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AL

Alabama

Alabama requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food service permit from the Alabama Department of Public Health. Vendors must pass a health inspection and comply with the Alabama Food Code, which aligns with the FDA Food Code. A state business license from the Alabama Department of Revenue is also required. Most cities, including Birmingham and Mobile, impose additional local permits and zoning restrictions, so operators should check municipal ordinances before setting up.

AK

Alaska

Alaska regulates mobile food vendors through the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which issues food service permits and conducts inspections. Vendors must submit a plan review for their mobile unit and pass a pre-operational inspection. Alaska does not require a commissary kitchen at the state level, but water supply and wastewater disposal must meet DEC standards. Municipalities like Anchorage and Fairbanks add their own business license and operating permit requirements.

AZ

Arizona

Arizona is one of the more food-truck-friendly states, having passed HB 2371 in 2013 which limits local governments from imposing overly restrictive regulations on mobile food vendors. A food handler's card and a license from the county health department are required. Maricopa County, covering Phoenix, issues its own mobile food vendor permits and conducts routine inspections. The Arizona Department of Revenue requires a Transaction Privilege Tax license for all vendors.

AR

Arkansas

Arkansas requires mobile food service establishments to be permitted by the Arkansas Department of Health, which conducts inspections based on the Arkansas Food Code. All food trucks must operate from an approved commissary or servicing area for food storage, preparation, and cleaning. A state sales tax permit from the Department of Finance and Administration is also required. Cities like Little Rock have additional permitting and zoning requirements for mobile food operations.

CA

California

California has some of the most detailed mobile food facility regulations in the country, administered by county environmental health departments under the California Retail Food Code (CalCode). Food trucks are classified as either Type 1 (prepackaged food only) or Type 2 (food preparation on board), each with distinct permit requirements. AB 1678 and AB 626 have modernized the state's approach, but operators must still secure a county health permit, a California seller's permit, and a business license. Most counties require an approved commissary for daily servicing, and fire safety inspections are standard.

CO

Colorado

Colorado regulates mobile food vendors through county and district health departments rather than at the state level. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) sets baseline food safety rules, but permitting and inspection are handled locally. A retail food establishment license is required in each county where the truck operates. Denver, for example, has its own mobile food vendor program with specific zones and time limits. A state sales tax license from the Colorado Department of Revenue is required for all food sales.

CT

Connecticut

Connecticut requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food service license from the local health department in each town where they operate. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection oversees food safety regulations statewide. Food trucks must comply with the Connecticut Public Health Code and pass a vehicle and equipment inspection. There is no statewide mobile food vendor permit, so operators must navigate individual municipal licensing in each town they serve.

DE

Delaware

Delaware requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food establishment license from the Delaware Division of Public Health, Office of Food Protection. Plan review and pre-operational inspections of the mobile unit are mandatory before operating. All food trucks must use an approved commissary for food storage and preparation support. A Delaware business license is also required, and municipalities like Wilmington add their own vendor permit requirements.

FL

Florida

Florida regulates mobile food dispensing vehicles through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Hotels and Restaurants. A mobile food dispensing vehicle (MFDV) license is required, and the unit must pass a DBPR inspection. Florida law requires food trucks to operate from a licensed commissary for food storage and cleaning. In 2020, SB 1193 established statewide preemption, preventing local governments from banning food trucks outright, though cities can still regulate placement and hours.

GA

Georgia

Georgia requires mobile food service units to be licensed by the county health department where the truck's commissary is located. The Georgia Department of Public Health sets food safety standards based on the Georgia Food Service Rules. All food trucks must operate from an approved base of operations or commissary kitchen. Counties and cities, including Atlanta and Savannah, impose additional permits, zoning rules, and proximity restrictions near brick-and-mortar restaurants.

HI

Hawaii

Hawaii regulates mobile food establishments through the Hawaii Department of Health, Sanitation Branch, which issues permits and conducts inspections. Vendors must obtain a food establishment permit and comply with Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 11, Chapter 50 (Food Safety Code). A state General Excise Tax license is required in lieu of a traditional sales tax permit. Mobile food vendors are common across the islands, and each county (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai) has additional zoning and operating permit requirements.

ID

Idaho

Idaho requires mobile food establishments to be licensed by the local district health department, which conducts plan reviews and inspections. There are seven health districts across the state, each administering food safety permits independently. Food trucks must comply with the Idaho Food Code and maintain a commissary agreement. A state seller's permit from the Idaho Tax Commission is required for food sales. Cities like Boise have additional vending location and parking restrictions.

