Licenses and Permits
In order to legally operate a food truck in California, you’ll need to have the following licenses and permits:
- Business license: All California businesses need a business license to operate legally in a given city. This may require an annual fee and/or a percentage of sales. You’ll also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you have employees working for you.
- Vehicle license: You’ll need to have a license for your truck just like any other vehicle. You may or may not need to have a commercial driver’s license.
- Food handling permit: In some areas, you may need a food handling permit and/or take a food safety course. Someone with this kind of permit must always be present when your food truck is open.
- CA reseller permit/seller permit: To sell any food, you’ll need to have a seller permit if you’re selling your own goods and/or a reseller permit if you’re selling someone else’s pre-made goods.
- Health department permit: Your food truck will be subject to health inspections by the local health department. This permit is mandatory to make sure your truck’s cleanliness and food safety are overseen by local authorities.
