Much like any other establishment that serves food, mobile food truck owners must ensure they have the proper permits and licenses in place. This is often a complex process, as laws vary greatly from state to state, or even city to city. The following guide explains some of the general licenses and permits you’ll need to rest assured your food truck is fully compliant. 

4 Items You Need to Start a Mobile Food Truck

1. Mobile Food Vending License

In NYC, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is responsible for handing out Mobile Food Vending Licenses. If approved, you’ll receive a photo ID, as well as a decal that can be placed in your food truck window. You can apply for a seasonal license, which is good through April 1 to October 31, or you can apply for a full-term license, which is good for two years. 

2. Employer Identification Number

Employer ID numbers (EIN) are assigned by the IRS to identify businesses (similar to how Social Security numbers function). You need an EIN if you have employees, are operating a partnership or corporation, file tax returns related to employment, as well as meeting other criteria. Applying for an EIN is free, and you can easily apply online at the IRS website. 

3. Commercial Driver’s License

The size of your food truck determines whether you’ll need a certain type of commercial driver’s license to operate it. For example, a truck weighing 26,001 pounds or more requires a CDL to operate. Class A CDLs allow the towing of trailers over 10,000 pounds, while Class B CDLs allow the towing of trailers less than 10,000 pounds. 

4. Food Protection Certificate

In NYC, all establishments that serve food to patrons must include a supervisor that has been awarded a Food Protection Certificate by the NYC Health Academy. This requires taking an passing a course that details safe food handling practices. It’s usually a good idea to have more than one person on staff with a Food Protection Certificate to ensure compliance. 

The above steps ensure you can operate your mobile food truck according to the law. However, you’ll also need some essential supplies to get you up and running, which is precisely what Shanghai Mobile Kitchen Solutions offers customers in Brooklyn. They can outfit your mobile kitchen with must-have items, and can also help implement an effective design for the space. Should you ever need repairs or maintenance, this talented team will be there to assist you. Learn more by visiting them online or call (800) 253-4815 to learn more.