IL

Illinois

Illinois regulates mobile food vendors through local health departments, with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) providing statewide food safety standards under the Illinois Food Code. Chicago operates its own Mobile Food Vendor License program with GPS tracking requirements and proximity restrictions near restaurants. Downstate, county health departments issue mobile food permits independently. An Illinois business tax registration and food handler certifications for all staff are required statewide.

IN

Indiana

Indiana requires mobile food vendors to obtain a retail food establishment permit from the local county health department. The Indiana State Department of Health sets food safety rules under Indiana Administrative Code Title 410. Commissary use is generally required for food trucks that prepare food on board. A Registered Retail Merchant's Certificate from the Indiana Department of Revenue is needed for sales tax collection. Indianapolis and other large cities add additional mobile vendor permits.

IA

Iowa

Iowa requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food establishment license from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). Food trucks are inspected under the Iowa Food Code, which follows the FDA model code. A commissary or approved food source is required for trucks preparing food on site. Iowa also requires a sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue. Local municipalities may add their own mobile vending permits and zoning rules.

KS

Kansas

Kansas requires mobile food units to be licensed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), Division of Food Safety and Lodging. Operators must submit a plan review and pass an inspection before receiving a food establishment license. All food trucks must have a commissary agreement for warewashing, food storage, and waste disposal. A Kansas sales tax registration is required from the Department of Revenue. Wichita, Kansas City (KS), and other municipalities add local permits.

KY

Kentucky

Kentucky regulates mobile food vendors through local health departments under the oversight of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Food trucks must obtain a food service permit from the county health department and pass an inspection. Commissary kitchen use is typically required. Kentucky also requires a state sales tax permit and a general business license. Louisville and Lexington have their own mobile food vendor ordinances with location and time restrictions.

LA

Louisiana

Louisiana requires mobile food vendors to obtain a Sanitary Code Permit from the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health. Food trucks must comply with the Louisiana State Sanitary Code Part XXIII (Food Service) and pass an inspection. A commissary or approved facility is required for food preparation support. The Louisiana Department of Revenue requires a sales tax registration. Parishes and cities like New Orleans have additional vendor permits and operating restrictions.

ME

Maine

Maine requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food establishment license from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services or from the municipality where they operate, depending on size. Establishments with more limited menus may qualify for a lodging and food service license exemption. Health inspections are conducted by local health officers or state inspectors. Maine requires a state sales tax registration for food sales. Portland and other tourist-heavy cities have specific mobile vendor permits and designated vending locations.

MD

Maryland

Maryland requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food service facility license from the local county health department. The Maryland Department of Health sets statewide food safety regulations under COMAR Title 10. Food trucks must pass a health inspection and maintain a commissary agreement. A Maryland sales and use tax license is required, as is a trader's license from the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Baltimore, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County each have their own mobile vendor ordinances.

MA

Massachusetts

Massachusetts regulates mobile food vendors through local boards of health, which issue food service permits and conduct inspections. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides statewide food safety standards under 105 CMR 590.000. Food trucks must comply with the state sanitary code and obtain a mobile food unit permit from each municipality where they operate. Boston requires a separate mobile food vendor license and limits operating locations. A Massachusetts sales tax registration is required for all food sales.

MI

Michigan

Michigan requires mobile food establishments to obtain a food service license from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The state uses a risk-based inspection system and follows the Michigan Modified Food Code. Food trucks must maintain a licensed servicing area (commissary) and comply with vehicle-specific requirements. A Michigan sales tax license is required. Cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor have additional mobile food vendor permits and location restrictions.

MN

Minnesota

Minnesota requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food and beverage service license from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Operators must complete a plan review and pass an inspection, and the mobile unit must meet Minnesota Food Code requirements. A licensed commissary is required for food storage and preparation support. Minnesota requires a sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue. Minneapolis and St. Paul have their own mobile food vehicle licensing programs with designated vending zones.

MS

Mississippi

Mississippi requires mobile food service vehicles to be permitted by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), which conducts inspections under the Mississippi Food Code. A plan review and pre-operational inspection are required before beginning operations. Commissary use is generally required for food trucks. A Mississippi state sales tax permit is required from the Department of Revenue. Jackson and other cities have additional local permit requirements for mobile food vendors.

MO

Missouri

Missouri regulates mobile food vendors through local health departments, with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) providing state food safety standards. Food trucks must obtain a food establishment permit from the local health authority and pass routine inspections. An approved commissary is typically required. Missouri requires a state sales tax license from the Department of Revenue. Kansas City and St. Louis each operate their own mobile food vendor permit programs with specific regulations.

