Food Truck Permit Requirements in Evansville, IN

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. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

   Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.

   Official government source

   $25 one-time registration fee·Immediate (online via INBiz)

   $25 one-time registration fee

   Immediate (online via INBiz)

2. Indiana Department of Health — Certified Food Protection Manager Requirement

   Indiana's food protection rule (410 IAC 7-26, with certification under 410 IAC 7-22 as amended by HEA 1210) requires every retail food establishment — including catering operations and mobile food units — to employ at least one certified food protection manager. The certification must come from an ANSI/ANAB-accredited program such as ServSafe Manager, the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or Prometric; a basic food handler card does not satisfy it. Certification is typically valid five years, and the certificate holder's name and expiration date must be listed on your local health department permit application.

   Official government source

   Set by the training provider, not the state. Examples listed by Vanderburgh County Health Department: ServSafe Manager class, book and exam about $160; exam only $65; or a $36 ServSafe voucher plus a $45 proctor fee ($81 total)·Same day for the exam; 1–2 weeks for the certificate

   Set by the training provider, not the state. Examples listed by Vanderburgh County Health Department: ServSafe Manager class, book and exam about $160; exam only $65; or a $36 ServSafe voucher plus a $45 proctor fee ($81 total)

   Same day for the exam; 1–2 weeks for the certificate

1. Vanderburgh County Health Department — Mobile Food Permit

   Food trucks operating in Evansville are permitted solely by the Vanderburgh County Health Department; there is no separate City of Evansville environmental health agency. Before applying you must review the Mobile Food Unit Information Packet and submit Appendices C and D, and secure an approved licensed commissary that meets Evansville Water & Sewer Utility grease trap requirements (call EWSU at 812-436-7846 first). Submit the application with a complete menu; review takes up to 15 business days. The unit must meet 410 IAC 7-24 before you request an opening inspection, and the permit must be obtained within 30 days of that inspection and displayed on the unit. Within six months the owner or operator must hold an accredited food protection manager certification. Permits are issued for the calendar year and must be renewed by March 1 to avoid a late fee.

   Official government source

   Annual permit fee is set by the Vanderburgh County Health Department and is not published online — request the current amount from the Food Section at 812-435-2400 or [email protected]. A late fee applies after March 1·Up to 15 business days for application review, then an opening inspection; permit issued within 30 days of that inspection

   Annual permit fee is set by the Vanderburgh County Health Department and is not published online — request the current amount from the Food Section at 812-435-2400 or [email protected]. A late fee applies after March 1

   Up to 15 business days for application review, then an opening inspection; permit issued within 30 days of that inspection

2. No General Business License in Evansville

   Evansville does not require a general/universal business license for most business types. The City Controller's office issues licenses only for specific activities (e.g., street vending, hotels, pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers) — none apply to a typical service business. Verify zoning compliance and, if applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy with the Area Plan Commission / Building Commission before opening.

   Official government source

   Not applicable (no general license fee)·Not applicable

   Not applicable (no general license fee)

   Not applicable

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

• Evansville / Vanderburgh County Health Department
• Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

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