A Guide to Food Truck Licenses & Permits
Food trucks can be an attractive business model; they have lower upkeep costs than brick-and-mortar restaurants and can travel to different markets. However, a food truck must be built and operated carefully to protect public health and safety.
Food truck registration and licenses are regulated by local and state authorities. While the cost of each permit varies by location, the basic requirements are generally the same. This article outlines how to get a food truck permit in any city.
Food Truck Permits You May Need
Common Food Truck Permits
Mobile Food Vendor Permit
Food truck permits also cover businesses like food carts, ice cream trucks, and covered trailers. These permits are usually administered by the city, county, or state where the operator plans to conduct business.
- Common requirements: Food preparation review, floor plan, and servicing area agreements
- Why it's needed: Regulates vending locations based on city zoning and traffic safety
- Average cost: Varies by municipality; usually $50-$400
Health Department Permit
Like any foodservice operation, food trucks need to comply with health department standards to ensure sanitary food prep and service. Certain mobile food businesses that only sell prepackaged items or offer non-temperature controlled for safety (TCS) foods are considered lower risk and therefore require less rigorous standards.
- Common requirements: Unannounced health inspections, written food safety plans, proper plumbing, waste disposal, water supply, and handwashing systems.
- Why it's needed: Maintains public health regulations and builds customer trust
- Average cost: Varies by municipality; usually $25-$200
Utilities Permit
Sometimes combined with food vendor or health permits, this requirement ensures food trucks have potable water and safe electrical connections.
- Common requirements: Generator installation or electrical hookup inspection, secure liquid propane tanks, and proper hoses and tanks for fresh water and wastewater
- Why it's needed: Ensures proper utility usage from safe sources
- Average cost: Varies by location and municipality
Food Handler Permits
Some states and counties require every foodservice employee to acquire a food handler's card. Obtained through online training and certification, these permits ensure workers know proper hygiene, safe food temperatures, and sick policies.
- Common requirements: Online training and completion of exam
- Why it's needed: Employee training on safe food handling practices
- Average cost: $7-15 per training
Fire Permit
Fire permits are administered by the local fire marshal's office, which inspects food truck kitchens for proper fire safety equipment, secure connections, and ventilation.
- Common requirements: Pass inspection of proper grease hoods, fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, and other safety features
- Why it's needed: Protects employes and customers from dangerous grease fires and improper ventilation
- Average cost: Varies by municipality; usually $100-$300
Insurance
Foodservice businesses need insurance to cover third-party accidents involving their business. They must also insure their vehicles against driving accidents.
- Common requirements: Commercial general liability, commercial automobile insurance, and workers' compensation insurance
- Why it's needed: Required to operate a food truck; enables operators to cover any damage caused or received while conducting business
- Average cost: Varies depending on property value; usually several thousand dollars per year
How to Prepare for Permits
It's important to keep food van license requirements in mind when purchasing or building a food truck. Follow these tips when planning your food truck in order to start selling your goods as soon as possible.
Deal with Waste
Have a plan for disposing wastewater and trash. Most food trucks dump their grey water at sanitary sewer connections, RV dump stations, or commissary kitchens. Proper plumbing usually involves a three-compartment sink and hand sink fed by a freshwater tank.
Draw a Design
If you're constructing your own food truck, you'll need to submit a kitchen design blueprint for health, fire, and local business codes. Do this before starting a project to avoid costly rebuilds.
Vehicle and Kitchen Codes
Certain states have mandatory guidelines on vehicle emissions. Your kitchen must also meet fire and health codes for unannounced inspections. Consult local authorities for your location's specific guidelines.
Food Truck Permit Cost
In total, the necessary permits to start a food truck can range around $500-$1,000. Ensure you have the funds for all the permits required to operate.
Start a Food Truck With KaTom
If you need help designing or outfitting your food truck, turn to KaTom to find food truck equipment that meets health and fire safety standards. KaTom's Design + Build team can create a professional kitchen layout.
