Food Truck Permit Requirements in Honolulu, HI

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. Hawaii Department of Taxation — General Excise Tax License

   Hawaii does not have a traditional sales tax but requires all businesses to pay a General Excise Tax (GET) on gross income from business activities. The GET rate is 4% (4.5% in Honolulu). All businesses must register for a GET license with the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

   Official government source

   $20 (one-time registration fee)·2–4 weeks (by mail) or immediate (in-person)

   $20 (one-time registration fee)

   2–4 weeks (by mail) or immediate (in-person)

2. Hawaii Department of Health — Food Safety Manager Certification

   Hawaii requires at least one certified food safety manager per food establishment. Must pass an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe.

   Official government source

   $80–$150·1–2 days

   $80–$150

   1–2 days

1. Honolulu County / City of Honolulu — Mobile Food Unit Permit

   All food trucks operating in Honolulu must obtain a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit from the local health department. The truck undergoes an inspection before the permit is issued. Annual renewal required.

   Official government source

   $250–$450/year·2–4 weeks after application and inspection

   $250–$450/year

   2–4 weeks after application and inspection

2. City and County of Honolulu Department of Budget and Fiscal Services — Business License

   Honolulu requires a City business registration and applicable permits from the Department of Planning and Permitting in addition to the state GET license. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

   $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues·1–3 weeks

   $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues

   1–3 weeks

3. Commissary Agreement

   Most jurisdictions require mobile food units to operate from an approved commissary — a licensed commercial kitchen for food prep, storage, and cleaning. A signed commissary agreement must be submitted with the permit application.

   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

Official Sources

• Honolulu / Honolulu County Health Department
• Hawaii Department of Taxation — General Excise Tax License

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