Food Truck Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Updated 2026-03-13 8 stops $600–$1,400 est. 4–8 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 Minnesota

3 stops

  1. Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration

    All formal business entities (LLC, corporation) operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Filing as an LLC costs approximately $155 and provides personal liability protection for the business owner.

    Official government source

    $155 (LLC filing fee)1–2 weeks (online filing)

  2. Minnesota Department of Revenue Sales Tax License

    Food trucks in Minnesota must register for a sales tax license with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Most prepared food sold by food trucks is subject to Minnesota sales tax (currently 6.875% state rate plus local taxes). Registration is free but the license must be maintained as long as you make taxable sales.

    Official government source

    Free1 week (online)

  3. Minnesota Department of Agriculture Food Handler Requirements

    Food truck operators in Minnesota must ensure compliance with Minnesota Department of Agriculture food safety requirements for mobile food units, including food safety manager certification. At least one person at the food truck must hold a certified food protection manager certification.

    Official government source

    $100–$200 (food safety manager exam and certification)2–4 weeks

City of Minneapolis / Hennepin County

4 stops

  1. Hennepin County Environmental Health Mobile Food Establishment License

    Hennepin County Environmental Health issues licenses for mobile food establishments operating in Hennepin County. The fee is risk-based — higher-risk operations (cooking raw proteins, temperature control) pay more. A commissary agreement with a licensed kitchen is required, and annual inspections are conducted.

    Official government source

    $300–$500/year2–4 weeks

  2. City of Minneapolis Food Vehicle License

    The City of Minneapolis Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI) requires a separate Food Vehicle License for food trucks operating within Minneapolis city limits. This is in addition to the Hennepin County license. The license includes a vehicle inspection and must be renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $100–$200/year2–3 weeks

  3. Commissary Agreement

    Minneapolis and Hennepin County require mobile food operators to use a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation, storage, and equipment cleaning. A signed commissary agreement must be submitted with your license application. Commissary kitchen rentals typically cost $15–$30/hour.

    Official government source

    $300–$800/month (commissary rental)Arranged before licensing

  4. Vending Location Permits

    To operate on Minneapolis public streets, sidewalks, or parks, food trucks need vending location permits from the City of Minneapolis. Private property locations require written permission from property owners. The city has designated food truck zones downtown and in other high-traffic areas.

    Official government source

    $50–$200/location1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,400 · 4–8 weeks

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