Food Truck Permit Requirements in San Diego, 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 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 certified food safety manager must be on duty or available during food truck operations under California Retail Food Code. Certification from an ANSI-accredited provider is required.

   Official government source

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

   $80–$150 (exam and course)

   1–2 days

1. San Diego County Department of Environmental Health — Mobile Food Facility Permit

   All food trucks operating in San Diego County (including the City of San Diego) must obtain an annual Mobile Food Facility (MFF) health permit from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ). The vehicle must pass inspection before the permit is issued, and new vehicles go through plan check. Permit class depends on operation type: prepackaged-only, packaged lunch truck, limited food preparation, or full food preparation.

   Official government source

   $228-$760/year by type (DEHQ fee schedule effective July 10, 2026): prepackaged $228, packaged lunch truck $253, limited food prep $516, full food prep $760; plan-check fees additional for new vehicles·4–8 weeks after application, plan review, and inspection

   $228-$760/year by type (DEHQ fee schedule effective July 10, 2026): prepackaged $228, packaged lunch truck $253, limited food prep $516, full food prep $760; plan-check fees additional for new vehicles

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

2. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the Office of the City Treasurer. It is a tax registration, not a regulatory license. The fee is based on employee count only: $34/year for businesses with 12 or fewer employees, or $125/year plus $5 per employee for 13 or more employees. Every application and renewal adds a $4 state-mandated SB-1186 fee, and beginning July 1, 2025 an annual Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee of $1.47 per employee also applies. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees·1–2 weeks (online application)

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees

   1–2 weeks (online application)

3. Approved Commissary Agreement

   San Diego County requires all food trucks to operate from a licensed commissary for food preparation, storage, cleaning, and waste disposal. A signed commissary agreement must be on file with the DEHQ.

   Official government source

   $200–$700/month (commissary rental fees vary)·Arranged before permit application

   $200–$700/month (commissary rental fees vary)

   Arranged before permit application

4. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Inspection (if using propane/open flame)

   Food trucks using propane, open flame, or grease-laden vapor-producing equipment must obtain approval from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. This includes review of fire suppression systems and LP gas installations.

   Official government source

   Contact San Diego Fire-Rescue Technical Services (619-533-4388) for current mobile-food-facility fire permit/inspection fees·2–4 weeks

   Contact San Diego Fire-Rescue Technical Services (619-533-4388) for current mobile-food-facility fire permit/inspection fees

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• San Diego County DEHQ — Mobile Food Facilities
• City of San Diego — Business Tax Certificate
• San Diego Fire-Rescue — Permits
• California CDTFA — Seller's Permit
• California CDPH — Food Safety Program

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