Food Truck Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. California Seller's Permit (Sales Tax)

   Required to collect and remit California state sales tax on taxable food and beverage sales. Hot prepared food sold by food trucks is generally taxable. Issued free by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

   Official government source

   Free (security deposit may be required)·Immediate (online registration)

   Free (security deposit may be required)

   Immediate (online registration)

2. California Food Handler Card (per employee)

   All food employees in California must obtain a California Food Handler Card from an ANSI-accredited provider within 30 days of hire. Card is valid for 3 years.

   Official government source

   $7–$15 per employee·Same day (online course and exam)

   $7–$15 per employee

   Same day (online course and exam)

3. California Food Safety Manager Certification

   At least one food safety manager per food truck must hold a California Food Safety Manager Certification from an ANSI-accredited provider (e.g., ServSafe). Required under California Retail Food Code (CalCode) for most food operations.

   Official government source

   $80–$150 (exam and course)·1–2 days

   $80–$150 (exam and course)

   1–2 days

1. LA County Department of Public Health — Mobile Food Facility Permit

   All food trucks operating in Los Angeles County (including the City of LA) must obtain a Mobile Food Facility (MFF) permit from the LA County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division. The vehicle is inspected before the permit is issued. The permit must be renewed annually. Type A permits are for trucks that prepare raw ingredients; Type B for limited food prep.

   Official government source

   $952–$1,294/year depending on facility type and complexity·4–8 weeks after application, plan check review, and inspection

   $952–$1,294/year depending on facility type and complexity

   4–8 weeks after application, plan check review, and inspection

2. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

   Required for all businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles. Issued by the Office of Finance. Must be renewed annually. Food trucks are classified and taxed based on gross receipts.

   Official government source

   $0 (first year new business exemption); $100+ in subsequent years based on gross receipts·1–2 weeks (online application)

   $0 (first year new business exemption); $100+ in subsequent years based on gross receipts

   1–2 weeks (online application)

3. Approved Commissary Agreement

   LA County requires all food trucks to operate from a licensed commissary for storage, food preparation, cleaning, and waste disposal. A signed commissary agreement must be submitted with the MFF permit application. The commissary must itself be licensed by the LA County Department of Public Health.

   Official government source

   $250–$800/month (commissary rental fees vary widely)·Arranged before permit application

   $250–$800/month (commissary rental fees vary widely)

   Arranged before permit application

4. LAFD Fire Safety Inspection

   Food trucks using propane, open flame, or grease-laden vapor-producing equipment must pass a Los Angeles Fire Department inspection and obtain a Certificate of Inspection. Required annually.

   Official government source

   $89–$200 (inspection fee)·2–4 weeks (schedule with LAFD)

   $89–$200 (inspection fee)

   2–4 weeks (schedule with LAFD)

Official Sources

• LA County Department of Public Health — Environmental Health
• City of Los Angeles Office of Finance — Business Tax Registration
• Los Angeles Fire Department — Permits
• California CDTFA — Seller's Permit
• California CDPH — Food Safety Program

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