Food Truck Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA
Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Los Angeles / Los Angeles County Requirements
4 requirementsLA 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.
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.
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.
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.
California State Requirements
3 requirementsCalifornia 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).
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.
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.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
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