What Licenses Are Needed to Start a Food Truck : Your Checklist

The food business is one of the most profitable businesses. People are now more obsessed with food. As a result, different types of food businesses are establishing day by day. You will find thousands of new restaurants, and other food businesses are now on the field. 

A food truck or food court is one of those food businesses. Food trucks are widely popular and profitable. So, starting with the food truck is a good way to join in the food business. But a food truck business needs some legal permits and licenses. Without these permits and licenses, you can not start a food truck business. 

First, you need to know what licenses are needed to start a food truck. In this article we will cover what license you need to run a food truck. Walk with us and gather all the knowledge you should know while starting a food truck.

What is Food Truck Business

A food truck is also known as a mobile cart or mobile restaurant. Basically, a food truck is a customized vehicle where different types of food are being prepared and sold. It is also famous as a small restaurant. A food truck business is a great investment to start. 

However, it is the most flexible type of food business. A food truck is a restaurant that keeps changing locations. Moreover, a food truck business can be very attractive by using different creative ideas. 

Basically, a food truck is commonly found in a high-traffic area. For example, in a busy road, parks, university campus areas, markets, offices, shopping malls, and others. But, remember, the food business is highly challenging. 

There are lots of competitors in the business. So, if you want to survive for the long term in the industry, you need proper guidelines. A guideline is mainly a business plan. 

In your food truck business plan, you should cover all the terms that are required to start and run a food truck business.

Things You Need to Start a Food Truck Business

Remember, it is not as easy as you think to start. You need some specific requirements when planning to start a food truck business. If you ask what permits do I need to start a food truck, then you will get all the answers. Here is a list of some basic things that are must-haves to start a food truck. 

1. A well-defined business plan. This plan should include all your steps you are following to start and run your business.
2. A food truck that has a vehicle license and a kitchen setup license.
3. Food truck license and permits such as vendor, health, food handling, etc.
4. A detailed and unique menu.
5. A complete restaurant management software.
6. Brief and well-planned food truck marketing plan.
7. A suitable location to start.

Note:

Moreover, you must know the most common types of food that are sold in food trucks. In that case, you need to select an area you want to provide service to. 

After that, you have to do research about the food habits and popular food in that specific location. Moreover, you have to find your competitors, and then you need to find out your competitors' pros and cons. 

Finally, you have to decide what types of food trucks you are going to start. 

Here is a list of some popular food truck items. 

• Burger
• Hot Dogs
• Tacos
• Sandwich
• BBQ
• Street Food
• Coffees
• Dessert
• Ice Cream
• Street Food
• Piazza
• Different Types of Chicken Items
• Gluten-Free Foods, etc.

What Licenses are Needed to Start a Food Truck

Every business needs some licenses and permissions to start. Food trucks are not out of the rules. A food truck needs some permissions and licenses. However, the license and permits can be different according to the region. 

But there are some specific licenses that every food truck requires. And the cost of the license will also be different. Before you jump into the food truck business, you must need proper guidelines about the licenses, permissions, and their costs. Moreover, along with all the requirements, you also need to train your staff to run your food truck business smoothly. 

In this article, we will cover what licenses are needed to start a food truck business or how to get a food truck permit. Don't miss out; every single piece of information counts.

1. Business License

A business license is a certificate that every business requires. It doesn't matter what type of business you are starting; you must need a business license for food truck. However, it will give you the access to start any type of business. 

The business license is also known as a basic business operational license. When you get this license, it means the government now recognizes and tracks your business. So, while planning to start a food truck, at first you need a business license. 

2. Food Service Permit

Food service permits are another crucial license for food businesses. It means that you are serving food by maintaining health and food safety rules. Without the help of food service permits, you can not run a food business. 

In general, a food service permit ensures that you are following proper sanitation, storage, and food handling protocol. So, before starting your food truck business, you must get the food service permits.

3. Vehicle License

In the case of running a food truck, you need different types of licenses and permits. A food truck vehicle license is one of these. Before jumping into the business, you must register your truck and insure it as a commercial vehicle. 

When you get a vehicle license, your truck gets the ability to legally operate to provide services. However, your vehicle license can be different according to your region. You can get your mobile food cart permit from your local motor vehicle authority.

4. Food Handler Permit

Basically, a food handler is a license that every food business needs. It is legal permission to serve food. With the food handler's permit, you ensure that you are serving food by following safe practices. 

