Detroit, MI Food Truck
Permit Guide 2026
Get your $450-$600 ($450-$600), business license, commissary agreement & fire inspection in Detroit — complete 2026 guide.
Detroit Food Truck Permit Requirements
Key permits every food truck operator needs before hitting the streets in Detroit.
Health Permit
$450-$600
Issued by: Wayne County Department of Health, Human & Veterans Services — Environmental Health Division
Annual fee: $450-$600
Business License
$75-$200
Required before any commercial food truck operation. Issued by the city clerk or revenue department.
Fire Safety
$50-$200
Covers suppression system, extinguisher certification, and equipment placement. Annual renewal required.
Getting Permitted in Detroit: Step-by-Step
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1
Register your business
Form an LLC or sole proprietorship with MI and obtain your EIN from the IRS. This is required before applying for any permits.
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2
Secure a licensed commissary kitchen
All mobile food vendors must operate from a licensed commissary; proof of commissary agreement required at permit application. Commissary must be an approved commercial kitchen where food is prepped, stored, and unit is cleaned. You'll need a signed commissary agreement before the health department will approve your application.
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3
Apply for your health permit
Submit your application to the Wayne County Department of Health, Human & Veterans Services — Environmental Health Division with your commissary agreement, equipment list, and menu. Schedule your pre-opening inspection.
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4
Pass your fire inspection
Schedule a $50-$200 inspection. Ensure your suppression system is serviced, extinguisher is current, and propane connections are compliant.
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5
Obtain your business license
Apply for your $75-$200 through the city's business licensing office. Some cities require this before the health permit application.
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6
Get insured
Most Detroit venues and events require proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum). Commercial auto coverage is also required to operate legally.
$450-$600
Health Permit
$75-$200
Business License
$50-$200
Fire Inspection
$300-$1,000/mo
Commissary/mo
Commissary Kitchen Requirement in Detroit
Most states and cities require food trucks to operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen. Here's what Detroit operators need to know.
Detroit Commissary Requirement
All mobile food vendors must operate from a licensed commissary; proof of commissary agreement required at permit application. Commissary must be an approved commercial kitchen where food is prepped, stored, and unit is cleaned. A commissary provides licensed prep space, sanitary storage, and wastewater disposal — all required by health codes before your permit is issued.
What You'll Need
- ✓ Signed commissary agreement
- ✓ Health dept-approved kitchen
- ✓ Dedicated storage space
- ✓ Wastewater dump access
Typical Costs
$300-$1,000/mo
per month (Detroit area)
Shared prep, storage, and dump station included at most facilities.
Find One
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