How to Start a Food Truck Business In United States: License & Permit

Delving into a food truck business is awesome, however let’s face it—it could be overwhelming to get the permits and licenses rightly, what to do and how to go about it.

Probably, you think “Why does selling food have to be so complicated?” Believe me that others are in your shoes too. The beautiful thing is that it is manageable once you break it down step by step. So, let’s dive in this subject matter so we can tackle it together.

Choosing a Name and Checking for Trademarks

First and foremost, you need a business name. However, make sure that your brand name is trademarked before printing your menus. You can do this by making findings on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website (uspto.gov).

I figured this out the hard way when I began selling tacos. I made no findings and to my greatest surprise, I was sued. It worked out eventually, but it’s my duty to save you from those sleepless nights.

Applying for a Business License

The next step is to apply for a business license with your state. This will register you officially as a legitimate business and sets you up for tax purposes. Exciting, right?

The fees charged for business licensing vary based on your state, ranging from just a dollar to a few hundred bucks. You also have to decide on your business entity, either it’ll be a sole proprietorship or an LLC. A sole proprietorship is not difficult to set up, but it doesn’t protect your personal assets. By the way, an LLC will offer you protection and is the best preference for many small business owners out there.

If you plan to go for an LLC, websites like Incfile, now known as BIZEE, will make the process stress-free.

Getting a Federal EIN Number

EIN refers to the Employer Identification Number. See this as your business’s social security number. You need it to create a business bank account, build credit, and hire employees.

You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website and it is absolutely free. The process requires anywhere from a day to a few weeks, so do not wait until the last hour.

Checking for Local Business Licenses

Diverse cites and towns require their local business licenses, so it is worth checking. Go to Google and search your city’s name followed by “business license” to get started. If you feel lost, then place a call across to your local town office. They are usually very helpful.

Local licenses are often more economical, than state licenses. However, they can still cost about $50 to a few hundred dollars.

Getting a Health Permit

A health permit is a necessity which ensures that your food truck meets health and safety standards. This process requires inspection of your truck to check for any violations and this is done by a health department agent.

Begin with searching for “mobile food permit” followed by your county name. Print out the instructions, bookmark the important websites, and keep track of everything via a spreadsheet. If you’re unsure about anything, place a call across to your local health department.

$100 to over $1,000 are the cost prices for health permits.

Food Handler’s Permit

You also need a food handler’s permit to dish out food legally. This requires you to complete a food safety course and pass an exam. It’s not required for everyone on your team in quite a number of states, however at least one manager must have it.

This permit is not costly, less than $50, and it even lasts up to five years most times.

Fire Certification

If cooking equipment and gas lines are on-boarded on your food truck, then a fire inspection is required. The job of the fire department is to check your truck’s gas lines, electrical wiring, and fire suppression system.

To discover what you need, head to Google and search for “fire inspector” followed by your county’s name. Quite a number of inspectors are friendly and they will happily guide you through the process.

Checkout How to Start a Furniture Business: 5 Things You Need To Know

Wrapping It All Up

That’s about it! You are now ready to hit the road and serve up some delicious food. Here’s a quick recap:

1. Choose a business name and get your trademarks.

2. Sign up for a state business license.

3. Acquire a Federal EIN number.

4. Find out if a local business license is needed in your city or county.

5. Get a health permit.