How to Apply for a Food Truck Permit in Kentucky

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for a food truck permit in Kentucky involves coordinating with multiple agencies. Because the state delegates food service permitting to its 75 local health departments, you will work primarily with the health department in the county where your commissary or primary base of operations is located. Here is a detailed walkthrough of the process.

Step 1: Secure a Commissary or Base of Operations

Before you can apply for any permits, you need a commissary agreement. Kentucky requires all mobile food vendors to operate from an approved commissary kitchen or base of operations. This is where you will store ingredients, prepare certain foods, clean equipment, and dispose of wastewater. Contact local commercial kitchens, restaurants with shared kitchen space, or dedicated commissary facilities. Your commissary must hold its own valid health permit.

Step 2: Register Your Business

Visit the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal through the Secretary of State's office to register your business entity. You can form an LLC, corporation, or register as a sole proprietor. Once registered, apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website if your business structure requires one.

Step 3: Register for Sales Tax

All food trucks selling prepared food in Kentucky must collect and remit the 6% state sales tax. Register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue to obtain your sales tax permit. Remember that while groceries for home consumption are exempt from sales tax in Kentucky, prepared food sold by food trucks is fully taxable at 6%.

Step 4: Contact Your Local Health Department

Reach out to the local health department where your commissary is located. Request the mobile food vendor permit application and ask about:

• Application forms and fees
• Plan review requirements (equipment layout, plumbing diagrams, menu details)
• Required documentation (commissary agreement, CFPM certificate, vehicle registration)
• Inspection scheduling

Step 5: Submit a Plan Review

Most local health departments require a plan review before your initial inspection. You will typically need to submit floor plans of your food truck showing the placement of cooking equipment, refrigeration units, sinks, handwashing stations, water tanks, and ventilation systems. Include your proposed menu and a description of how each item will be prepared, stored, and served.

Step 6: Obtain Your Certified Food Protection Manager Credential

Kentucky requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per food truck operation. Complete an ANSI-accredited food safety certification course such as ServSafe. The certification typically involves a proctored exam and is valid for five years. Make sure your certificate is current before your health department inspection.

Step 7: Pass the Health Inspection

Once your plan review is approved, your local health department will schedule an on-site inspection of your food truck. Inspectors will verify that your equipment matches the approved plans, that your truck meets all Kentucky Food Code (902 KAR 45:005) requirements, and that you have proper sanitation procedures in place. Common items checked include water tank capacity, wastewater disposal, food temperature controls, and handwashing accessibility.

Step 8: Obtain Additional Local Permits

Depending on where you plan to operate, you may need additional permits:

• Louisville: The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness requires a separate mobile food vendor permit. The city also has specific parking and vending location rules.
• Lexington: The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has its own dedicated mobile food vendor application process with additional requirements.
• Fire Department Permits: Some jurisdictions require fire safety inspections, particularly if you use propane, deep fryers, or open flames.
• Zoning and Parking: Check with local planning and zoning offices for any restrictions on where food trucks can park and serve.

Step 9: Operating in Multiple Counties

If you plan to operate across multiple Kentucky counties, you may need permits from each local health department. However, HB 493, passed in 2022, eased some cross-jurisdictional restrictions. Check with each local health department to understand what reciprocity agreements may be in place and what additional documentation is needed.

Typical Application Timeline

From start to finish, the permitting process in Kentucky typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you can secure a commissary, complete your plan review, and schedule inspections. Building in extra time is wise, especially if you are working with multiple jurisdictions or need to make modifications to your truck based on plan review feedback.