Food Truck Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland.

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 Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

  2. Maryland Department of Health — Food Service Manager Certification

    Maryland food service facilities are licensed by county health departments under COMAR 10.15.03. The counties covering Annapolis (Anne Arundel), Baltimore, and Silver Spring (Montgomery) require a certified food service manager (accredited exam such as ServSafe) for moderate/high-priority facilities, including caterers and food trucks — the requirement is county-administered, not a single statewide MDH rule.

    Official government source

    $80–$150 (exam and course)1–2 days

City of Silver Spring / Montgomery County

3 stops

  1. Montgomery County / City of Silver Spring — Mobile Food Unit Permit

    All food trucks operating in Silver Spring must obtain a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit from the local health department (Montgomery County or City of Silver Spring Environmental Health). The truck undergoes an inspection before the permit is issued. Annual renewal required.

    $250–$450/year2–4 weeks after application and inspection

  2. Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services — Business License

    Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County; permits are issued by Montgomery County. 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.

    $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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