MT

Montana

Montana requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food establishment license from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). The state follows a modified version of the FDA Food Code and requires plan review and inspection of mobile units. Commissary requirements are enforced for food preparation support and equipment cleaning. A Montana state business license and sales tax registration are not required as Montana has no general sales tax, though local resort taxes may apply in certain areas.

NE

Nebraska

Nebraska requires mobile food vendors to be licensed by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) or by the local health department in jurisdictions with delegated authority. Food trucks must comply with the Nebraska Food Code and pass an inspection. Commissary use is required for trucks that prepare food on board. A Nebraska state sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue is required. Omaha and Lincoln have additional local vendor license requirements.

NV

Nevada

Nevada regulates mobile food vendors through local health districts rather than at the state level. The Southern Nevada Health District (covering Las Vegas) and the Washoe County Health District (covering Reno) each issue mobile food establishment permits and conduct inspections. Food trucks must maintain a commissary agreement and undergo plan review. A Nevada state business license is required, along with a sales tax permit. Las Vegas has detailed mobile food vendor regulations including distance requirements from permanent restaurants.

NH

New Hampshire

New Hampshire requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food service license from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services. The state conducts inspections based on the New Hampshire Food Code. Food trucks must also register with each municipality where they intend to operate. New Hampshire does not have a state sales tax, but a Meals and Rooms Tax applies to prepared food sales. Local towns and cities may add their own vendor permits and location restrictions.

NJ

New Jersey

New Jersey requires mobile food vendors to obtain a retail food establishment license from the local health department. The New Jersey Department of Health sets standards through the NJ Retail Food Establishment Code (NJAC 8:24). Food trucks must pass health inspections and are typically required to maintain a commissary. A New Jersey business registration and sales tax certificate from the Division of Revenue are required. Many municipalities, including Jersey City and Hoboken, have specific mobile food vendor ordinances.

NM

New Mexico

New Mexico requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food service permit from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), which conducts inspections under the New Mexico Food Service Sanitation Act. A plan review of the mobile unit is required before permitting. Commissary use is required for food storage, preparation, and equipment cleaning. A New Mexico Combined Reporting System (CRS) registration is needed for gross receipts tax collection. Albuquerque and Santa Fe have additional mobile vending permits.

NY

New York

New York has one of the most complex food truck regulatory environments in the country. Outside of New York City, the state Department of Health issues mobile food service permits through county health departments. In New York City, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) issues Mobile Food Vending Permits, which are heavily regulated and capped in number, creating a significant secondary market. All operators need a food handler's certificate and a state sales tax registration. NYC also requires a separate Mobile Food Vending Unit Permit for each vehicle.

NC

North Carolina

North Carolina requires mobile food vendors to obtain a permit from the local county health department, which operates under rules set by the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Food trucks are classified as mobile food units under 15A NCAC 18A .2600 and must pass an inspection. A commissary or approved food preparation facility is required. A North Carolina sales tax registration from the Department of Revenue is mandatory. Charlotte, Raleigh, and other cities have additional zoning and vendor permit requirements.

ND

North Dakota

North Dakota requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food establishment license from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Food and Lodging. Plan review and inspection of the mobile unit are required. Food trucks must maintain a commissary agreement and comply with the North Dakota Food Code. A state sales tax permit from the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner is required. Fargo and Bismarck have additional local permitting requirements for mobile food vendors.

OH

Ohio

Ohio requires mobile food service operations to be licensed by the local health district, under the oversight of the Ohio Department of Health. Food trucks must obtain a mobile food service operation license and pass an inspection. A commissary or other approved food facility is required. Ohio requires a vendor's license from the Ohio Department of Taxation for sales tax collection. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati each have their own mobile food vendor permit programs with location and operating restrictions.

OK

Oklahoma

Oklahoma requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food establishment license from the Oklahoma Department of Health. Food trucks must comply with the Oklahoma Food Code and pass inspections conducted by state or local health inspectors. A commissary is required for food trucks that cook or prepare food on board. A state sales tax permit from the Oklahoma Tax Commission is required. Oklahoma City and Tulsa have additional local vendor permits and parking regulations for food trucks.

OR

Oregon

Oregon is well known for its thriving food truck culture, particularly in Portland. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) licenses mobile food units through local county health departments. Food trucks must pass plan review and inspection, and operators need a food handler's card. Oregon does not have a general sales tax, so no sales tax permit is needed. However, food trucks must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for income tax purposes. Portland's food cart pods have become a national model for urban street food.

