Food Truck Permit Requirements in Manchester, NH

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.

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 New Hampshire

2 stops

  1. New Hampshire — No Sales Tax

    New Hampshire has no state sales tax and no local sales taxes. Businesses do not need a sales tax permit. However, businesses may be subject to the Business Profits Tax (BPT) and Business Enterprise Tax (BET). Register with the NH Department of Revenue Administration.

    Official government source

    Free (business tax registration)Immediate (online)

  2. New Hampshire Division of Public Health — Food Safety Manager Certification

    New Hampshire 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 Manchester / Hillsborough County

3 stops

  1. Hillsborough County / City of Manchester — Mobile Food Unit Permit

    All food trucks operating in Manchester 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 Manchester City Clerk — Business License

    Manchester requires a Business License for regulated businesses within city limits. The City Clerk processes license applications for food service, personal care, and other regulated industries. 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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