Food Truck Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA
Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in New Orleans, Orleans County, Louisiana.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
New Orleans / Orleans County Requirements
3 requirementsOrleans County / City of New Orleans — Mobile Food Unit Permit
All food trucks operating in New Orleans must obtain a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit from the local health department (Orleans County or City of New Orleans Environmental Health). The truck undergoes an inspection before the permit is issued. Annual renewal required.
City of New Orleans Bureau of Revenue / Department of Safety and Permits — Business License
New Orleans requires a City Business License (Annual Business Tax) and a Certificate of Occupancy for all businesses. The Bureau of Revenue handles business taxes; the Department of Safety and Permits handles occupancy and zoning. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.
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.
Louisiana State Requirements
2 requirementsLouisiana Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration
Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Louisiana. Louisiana's state sales tax rate is 4.45%. Louisiana has a complex tax structure with local parish sales taxes that can bring the total rate to 8–12%. Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and separately with each applicable parish.
Louisiana Department of Health — Certified Food Protection Manager Requirement
Louisiana requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Must pass an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official Sources
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