However, it is also known as a food handler's certificate or card. It is a documented certificate that ensures you have trained yourself or your staff  as a food handler. Moreover, it is a law, and it's applicable if you run a restaurant, food court, cafeteria, bar, food truck, catering business, etc.

5. Commercial Driving License

A commercial driving license is not mandatory for all types of food trucks. It depends on your business and how your food truck is. However, most food trucks do not need any commercial driving license to drive and run. 

You only need a food truck license when your truck is usually very large. Or you are starting a food bus for catering services or events. Suppose you run a cargo van, a small food truck, or a food van; then you do not need any driving license.

6. Fire Safety Permit

Fire safety permits are also called fire handling certificates. Most of the food trucks do not require any fire safety permit. But, in some locations, a fire safety certificate is mandatory. 

A fire safety certificate ensures your business has met all the fire safety regulations. However, a fire safety permit is provided by the local fire safety department near your location. 

Basically, a fire safety certificate is needed when you use a gas line in your truck and cook. Otherwise, if you sell food-like beverages, refrigerated items, etc., then you do not need any fire safety permits.

7. Sales Tax Permit

What license do you need to run a food truck? A sales tax license. Sales tax permits are also called seller's permits or sales tax licenses. Every food business needs a sales tax permit. It allows the seller to collect tax from the customers based on sales. 

Moreover, it also helps to purchase any tax-free inventory when you have a resale certificate. However, you must check your local area sales tax law when applying for seller's permits.

8. Location Permit

Location permits are often called "area permits or parking permits. It is a legal permission that allows you to operate a business in the specific area. You can get this permit from your local authority or from a county or city. 

However, this area can be in between a park, at an event, on a street, or on private property. It provides the permission to sell any food in any public place. However, location permits ensure you are not blocking any area. And it also helps to avoid shutdown, additional fees, fines, and others.

Food Truck License Cost Near Me

Suppose you ask, How much does a food truck license cost? Or the food truck license cost near me. The exact answer to this question is difficult to answer. 

In general, the average license and permit cost of a food truck is between $100 and $1500. But the cost can vary depending on several factors. It includes the size of your food truck, food truck design, area, country laws, and others. 

Do food trucks pay for locations? Yes, every food truck must have a location and they have to pay for it. Moreover, different regions need different licenses. So you must know the types of licenses and permissions you need, and then you can calculate your license costs. 

Here is a list of some common license and permission costs.

This graph provides a visualization of the common types of license costs. But, you have to remember, you will need to renew the license based on the expiry dates. Some licenses you need to renew annually, and some you need to renew monthly. 

However, there are some licenses that are lifetime purchases. And, if you want to sell on some special occasions or at festivals, then you may need to purchase special events permits. 

In the end, we can say that starting a food truck is much cheaper than starting a restaurant. But investing in a food truck is a great option to maximize your profits.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Food Truck Permit

As you are starting a food truck business, then you must know all the requirements of a food truck. Before you go for the action, you must know what licenses are needed to start a food truck. 

When you get all the information regarding your license and permits, then you have to apply for them. After getting all the necessary licenses, you can start your food truck business. 

But remember, you must wait for a certain time to get all the licenses and permissions. How long it takes to get a food truck license depends on the license types and state law. 

But, on average, it can take 2 weeks to 12 weeks to get all the licenses. However, in some cases it can take up to 6 months to get all the licenses. 

Here we provide a time span about getting the license and permits.

Reminder:

There are several factors that can delay your time. So, when you apply for the license through food truck permit application, you must notice food truck license requirements. If you follow all the instructions, then you can get all the licenses within a short time. 

In most cases, if there is any missing information or wrong information, then the time can be delayed. This is the most common case. Moreover, when there is a limited permit availability, then the time takes more. 

It is one of the major reasons for delay. There are also some different cases that can delay the average time. So you need all the information before jumping into business.

The Verdict 

Food trucks are one of the most profitable food businesses. If you can successfully start a food truck and ensure high-quality food, no one can beat you. It will help to increase customer loyalty and increase sales. A food truck can be your best investment if you can maintain it properly. 

This mobile food vendor has gained popularity by providing high-quality food at a lower cost. But, you must remember to choose the location wisely. And you can successfully analyze your competitors. 

Licenses and permissions are one of the major parts of the food truck business. This article has all the detailed information, such as what licenses are needed to start a food truck. 

Moreover, this article also contains the average cost and time span you need for starting a food truck business. Follow all the instructions and implement them properly, and start a successful food truck business