Food Truck Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.

Updated 2026-03-13 8 stops $500–$1,200 est. 6-12 weeks
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Michigan

3 stops

  1. MI MDARD Mobile Food Establishment License

    The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) licenses food establishments by LICENSE TYPE, not menu categories: a Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU) license (~$159 base + $197 plan review + $90/year inspection per MDARD's license type guide), while a mobile food establishment operating from a licensed commissary is licensed and priced by the local health department. Requires plan review and facility inspection.

    Official government source

    STFU: ~$159 + $197 plan review + $90/yr inspection (MDARD license type guide); commissary-based mobile units priced by the local health department4-8 weeks

  2. MI Sales Tax License

    Required by the Michigan Department of Treasury for businesses selling taxable goods and services. Food truck operators selling prepared food must register for a Michigan sales tax license and collect and remit Michigan sales tax.

    Official government source

    Free1-2 weeks

  3. MI Business Registration

    Required by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Corporations Division for LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities. Sole proprietors may file a DBA (assumed name) with the county clerk.

    Official government source

    $50-$100 (one-time filing)1-2 weeks

City of Detroit / Wayne County

4 stops

  1. Detroit Health Department — Mobile Food Establishment License

    Food trucks operating WITHIN Detroit city limits are licensed and inspected by the Detroit Health Department (mobile food establishments and Special Transitory Food Units). The Wayne County Environmental Health Section licenses food service only for locations in Wayne County OUTSIDE the City of Detroit — apply to the agency that matches where you operate. Covers food safety inspections, sanitation standards, equipment requirements, and temperature control compliance.

    Official government source

    Fee set by the licensing health department — confirm current amount (needs_review)3-6 weeks

  2. City of Detroit Business License

    Issued by the Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED), this is the base business license required for commercial operation within Detroit city limits. All food truck operators must hold this license.

    Official government source

    $75-$150/year1-2 weeks

  3. Vending Location Permit

    Required for operating at specific public locations or city-designated vending zones in Detroit. Location permits must be obtained for each approved vending site from the City of Detroit or private property owners. Street vending locations are limited and competitive.

    Official government source

    $50-$200/location2-4 weeks

  4. Commissary Agreement

    Michigan requires mobile food vendors to operate from a licensed commissary kitchen for food prep, cleaning, and restocking. A written commissary agreement with an approved facility must be submitted as part of the licensing process.

    $200-$600/month (commissary rental)1-3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,200 · 6-12 weeks

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Official Sources

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