How to Apply for a Food Truck Permit in Colorado

Before You Apply: Gather Your Documents

Applying for a food truck permit in Colorado requires preparation across multiple agencies. Before submitting any applications, assemble the following documents, as most county health departments and city offices will request them:

• A copy of your Colorado business registration or Secretary of State filing
• Your federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number for sole proprietors
• A detailed floor plan of your food truck showing equipment placement, plumbing, and ventilation
• Your proposed menu with a description of how each item is prepared, stored, and held at temperature
• Proof of a commissary kitchen agreement (required by most county health departments)
• A copy of your vehicle registration and, if applicable, your DOT number
• Proof of general liability insurance (most jurisdictions require at least $1 million per occurrence)
• A certified food protection manager certificate (ServSafe or equivalent)

Step 1: Register Your Business

If you have not already done so, register your business entity with the Colorado Secretary of State. LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must file formation documents online through the Secretary of State's website. Processing typically takes 5–7 business days for standard filings. You will receive a document number that serves as your proof of registration.

Step 2: Obtain Your Colorado Sales Tax License

Visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's online portal at MyBizColorado to apply for a sales tax license. There is no fee for the state license, and it is typically issued within a few business days. If you plan to operate in home-rule cities like Denver, Boulder, or Colorado Springs, you must also register for a separate sales tax license with each city's tax office.

Step 3: Apply for Your Retail Food Establishment License

Contact the county or district health department where your food truck will be based. This is your primary operating license. The process generally involves:

• Completing a mobile food vendor application form specific to that county
• Submitting your truck plans, menu, and commissary agreement for review
• Scheduling a pre-operational inspection of your fully built-out truck
• Paying the license fee (typically $150–$500 depending on the county)

Major county health departments and their approximate processing times include:

• Denver Department of Public Health & Environment: 2–4 weeks for plan review, plus scheduling an inspection
• Tri-County Health Department (Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas counties): 2–3 weeks for plan review
• Jefferson County Public Health: 2–3 weeks for plan review
• Boulder County Public Health: 1–3 weeks for plan review
• El Paso County Public Health: 2–4 weeks for plan review

Step 4: Pass Your Initial Health Inspection

Once your application and plans are approved, a health inspector will schedule an on-site inspection of your food truck. During this inspection, the inspector will verify:

• Hot and cold holding equipment maintains proper temperatures (below 41°F for cold, above 135°F for hot)
• Handwashing sinks are functional with hot and cold running water, soap, and paper towels
• Your three-compartment sink or mechanical dishwasher is properly installed
• Wastewater and grease disposal systems are adequate
• Food contact surfaces are smooth, non-porous, and easily cleanable
• Your truck has adequate ventilation and fire suppression equipment

If your truck passes, you will receive your license, usually within a few days. If corrections are needed, you will have a set period to address them before a re-inspection.

Step 5: Register for Reciprocity (If Operating in Multiple Counties)

Under HB25-1295, effective January 2026, you can register your existing license for reciprocity in other Colorado counties. Contact the health department in each additional county where you plan to operate and provide proof of your current, valid license from your home county. Most counties charge a reduced administrative fee for reciprocity registration, significantly lower than the cost of a full separate license.

Step 6: Apply for City-Specific Permits

If you plan to vend in specific cities, check whether you need additional municipal permits. Denver's mobile food vendor license, for example, requires a separate application through the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses. Boulder requires a mobile food vendor permit from the city's planning department. These city permits are in addition to your county health department license.

Step 7: Obtain Fire Department Approval

Schedule a fire safety inspection with the fire department in your primary city of operation. Bring documentation of your fire suppression system installation and most recent service date, proof of fire extinguisher certification, and your propane system inspection records. Some fire departments issue a separate permit, while others provide a clearance letter that you attach to your health department file.

Renewal and Ongoing Compliance

Most Colorado county health department licenses must be renewed annually. Renewal typically requires passing a routine inspection and paying the renewal fee. Keep your sales tax license active by filing returns on time, even during months when you have no sales. Failure to file can result in automatic revocation of your sales tax license.