Food Truck Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana.

Updated 2026-03-15 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 Louisiana

2 stops

  1. Louisiana 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.

    Official government source

    Free1–5 business days (online)

  2. 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.

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of New Orleans / Orleans Parish

3 stops

  1. Orleans Parish / 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 Parish or City of New Orleans 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. 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.

    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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