How to Apply for a Food Truck Permit in New Hampshire

Before You Apply

Before submitting your food truck permit application to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Food Protection Section, you need several items in order. Preparing thoroughly will prevent delays and ensure your application moves through the process efficiently.

Prerequisites

• Registered business entity with the NH Secretary of State
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
• Approved commissary or commercial kitchen with a written use agreement
• Food truck or mobile unit that meets NH Food Code (He-P 2300) equipment standards
• Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification for at least one operator
• Finalized menu listing all food items you plan to serve
• Registration with NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) for the 9% Meals and Rooms Tax

Step 1: Register Your Business

Register your business entity with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. Most food truck owners choose a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for its combination of personal liability protection and tax flexibility. New Hampshire's filing process can be completed online through the Secretary of State's website.

After your business formation is complete, obtain your federal EIN from the IRS (available immediately through the online application) and register with the NH Department of Revenue Administration for the 9% Meals and Rooms Tax. Remember that New Hampshire has no general sales tax and no state income tax on wages—the Meals and Rooms Tax on prepared food is the primary state tax that affects food truck operators. This makes New Hampshire one of the most tax-friendly states in the country for small business owners.

Step 2: Secure Your Commissary

New Hampshire requires all mobile food establishments to operate from an approved commissary or commercial kitchen. Begin your search early, particularly if you plan to operate outside of Manchester and Nashua where commissary options are more limited. The southern New Hampshire corridor along I-93 and the Route 101 corridor connecting Manchester to the seacoast offer the best commissary infrastructure.

Your commissary agreement must be in writing and should document your access hours, storage allocation, services provided (water supply, waste disposal, cleaning facilities), and the duration of the agreement. DHHS will require a copy of this agreement as part of your licensing application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Mobile Unit

Ensure your food truck meets all equipment and construction requirements specified in the NH Food Code (He-P 2300). Key requirements include a functional handwashing station, three-compartment sink or equivalent, adequate hot and cold holding equipment, proper ventilation, and sufficient potable water and wastewater tank capacity. If purchasing a used truck, have it evaluated against New Hampshire's specific requirements before finalizing the transaction.

Step 4: Submit Your Application to DHHS

Submit your food service license application to the DHHS Food Protection Section. The application requires the following information:

• Business name, physical address, and mailing address
• Owner and operator names with contact information
• Business entity type and Secretary of State registration number
• Complete proposed menu with all food items listed
• Description of food preparation methods and cooking processes
• Commissary agreement and facility details including its license number
• Mobile unit specifications including equipment list and water tank capacities
• Certified Food Protection Manager certificate
• Application fee payment

Step 5: Schedule and Pass Your Inspection

After DHHS receives your application, a Food Protection Section inspector will contact you to schedule the initial inspection of your mobile unit. The inspection will evaluate your equipment, food handling procedures, and sanitation practices against the standards in He-P 2300.

Inspection Preparation Tips

• Have all equipment fully operational and at correct temperatures before the inspector arrives
• Display your Certified Food Protection Manager certification
• Have your commissary agreement and all documentation organized and accessible
• Ensure all thermometers are calibrated and functioning
• Stock all handwashing and sanitizing supplies
• Be ready to demonstrate your food flow from receiving through preparation to service
• Have your menu posted and be prepared to discuss food safety procedures for each item

Step 6: Receive Your License and Obtain Local Permits

Once your mobile unit passes inspection, DHHS will issue your food service license. This license must be displayed conspicuously on your food truck during all operating hours. The state license authorizes you to operate throughout New Hampshire from a food safety perspective, but you must also obtain any required local permits before vending in specific municipalities.

In Manchester, for example, you may need a local vendor permit from the city. Portsmouth, Nashua, Concord, and other municipalities may have their own vendor permit requirements. Contact the city clerk or municipal office in each location where you plan to operate to determine local requirements.

Processing Timeline

Plan for the full application and inspection process to take approximately 3-6 weeks from submission to license issuance, depending on application volume and inspector availability. Seasonal timing matters in New Hampshire—applications submitted in late winter and early spring (March through May) may face longer processing times as operators prepare for the summer tourism season. The Lake Winnipesaukee region and seacoast area see a surge of seasonal food truck applications each spring. Submit your application well ahead of your target launch date.

Annual Renewal

Your New Hampshire food service license must be renewed annually. DHHS sends renewal notices before expiration, but it is your responsibility to ensure timely renewal. Operating without a current license can result in fines and closure orders. Keep your contact information updated with the DHHS Food Protection Section to ensure you receive all notices and correspondence.