PA

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires mobile food vendors to obtain a retail food facility license from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services. Food trucks must comply with the Pennsylvania Food Code and pass a department inspection. A commissary or approved support facility is required. A Pennsylvania sales tax license is needed, and Philadelphia requires a separate Mobile Food Vendor License along with additional city business taxes. Pittsburgh has its own mobile food facility permit program.

RI

Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food service establishment license from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). Food trucks must undergo plan review and inspection under the Rhode Island Food Code. An approved commissary or servicing area is required. A Rhode Island sales tax permit from the Division of Taxation is needed. Providence and other cities issue their own mobile food truck vendor licenses and regulate operating locations and hours.

SC

South Carolina

South Carolina requires mobile food vendors to obtain a retail food establishment permit from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Food trucks must comply with the SC Retail Food Establishment Regulation and pass a DHEC inspection. An approved commissary is required for food storage and preparation. A South Carolina retail license from the Department of Revenue is needed for sales tax collection. Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville have local mobile vendor permit requirements.

SD

South Dakota

South Dakota requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food service establishment license from the South Dakota Department of Health. Food trucks must comply with the South Dakota Food Service Code and pass an inspection. Commissary requirements apply to trucks that prepare food on board. South Dakota does not have a state income tax, but a state sales tax license from the Department of Revenue is required. Sioux Falls and Rapid City have additional local permits for mobile food operations.

TN

Tennessee

Tennessee requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food service establishment permit from the Tennessee Department of Health or the local county health department. Food trucks are inspected under Tennessee's food safety regulations and must maintain an approved commissary. Tennessee passed a food freedom law in 2017 that expanded cottage food operations, but commercial food trucks still require full permitting. A Tennessee state sales tax registration is required from the Department of Revenue. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville each have their own mobile food vendor ordinances.

TX

Texas

Texas regulates mobile food vendors through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and local health departments. Food trucks must obtain a mobile food establishment permit and pass health inspections. Operators need a Texas food handler's certificate and must maintain an approved commissary for food storage and equipment cleaning. A Texas sales tax permit from the Comptroller of Public Accounts is required. Major cities like Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio each have distinct local mobile food vendor regulations and zoning rules.

UT

Utah

Utah requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food service permit from the local health department. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services provides statewide food safety standards. Food trucks must pass an inspection and maintain an approved commissary or base of operations. Utah requires a state sales tax license from the Utah State Tax Commission. Salt Lake City has a mobile food business program with specific location permits and operating hour restrictions.

VT

Vermont

Vermont requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food establishment license from the Vermont Department of Health. Food trucks must comply with the Vermont Food and Lodging Regulations and pass a health inspection. Plan review is required for new mobile units. Vermont requires a meals and rooms tax certificate from the Department of Taxes for prepared food sales. Burlington and other municipalities have additional mobile vendor permits and designated selling locations.

VA

Virginia

Virginia requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food establishment permit from the local health department, which operates under the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Food trucks must comply with the Virginia Food Regulations (12 VAC 5-421) and pass inspections. An approved commissary is required for food preparation support and cleaning. A Virginia state business license and sales tax certificate from the Department of Taxation are needed. Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Arlington have additional local mobile food vendor regulations.

WA

Washington

Washington State requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food worker card and a mobile food unit permit from the local health jurisdiction. The Washington State Department of Health sets statewide food safety standards under WAC 246-215. Food trucks must pass plan review and inspection, and a commissary agreement is required. Washington requires a state business license and a UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number. Seattle, Tacoma, and other cities have their own mobile food vendor permits and regulations.

WV

West Virginia

West Virginia requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food establishment permit from the local county health department, under the oversight of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). Food trucks must comply with the West Virginia Food Code and pass a health inspection. A commissary or approved support facility is required. A West Virginia state business registration and sales tax certificate from the State Tax Department are required. Charleston and Huntington have additional mobile vendor permit requirements.

WI

Wisconsin

Wisconsin requires mobile food vendors to obtain a retail food establishment license from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) or from the local health department, depending on the jurisdiction. Food trucks must comply with the Wisconsin Food Code (ATCP 75) and pass inspections. A commissary or licensed food processing plant is typically required. A Wisconsin seller's permit from the Department of Revenue is needed for sales tax. Milwaukee, Madison, and other cities have their own mobile food vendor licensing programs.

WY

Wyoming

Wyoming requires mobile food vendors to obtain a food establishment license from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Consumer Health Services. Food trucks must comply with the Wyoming Food Safety Rule and pass an inspection. Plan review of the mobile unit is required before licensing. Wyoming does not have a state income tax, but a state sales tax license from the Department of Revenue is required. Cheyenne and Casper have additional local permits for mobile food vendors.