How to Apply for a Food Truck Permit in Indiana

Before You Apply

Applying for a food truck permit in Indiana is a multi-step process that involves county health departments, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) regulatory framework, and state-level business registrations. Indiana's permitting process is relatively straightforward compared to neighboring states like Illinois, but proper preparation is essential. Gathering all your documents and meeting requirements before you start the application will save you significant time.

Step 1: Register Your Business

Before applying for food service permits, register your business with the Indiana Secretary of State through the INBiz portal. Most food truck operators form an LLC for liability protection. The INBiz system allows you to register your business entity, obtain any required business licenses, and manage your filings in one place. The filing fee for an Indiana LLC is $95. You will also need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you plan to hire employees or operate as an LLC.

Step 2: Secure a Commissary Kitchen

Indiana requires all mobile food establishments to be associated with an approved commissary or base of operations. Your commissary is where you will store food, prepare ingredients, clean your truck and equipment, fill your potable water tank, and dispose of wastewater. Before you can apply for a county health permit, you must have a commissary arrangement in place.

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 are available in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Bloomington, and other Indiana cities. Ensure your commissary holds a valid food service permit from its county health department.

Step 3: Prepare Your Food Truck for Inspection

Your mobile food establishment must meet the equipment and sanitation standards outlined in ISDH rules and IC 16-42-5. Before applying for your county health permit, 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
• Proper lighting throughout the preparation and service areas

Step 4: Obtain Your Certified Food Handler Certification

Indiana requires at least one Certified Food Handler on duty during each shift. Complete an accredited food handler certification program before applying for your permit. Accredited programs include ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, and other ANSI-accredited courses. The certification involves studying food safety principles and passing an exam. Keep your certificate current and available for review during health inspections.

Step 5: Apply for Your County Health Permit

Contact the county health department where your commissary kitchen is located. This is the county that will issue your mobile food establishment permit under ISDH rules. The application process generally requires:

• A completed mobile food establishment application form
• Proof of your commissary agreement or ownership
• A copy of your Certified Food Handler certification
• Your proposed menu
• A schematic or layout of your truck showing equipment placement
• Payment of the application and permit fee (typically $100–$400)

After submitting your application, the county health department will schedule an inspection of your truck. A health inspector will verify that your unit meets all requirements under IC 16-42-5 and ISDH rules. If your truck passes, your permit will be issued. If deficiencies are found, you will receive a list of corrections and can schedule a re-inspection.

Step 6: Schedule a Fire Marshal Inspection

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

Step 7: Register for Indiana Sales Tax

All food trucks selling prepared food in Indiana must collect and remit the state's 7% sales tax. Register with the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) through the INtax system or the INBiz portal. Indiana's 7% rate is a flat statewide rate with no additional local sales taxes, which simplifies compliance. 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: Get Proper Insurance

Before operating, secure the required insurance coverage. Indiana 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. Indiana requires workers' compensation insurance for all employers with one or more employees — this is stricter than many states.

Step 9: Special Permits for Indianapolis (Marion County)

If you plan to operate in Indianapolis, be aware that Marion County has a dedicated mobile food vendor permit program administered by the Marion County Public Health Department. This is separate from permits issued by other Indiana counties. Indianapolis operators must apply through this specific program, which has its own application process, fee schedule, and inspection requirements. Given that Indianapolis is the state's largest market — and home to massive events like the Indy 500 — this permit is essential for most Indiana food truck operators.

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 your vending areas
• Mark your calendar for annual permit renewals and inspections
• Track the Indiana State Fair and major event schedules to plan your calendar around high-demand opportunities