beforehand. 

There is no waiting list.

See food sites page or contact theStreet Trading Office for more information.


Who we won't register

Because of legal requirements we cannot register companies, partnerships or employers. The application must be completed only by the individual who will be trading. You may have as many assistants as you wish, but the person registered must assume full responsibility and must trade personally on the site, alongside any assistants.

For further useful information on becoming a trader visit the National Market Traders Federation website.