Food Truck Permit Requirements in Meridian, 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 Unit License + Meridian Mobile Sales Unit License

   A food truck in Meridian needs two things. First, a Mobile Food Establishment licence from Central District Health, the public health district for Ada County: submit the application with a floor plan and menu, a Mobile Food Unit Operational Plan, and a signed Commissary Agreement if you use a commissary kitchen, at least 30 days before opening. An Environmental Health Specialist inspects the unit before the licence is issued. Second, a Mobile Sales Unit License from the Meridian City Clerk, which requires proof of general liability and vehicle insurance, a photo of the unit, CDH approval, and an Idaho State Police fingerprint-based background check.

   Official government source

   CDH: $80/year with a licensed commissary or none, $100/year with an unlicensed commissary, plus a one-time $100 plan review fee. Meridian Mobile Sales Unit License: $73.25, which includes the $33.25 ISP background check fee.·Apply to CDH at least 30 days before opening — longer if the unit needs construction plan review. Allow additional time for fingerprinting and the city licence.

   CDH: $80/year with a licensed commissary or none, $100/year with an unlicensed commissary, plus a one-time $100 plan review fee. Meridian Mobile Sales Unit License: $73.25, which includes the $33.25 ISP background check fee.

   Apply to CDH at least 30 days before opening — longer if the unit needs construction plan review. Allow additional time for fingerprinting and the city licence.

2. City of Meridian — No General Business License

   Meridian does not require a general business license, and there is no annual renewal or display requirement. A new business moving into a commercial space typically needs a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and a Certificate of Occupancy from Community Development before opening. Only specific activities need a license or permit from the City Clerk's Office: alcohol licenses and catering permits, mobile sales units, temporary use permits, vehicle immobilization, fireworks, pawnbroker and precious metal dealer licenses, and dog licensing. Most businesses need none of these.

   Official government source

   $0 for most businesses — no general license exists; specific activity licenses have their own fees·N/A — no general business license to apply for

   $0 for most businesses — no general license exists; specific activity licenses have their own fees

   N/A — no general business license to apply for

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

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

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