How to Get Your Food Truck License

Obtaining a Food Truck license may seem like an easy matter, but it actually takes some time and patience to receive it. There are certain steps you should follow, as well as items you will need, in order to gain your license. Knowing exactly how to get your food truck license will help the process go smoother.

1. Why Do I Need A License Anyway?

You need a license to run a food truck because you are selling food to consumers and your city wants to make sure that the food being served is safe to consume and that you are following all the proper health and food handling guidelines. The Department of Health should be your first stop on the journey to getting your food truck license and permits.

Each city has their own requirements for obtaining this license, although many follow similar methods. In Washington, DC, for example, you need an inspection that will verify your ownership of the food truck. You also need to prove that you have the proper equipment to meet vending requirements.

California asks that you have certified equipment that meets the expectations of the American National Standards Institute. Every location is different, so it is important that you check with the city you live (and/or the city you will be doing business in) to ensure you have the correct information for what is needed.

2. The (Dreaded) Paperwork Required

There are numerous pieces of paperwork needed in order to obtain your license. Some pieces are required, while others are simply helpful to have.

Must Have Items

This information is more or less required for nearly all food truck permits, regardless of which city you’ll be operating in.

• Tax Identification Number. Food truck owners must have their tax identification number available when registering. The money made from this truck is taxable, and needs to be reported to the government.

• Driver’s License / Identification

• Social Security Number

• Truck Ownership Documents. You need to prove the truck is yours by showing the title or other ownership documents.

• Proof of Insurance (For Your Truck, Yourself, and Employees). You need to prove you have your truck and equipment insured, as well as insurance for yourself and any employees who may work for you.

• Business License

• Health Permit

Items You Might Need

These documents and information may or may not be required for a food truck license, depending on which city you’ll be operating your food truck.

• Commercial Driver’s License. For some cities, you may need to have a commercial driver’s license to run a food truck. This is especially true for mobile trucks that will be on the go. Some locations may want you to bring copies of your other obtained permits before issuing the final license for your truck.

• Registered Food Truck Name. You may also want to already have your truck named and registered, although you may be able to apply without this part completed yet.

• Sample Menu. Some cities require that you provide a sample menu for your food truck. Your menu will dictate the layout of your truck and what kind of equipment you’ll need. This helps any health inspectors get a better idea of how your food will be handled and will help alert them to any potential risks for food-borne illnesses.

• Proof of Commissary Kitchen. Many cities require that you have evidence that you are in contact with a certified commissary kitchen. This is where you will prep your food and, in some cases, clean, charge, and store your truck.

Optional, But Helpful Items

You likely won’t need these items to get your food truck license, but they may be nice to have and may provide extra capabilities to your truck.

• Music License. A music license is an optional item to obtain. Without the license, you may not be allowed to play any music while operating your truck. With the license, you are free to play music to your patrons, whether from the radio or personal CDs.

• Food Truck Business Bank Account. Banking is another thing to consider. Having a separate bank account for your food truck business is often wise. You should think about setting this up ahead of time so you have it ready once the profits start coming in.

3. Additional Tips for Obtaining Your Food Truck License

Gaining your license is easier if you follow some important tips.

• Talk to local food truck vendors in your area. Many will have helpful advice on how to get started in the business. This will be likely the most helpful thing you can do for obtaining your food truck license.

• Meet with local food associations. Familiarize yourself with important people in your city, including government officials. It may help speed up your license applications. Some cities, such as Boston, have official online tools and documents to help walk you through the food truck setup process.

• Allow time for paperwork to go through. Do not get started on your food truck set business too early. You do not want to get in any trouble for starting your business before the application has actually been approved (although you can still work on your food truck design and other aspects of your business).

• Consider the location your food truck will be in, and do your research. Just because you pick a spot does not mean you can use it. Some cities have certain zoning regulations that will not allow a food truck to be located within specific areas. It is best to look into these regulations beforehand and obtain any necessary licenses for placing your truck there. Otherwise, consider another location.

• Choose your business entity wisely. You may not want to register as a Sole Proprietorship, because it puts all your own assets on the line. A Limited Liability Company (LLC), or even a Partnership, may be safer options to consider.

Getting a food truck license may seem like a difficult task, but it can actually be accomplished quickly if you prepare yourself ahead of time. It is important to know what to expect, and which items are needed, so you can submit your application early and have your license in no time. Good luck with your food truck endeavors!

The post How to Get Your Food Truck License appeared first on Boston Food Truck Blog: Reviews & Ratings.