Food Truck Permit Requirements in Des Moines, IA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $600–$1,500 est. 3–6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 Iowa

2 stops

  1. Iowa Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Iowa. Iowa charges a 6% state sales tax; local option sales taxes of up to 1% may apply. Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via eFile & Pay)

  2. Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals — Food Safety Manager Certification

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

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of Des Moines / Polk County

3 stops

  1. Polk County / City of Des Moines — Mobile Food Unit Permit

    All food trucks operating in Des Moines 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/year2–4 weeks after application and inspection

  2. City of Des Moines Development Services Department — Business License

    Des Moines requires a Business License for regulated businesses and a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial spaces. The Development Services Department processes permits. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 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.

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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,500 · 3–6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides