✅ Free Interactive Checklist

Food Truck Permit Checklist 2026

Every permit, every step — for operators in any US city. Check off items as you complete them. Progress saves automatically in your browser.

Overall Progress

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📍 Your City (personalizes tips)

Business Formation

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Choose your business structure (LLC is most common for food trucks) Register LLC or corporation with your state ($50–$200 filing fee) Get your EIN (Employer Identification Number) from IRS — free at irs.gov Open a dedicated business bank account Register for state sales tax permit (required in most states)

Commissary Kitchen

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⚠️ Do this first — you cannot apply for a health permit without a commissary agreement. Start immediately; some have 3–6 month waitlists.

Research licensed commissary kitchens in your city Confirm commissary holds a valid health department license Negotiate and sign a written commissary agreement Get a copy of the commissary's current health permit (needed for your application) Understand commissary access hours, storage availability, and rules

Health Department Permit

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Identify your local health authority (city, county, or state-level — varies by location) Download and review the Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit application Prepare your menu and complete equipment list for the application Include commissary agreement with your application Submit completed application + fee (typically $200–$800 depending on city) Schedule and pass your pre-operational health inspection Receive and display your health permit inside the truck at all times

Fire Safety

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Install or verify Ansul (hood suppression) system by a certified technician Get Ansul system certified — keep certification tag on unit (semi-annual renewal required) Purchase Class K fire extinguisher (minimum 1.5-gallon wet chemical) Verify propane/gas connections meet local code (check for shutoff valves) Apply for fire department permit or inspection with your local fire marshal Pass fire inspection; receive permit or certificate of compliance

Business Licenses

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Apply for city business license / business tax receipt (BTR) Apply for county business license if required (some jurisdictions require both) Check if any zoning or land-use permits are needed for your operating location Get a vendor or mobile vending permit if operating on public streets or ROW Research and apply for any neighborhood or district-specific permits (markets, arts districts, etc.)

Insurance

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Get commercial auto insurance (standard auto doesn't cover business use) Get general liability insurance ($1M minimum — many events require $2M) Consider product liability coverage for food businesses Get a certificate of insurance (COI) — venues and events will require this

Pre-Launch

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Set up a system to track all permit renewal dates (don't rely on memory) Confirm all permits are displayed in the truck as required by law File all permit documents in one organized place — physical and digital copies

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