There's no doubt that starting a food truck is exciting but before you can open there are various licenses and permits you need to get. That's much less fun but something you can't avoid.
There are a lot of different rules and regulations you need to know about before you can run your food truck, and these cover food truck locations, the ingredients you use, any employees you hire, and more.
Required Licenses and Permits
The first thing you need to do is determine which licenses and permits you need. Check the Small Business Administration website to figure out what licenses and permits you must have in the area where your food truck will operate. Let's take a look at some of the paperwork you'll need to have.
Tax Registration
You're probably going to need an Employer ID number (EIN) so the IRS can collect taxes from you and anyone else you employ. Details to provide include your business name, county and state where you operate, and taxpayer ID number.
Although the IRS will give you an EIN for free, bear in mind it can take about a month to come through, so give yourself enough time to get it before planning your food truck opening day.
Business Licenses
Your business license means the government in your state will recognize your business as being legitimate and they will begin to track your operation to determine tax payments. The price of this license varies depending where you are located, for example costing $65 in Boston compared to $150 in New Orleans.
Food Handler's Permit
You will be able to get one of these permits by completing a food handler training and food safety course. It's a good idea to take this course prior to inspection, although that isn't mandated. Most states only require the shift manager to have this permit but it's a good idea to make sure at least one worker per shift has one.
The health department will issue a food truck health certificate after inspecting such things as whether the food comes from an approved source, whether there are sufficient handwashing facilities, that food is labeled and stored safely, that your meat thermometers are correctly calibrated, that the walls, floors and surfaces are cleaned properly, and more.
It also gives customers peace of mind when they see this permit and health grade displayed in your food truck, since it tells them the food is being prepared safely. These permits usually need to be renewed every five years.
