Food Truck Permit Requirements in Hattiesburg, MS

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Mississippi.

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 Mississippi

2 stops

  1. Mississippi Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Mississippi. Mississippi charges a 7% state sales tax (one of the highest in the nation). Register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via TAP)

  2. Mississippi Department of Health — Food Safety Manager Certification

    Mississippi requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited provider.

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of Hattiesburg / Forrest County

3 stops

  1. Forrest County / City of Hattiesburg — Mobile Food Unit Permit

    All food trucks operating in Hattiesburg must obtain a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit from the local health department. 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 Hattiesburg Revenue Division — Business License

    Hattiesburg requires a Business License for all businesses operating within city limits. Fees vary by business type. 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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