Food Truck Permit Requirements in Denver, CO

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Colorado Retail Food Establishment License

   Required for all food establishments in Colorado, including mobile units. Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE). For Denver-based trucks, the local DDPHE license typically satisfies this requirement under a concurrent inspection agreement.

   Official government source

   $100–$300/year·2–4 weeks

   $100–$300/year

   2–4 weeks

2. Colorado Sales Tax License

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods and services in Colorado. Issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue. Food trucks must collect and remit state (2.9%) and applicable local sales taxes.

   Official government source

   $16/year·Immediate (online application)

   $16/year

   Immediate (online application)

1. Denver Mobile Food Vendor License

   Required for all mobile food vendors operating in Denver. Issued by the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE). License category (A, B, or C) depends on the complexity of food preparation — Category A covers full cooking operations. Includes a facility inspection before license issuance.

   Official government source

   $250–$400/year depending on category·2–4 weeks after application and inspection

   $250–$400/year depending on category

   2–4 weeks after application and inspection

2. Denver Business License

   Required for all businesses operating in Denver. Issued by the Denver Department of Excise & Licenses. Food trucks must obtain a business license in addition to the mobile food vendor permit.

   Official government source

   $25–$50/year·1–2 weeks

   $25–$50/year

   1–2 weeks

3. Commissary Agreement

   Denver requires mobile food vendors to operate from an approved commissary kitchen for food preparation, storage, and equipment cleaning. A signed commissary agreement must be submitted with your license application.

   $400–$1,000/month (commissary rental cost)·Secured before permit application

   $400–$1,000/month (commissary rental cost)

   Secured before permit application

4. Designated Vending Location Permit

   If you operate from a fixed Denver street location, you need a right-of-way permit from Denver Public Works. Private property vending requires landlord permission only.

   Official government source

   $50–$200 depending on location·1–2 weeks

   $50–$200 depending on location

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• Denver Dept of Public Health & Environment: Food Permits
• Denver Excise & Licenses
• Colorado CDPHE: Retail Food
• Colorado Dept of Revenue: Sales Tax

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