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 an annual Mobile Food Facility (MFF) health permit from the LA County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division. Since March 6, 2024, permits are categorized by risk level (low/moderate/high) based on the food operation, replacing the old type-based categories. The vehicle must pass inspection before the permit is issued and the permit is renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $325–$761/year by risk category (FY 2025-26: Low Risk $325; Moderate Risk $598; High Risk $761)·4–8 weeks after application, plan check review, and inspection

   $325–$761/year by risk category (FY 2025-26: Low Risk $325; Moderate Risk $598; High Risk $761)

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

2. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance for a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). Registration itself has no fee. The first year of business is not tax-exempt — first-year tax is paid as 'back tax' at the first annual renewal. Businesses with worldwide gross receipts of $100,000 or less pay $0 tax under the Small Business Exemption, provided the annual renewal is filed on time.

   Official government source

   $0 to register; annual tax based on gross receipts ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal is filed on time)·1–2 weeks (online application)

   $0 to register; annual tax based on gross receipts ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal is filed on time)

   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

   Verify current LAFD mobile food vehicle inspection fee with LAFD Fire Prevention; no official published figure matches $89–$200·2–4 weeks (schedule with LAFD)

   Verify current LAFD mobile food vehicle inspection fee with LAFD Fire Prevention; no official published figure matches $89–$200

   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

Related Guides