How to Apply for a Food Truck Permit in Alabama

Before You Apply

Before submitting any applications, make sure you have the following ready:

• A food truck or mobile food unit that meets basic equipment standards (cooking equipment, refrigeration, handwashing sink, water tanks)
• A commissary kitchen agreement or letter from an approved facility where your truck will be serviced
• A menu plan outlining the food items you intend to prepare and sell
• Your business entity documents (LLC articles of organization or sole proprietorship registration)

Step 1: Register Your Business

Before applying for food service permits, establish your business legally:

• Choose a business structure — Most food truck operators in Alabama form an LLC through the Alabama Secretary of State's office for liability protection.
• Get an EIN — Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This is free and can be done online at irs.gov.
• State business license — Apply for your Alabama business privilege license through the Alabama Department of Revenue (My Alabama Taxes portal).

Step 2: Submit ADPH Plan Review

Contact your county health department to initiate the mobile food service permit process. You will need to submit:

• A completed food service permit application
• Floor plans and equipment layout of your mobile unit
• Water system specifications (fresh water tank capacity, wastewater tank capacity)
• Menu and food preparation procedures
• Commissary agreement documentation

The ADPH plan review typically takes two to four weeks. The health department may request modifications to your unit or menu before approving the plans.

Step 3: Prepare for Inspection

Once your plans are approved, schedule a pre-operational inspection with your county health department. Before the inspection, ensure:

• All equipment is installed and operational
• Hot and cold water are functioning at proper temperatures
• Refrigeration holds at 41°F or below
• Handwashing sink has soap, paper towels, and warm water
• All food contact surfaces are clean and in good repair
• A certified food safety manager certificate is available on-site
• Thermometers are calibrated and accessible

Step 4: Pass the Pre-Operational Inspection

An ADPH environmental health specialist will inspect your truck on-site. They will verify that your unit matches the approved plans, check all equipment functionality, and review your food safety procedures. If violations are found, you will be given a list of corrections needed before re-inspection. Most operators pass on the first or second attempt if they follow the approved plans closely.

Step 5: Register for Sales Tax

Register for a sales tax account through the Alabama Department of Revenue's online portal (My Alabama Taxes). You will receive a sales tax number that must be displayed on your truck. Prepared food in Alabama is subject to state, county, and municipal sales taxes.

Step 6: Obtain Local Licenses

Apply for county and city business licenses in each jurisdiction where you plan to operate. Visit the local revenue or licensing office to complete the application. Some cities also require a specific mobile food vendor permit in addition to the general business license.

Step 7: Complete Fire Safety Inspection

If your truck has cooking equipment, contact your local fire department or the State Fire Marshal's Office to schedule a fire safety inspection. They will check your fire suppression system, fire extinguishers, propane installation, and electrical systems.

Step 8: Start Operating

With all permits in hand, you are cleared to begin operating. Keep the following in mind:

• Display your ADPH food service permit in a visible location on the truck
• Keep copies of all licenses and permits on the truck at all times
• Maintain daily temperature logs for refrigeration and hot-holding units
• Return your truck to the commissary for cleaning and servicing as required by your agreement
• File and remit sales tax returns on the schedule assigned by the Department of Revenue (typically monthly)

Typical Timeline

From initial application to first day of service, most Alabama food truck operators should expect the process to take four to eight weeks, depending on the county's processing times and whether any plan corrections are needed.