How to Apply for a Food Truck Permit in Georgia

Before You Apply

Applying for a food truck permit in Georgia is a multi-step process that involves both county and state agencies. The good news is that thanks to HB 1443 (effective January 2023), you only need one county health permit to operate anywhere in the state. Planning ahead and gathering your documents before you start the application will save you significant time.

Step 1: Secure a Commissary Kitchen

Before you can apply for a health permit, you must have an approved base of operations. Georgia requires all mobile food service units to be associated with a licensed commissary kitchen. Your commissary is where you will store food, prepare ingredients, clean your truck, and dispose of wastewater.

Options for commissary kitchens include:

• Renting space in a licensed shared commercial kitchen
• Partnering with an existing restaurant that has available kitchen time
• Building or leasing your own licensed commercial kitchen

Shared commercial kitchens have become widely available in metro Atlanta, Savannah, and other Georgia cities. Make sure your commissary holds a current food service permit from the county board of health.

Step 2: Prepare Your Food Truck for Inspection

Your mobile food service unit must meet the equipment and sanitation standards outlined in Georgia Food Service Rules (Chapter 511-6-1). Before applying, ensure your truck has:

• A three-compartment sink for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing
• A separate handwashing sink with hot and cold running water
• Adequate refrigeration and cold-holding equipment
• Proper hot-holding equipment for cooked foods
• A commercial-grade ventilation hood and fire suppression system
• Smooth, easily cleanable surfaces on all food preparation areas
• Adequate potable water supply and wastewater storage tanks
• A covered trash receptacle

Step 3: Obtain Your Food Safety Manager Certification

Georgia mandates that every food service establishment have at least one certified food safety manager on staff. You must complete an accredited food safety certification program such as ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, or an equivalent ANSI-accredited course. The certification typically involves studying food safety principles and passing a proctored exam. Keep your certificate current—most certifications are valid for five years.

Step 4: Apply for Your County Health Permit

Contact the county board of health where your commissary kitchen is located. This is the county that will issue your mobile food service permit. The application process generally requires:

• A completed mobile food service unit application form
• Proof of your commissary agreement or ownership
• A copy of your food safety manager certification
• Your proposed menu
• A schematic or floor plan of your truck showing equipment layout
• Payment of the application and permit fee (typically $200–$500)

After submitting your application, the county health department will schedule an inspection of your truck. An environmental health specialist will verify that your unit meets all requirements in Chapter 511-6-1. If your truck passes, your permit will be issued. If deficiencies are found, you will receive a list of corrections needed and can schedule a re-inspection.

Step 5: Schedule a Fire Marshal Inspection

Most Georgia jurisdictions require a separate fire safety inspection. Contact the fire marshal in the county or city where you plan to operate. The inspector will check your fire suppression system, fire extinguisher placement and certification, propane tank installation, ventilation, and electrical systems. Some counties require this inspection before the health permit is finalized.

Step 6: Register Your Business

If you haven't already, register your business entity with the Georgia Secretary of State. Most food truck operators form an LLC for liability protection. You will also need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you plan to hire employees or operate as an LLC or corporation.

Step 7: Register for Georgia Sales Tax

All food trucks selling prepared food in Georgia must collect sales tax. Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue through the Georgia Tax Center (GTC) online portal. Georgia's state sales tax rate is 4%, and local taxes typically add an additional 3% to 4%, bringing the combined rate to roughly 7% to 8%. You must file and remit sales tax returns on the schedule assigned to your business—monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on your sales volume.

Step 8: Obtain a Business License

Apply for a business license (or occupational tax certificate) in the city or county where your business is headquartered. If you plan to operate regularly in other cities, check whether those jurisdictions also require a local business license. With statewide health permit reciprocity, you won't need additional health permits, but business licensing rules remain local.

Step 9: Get Proper Insurance

Before hitting the road, secure the required insurance coverage. Georgia mandates minimum auto insurance limits of 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person bodily injury, $50,000 per accident bodily injury, $25,000 property damage). For a food truck, you should also carry general liability insurance and consider commercial property coverage for your equipment. If you have three or more employees, Georgia law requires workers' compensation insurance.

After You're Approved

Once you have all your permits and licenses in hand:

• Display your health permit visibly on your truck
• Keep copies of all permits, licenses, and insurance documents on the truck at all times
• Familiarize yourself with local zoning and parking regulations in areas where you plan to vend
• Join the Atlanta Street Food Coalition or local food truck associations for networking and event access
• Mark your calendar for annual permit renewals and health inspections