Food Truck Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $1,300–$3,000 est. 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses 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 Illinois

1 stop

  1. Illinois Department of Revenue — Retailers' Occupation Tax Registration (Sales Tax)

    Required to collect and remit Illinois sales tax on taxable food sales. Prepared food sold by food trucks is generally taxable in Illinois. Chicago's combined sales tax rate is 10.25%. Register free with the Illinois Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online registration via MyTax Illinois)

City of Chicago / Cook County

5 stops

  1. City of Chicago Mobile Food License

    Required for all food trucks operating in Chicago. Issued by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Food trucks are classified as 'Mobile Food Dispenser' (sells only prepackaged/unaltered food) or 'Mobile Food Preparer' (prepares food on the vehicle). Each classification has different requirements. Mobile Food Preparers must also operate from a licensed shared kitchen.

    Official government source

    $1,000/year (Mobile Food Preparer); $660/year (Mobile Food Dispenser)4–8 weeks after application and inspections

  2. Chicago Department of Public Health — Food Sanitation Certificate

    At least one person on each food truck must hold a Chicago Food Sanitation Manager Certificate. Requires completion of an approved food sanitation course and passing an exam administered by or approved by the Chicago Department of Public Health.

    Official government source

    $100–$150 (course and exam)1–2 weeks

  3. Illinois Department of Public Health — Retail Food Establishment License

    Mobile food preparers in Illinois must also obtain a state-level Retail Food Establishment License from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This is in addition to the city license. Note: In Chicago, the CDPH administers inspections under state authority.

    Official government source

    Included in Chicago license or $100–$200/year at state level2–4 weeks

  4. Shared Kitchen (Commissary) License

    Chicago Mobile Food Preparers must operate from a city-licensed shared kitchen for food preparation, storage, restocking, and cleaning. The shared kitchen must hold its own City of Chicago license. A notarized agreement with the shared kitchen must be included in your license application.

    Official government source

    $300–$900/month (shared kitchen rental fees vary)Arranged before license application

  5. Chicago Fire Department Inspection

    Food trucks using open flame, propane, or grease-laden vapor-producing equipment must pass a Chicago Fire Prevention Bureau inspection. This is required as part of the BACP licensing process.

    Official government source

    $50–$175 (inspection fee)Scheduled as part of the permit process

Terminus

Open for business — est. $1,300–$3,000 · 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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