Food Truck Permit Requirements in Indianapolis, IN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.

Updated 2026-03-14 6 stops $600–$1,500 est. 3–6 weeks to obtain all permits 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 Indiana

2 stops

  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 feeImmediate (online via INBiz)

  2. Indiana Department of Health — Certified Food Handler Requirement

    Indiana requires all food establishments to have at least one certified food handler. Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited provider.

    Official government source

    $15–$20 per personSame day (online)

City of Indianapolis / Marion County

3 stops

  1. Marion County / City of Indianapolis — Mobile Food Unit Permit

    All food trucks operating in Indianapolis must obtain a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit from the local health department (Marion County or City of Indianapolis Environmental Health). 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. Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services — Business License

    Indianapolis (Marion County) requires a Commercial Zoning Certificate and may require a Business License depending on the business type. 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.

    Official government source

    $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

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Official Sources

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