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How do I get a mobile food permit?
Reviewed by Editorial Team

Mobile food permits are issued at the city or county level, not federal. Start at your county health department environmental health division. File a plan review application (truck layout, equipment specs, water and waste tank sizes, refrigeration), pay a fee, and submit a signed commissary agreement. After plan approval, the inspector schedules an in-person inspection — NSF-certified equipment, hot/cold holding temperatures, three-compartment sink plumbing, handwash sink with hot water, fire suppression. Pass that and you get the mobile food facility permit, usually valid one year. You also need a business license from your base city, a state sales tax permit, an EIN from irs.gov, and a fire department permit if you cook with propane. Some cities require a separate vending permit for every district you serve.

Common mistakes
  • Buying a truck before plan review — if the layout fails, retrofits are expensive.
  • Skipping the fire marshal sign-off; a denied fire inspection blocks the health permit in many jurisdictions.
  • Assuming one city permit covers neighboring cities. It almost never does.
Related FAQs
How do I hire my first employee?
Get an EIN, register for state unemployment and workers compensation, choose a payroll provider (Gusto, OnPay, Square Payroll), draft a one-page job description, and run a Form I-9 plus W-4 on day one. Classify as W-2 employee unless they truly meet the IRS contractor test.
What if my commissary closes?
Have a backup commissary identified and pre-toured before you ever need it. If your primary closes unexpectedly, notify the health department within their required timeframe, sign a new commissary agreement, file the update on your permit, and resume operations only after acknowledgment.
What if my permit application is denied?
Read the denial letter for specific deficiencies, correct each item, and either resubmit or appeal within the stated window. Common reasons: incomplete plan review, equipment not NSF-certified, commissary issues, zoning conflict. Most denials are fixable; outright bans are rare and usually city-specific.