Food Truck Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $700–$1,800 est. 4–8 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Georgia

2 stops

  1. Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

    Required to collect and remit Georgia state sales tax (4% state + Fulton County local option sales tax, total ~8.9%) on taxable food sales. Prepared hot food sold by food trucks is taxable in Georgia. Registration is free and online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online registration via Georgia Tax Center)

  2. Georgia Food Safety Manager Certification

    Georgia requires at least one Person in Charge (PIC) at each food establishment to be a Certified Food Safety Manager. The certification must be from an ANSI-accredited program (e.g., ServSafe). All food employees must also complete food safety training.

    Official government source

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

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

4 stops

  1. Fulton County Board of Health — Mobile Food Service Permit

    All food trucks operating in Fulton County (including the City of Atlanta) must obtain a Mobile Food Service Permit from the Fulton County Board of Health. The truck undergoes an inspection before the permit is issued. The permit must be renewed annually and displayed inside the truck.

    Official government source

    $255–$355/year depending on the complexity of food preparation2–4 weeks after application and inspection

  2. City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate

    Required for all businesses operating within Atlanta city limits. Issued by the Atlanta Department of Finance. Food trucks must obtain this annual certificate. Must be renewed each year.

    Official government source

    $75–$250 depending on gross revenue1–3 weeks

  3. City of Atlanta Food Truck Vendor License

    The City of Atlanta requires food trucks operating on public streets or rights-of-way to obtain a Food Truck Vendor License through the Atlanta Department of City Planning. Vendors on private property with owner consent may not need this permit, but should confirm with the city.

    Official government source

    $225/year2–4 weeks

  4. Commissary Agreement (Required)

    Fulton County requires mobile food service establishments to operate from an approved commissary — a licensed commercial kitchen for food preparation, storage, cleaning, and waste disposal. A signed commissary agreement must be submitted with the permit application.

    Official government source

    $150–$600/month (commissary rental fees vary)Arranged before permit application

Terminus

Open for business — est. $700–$1,800 · 4–8 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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