Los Angeles, CA Food Truck
Permit Guide 2026
Get your Mobile Food Facility (MFF) Permit ($600–$850/yr), business license, commissary agreement & fire inspection in Los Angeles — complete 2026 guide.
Los Angeles Food Truck Permit Requirements
Key permits every food truck operator needs before hitting the streets in Los Angeles.
Health Permit
Mobile Food Facility (MFF) Permit
Issued by: LA County Dept of Public Health (LACDPH)
Annual fee: $600–$850/yr
Business License
City of Los Angeles Business License
Required before any commercial food truck operation. Issued by the city clerk or revenue department.
Fire Safety
LA Fire Department (LAFD) inspection
Covers suppression system, extinguisher certification, and equipment placement. Annual renewal required.
Getting Permitted in Los Angeles: Step-by-Step
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1
Register your business
Form an LLC or sole proprietorship with CA 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
California requires all food trucks to operate from a licensed commissary kitchen. 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 LA County Dept of Public Health (LACDPH) with your commissary agreement, equipment list, and menu. Schedule your pre-opening inspection.
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4
Pass your fire inspection
Schedule a LA Fire Department (LAFD) inspection 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 City of Los Angeles Business License through the city's business licensing office. Some cities require this before the health permit application.
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6
Get insured
Most Los Angeles venues and events require proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum). Commercial auto coverage is also required to operate legally.
$600–$850/yr
Health Permit
~$100–$200/yr
Business License
~$100–$200
Fire Inspection
$500–$1,200/mo
Commissary/mo
Commissary Kitchen Requirement in Los Angeles
Most states and cities require food trucks to operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen. Here's what Los Angeles operators need to know.
Los Angeles Commissary Requirement
California requires all food trucks to operate from a licensed commissary kitchen. 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
$500–$1,200/mo
per month (Los Angeles area)
Shared prep, storage, and dump station included at most facilities.
Find One
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