Food Truck Permit Requirements in Boise, ID

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. Idaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Idaho. Idaho charges a 6% state sales tax. Some cities have local option taxes. Register with the Idaho State Tax Commission online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online via TAP)

   Free

   Immediate (online via TAP)

2. Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification

   Idaho's food code requires every licensed food establishment — including mobile food units and caterers — to have at least one person in a management or supervisory role certified as a Food Protection Manager. Certification must come from an ANSI-CFP accredited programme such as ServSafe, Prometric, or NRFSP. Your health district (Central District Health for Ada County, Southwest District Health for Canyon County) will ask for the certificate as part of licensing, and Southwest District Health teaches in-person CFPM courses. Cottage food producers selling direct to consumers under Idaho's Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act are outside this requirement.

   Official government source

   $80–$150 for an ANSI-accredited course and exam, depending on provider and format·1–2 days for the course and exam; certification is typically valid five years.

   $80–$150 for an ANSI-accredited course and exam, depending on provider and format

   1–2 days for the course and exam; certification is typically valid five years.

1. Central District Health — Mobile Food Establishment License

   Food trucks operating in Boise must be licensed as a Mobile Food Establishment by Central District Health (CDH), the health district for Ada County. Submit the application and plan review at least 30 days before opening; an Environmental Health Specialist conducts a pre-operational inspection before the license is issued. Annual renewal required.

   Official government source

   $80/year with a licensed commissary (or no commissary) or $100/year with an unlicensed commissary, plus a one-time $100 plan review fee·Apply at least 30 days before your planned opening; longer if extensive construction or remodel plan review is needed

   $80/year with a licensed commissary (or no commissary) or $100/year with an unlicensed commissary, plus a one-time $100 plan review fee

   Apply at least 30 days before your planned opening; longer if extensive construction or remodel plan review is needed

2. City of Boise — No General Business License

   Boise does not require a general/blanket business license. Businesses must instead comply with zoning, required building/health permits, and any applicable activity-specific city license (Animal, Food & Alcohol Beverage, Security Services, Vehicle Licensing). Most professional/personal-service businesses fall under none of these categories and need no city business license — verify your specific business's obligations with the City Clerk's Licensing page.

   Official government source

   N/A — no general business license exists·N/A

   N/A — no general business license exists

   N/A

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

• Boise / Ada County Health Department
• Idaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

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