Alabama Food Truck Permit Requirements

Overview

Operating a food truck in Alabama requires multiple permits and licenses from state, county, and city agencies. The primary regulatory body for food safety is the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), but you will also need business licensing from the Alabama Department of Revenue and your local municipality.

Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Food Service Permit

Every mobile food service establishment in Alabama must obtain a food service permit from the ADPH. The ADPH regulates food trucks under the Alabama Food Code, which aligns with the FDA Model Food Code. The permit process involves:

• Plan review — Submit detailed plans of your mobile food unit, including equipment layout, water supply, wastewater disposal, and food storage before operating.
• Pre-operational inspection — An ADPH environmental health specialist will inspect your truck to verify it meets all code requirements before issuing the permit.
• Routine inspections — Once permitted, your truck will be subject to unannounced inspections, typically two to four times per year depending on your county.

ADPH permits are issued through your county health department office. You must apply in the county where your commissary or base of operations is located.

Alabama State Business License

All businesses operating in Alabama must obtain a state business license (also called a business privilege license) from the Alabama Department of Revenue. This is an annual license that allows you to legally conduct business in the state. The license is based on your gross receipts from the prior year, with first-year operators paying a minimum flat rate.

Sales Tax Registration

Food trucks selling prepared food in Alabama must register for a sales tax account with the Alabama Department of Revenue. Alabama has a state sales tax on prepared food, and most counties and cities add additional local sales taxes. You are responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax on all taxable sales. Alabama is one of the states that taxes prepared food at the full sales tax rate rather than a reduced grocery rate.

County and City Business Licenses

In addition to the state business license, most Alabama counties and cities require a separate local business license to operate within their jurisdiction. If you plan to operate in multiple cities or counties, you may need a license in each one. Requirements and fees vary significantly by municipality.

Fire Safety Compliance

Food trucks with cooking equipment must meet fire safety requirements enforced by the State Fire Marshal's Office or your local fire department. This typically includes:

• A commercial-grade fire suppression system (such as an Ansul system) over cooking surfaces
• Properly rated fire extinguishers accessible in the truck
• Propane tanks must be mounted externally and comply with NFPA 58 standards
• Annual fire safety inspection in many jurisdictions

Food Handler Certification

Alabama requires at least one person in charge at each food service establishment to be a certified food safety manager. This certification is obtained by passing an ANSI-accredited food safety exam such as ServSafe. While not every employee needs manager certification, the ADPH recommends that all food handlers complete a basic food handler training course.

Vehicle and Mobile Unit Requirements

Your food truck must be a commercially registered vehicle with the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division. The mobile food unit itself must meet ADPH requirements for:

• Adequate hot and cold water supply with a handwashing sink
• Proper wastewater containment and disposal
• Adequate refrigeration and hot-holding equipment
• Smooth, easily cleanable interior surfaces
• Protection from insects, dust, and other contaminants

Summary of Required Permits

• ADPH Food Service Permit (county health department)
• Alabama State Business License (Department of Revenue)
• Sales Tax Registration (Department of Revenue)
• County business license (where operating)
• City business license (where operating)
• Fire safety inspection (local fire department or State Fire Marshal)
• Certified food safety manager on staff
• Commercial vehicle registration