Food Truck Permit Requirements in Santa Fe, NM

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

   New Mexico levies a GROSS RECEIPTS TAX (GRT) rather than a conventional sales tax, and it applies to goods AND most services performed in New Mexico. Register (free) with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for a Business Tax Identification Number. The state GRT rate is 4.875% (since July 1, 2023); combined state + local rates range from about 5.125% to just over 9% depending on your location code — use the department's official rate map.

   Official government source

   Free (no registration fee)·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free (no registration fee)

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

2. New Mexico Environment Department — Food Safety Manager Certification

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

   Official government source

   $80–$150·1–2 days

   $80–$150

   1–2 days

1. Santa Fe County / City of Santa Fe — Mobile Food Unit Permit

   All food trucks operating in Santa Fe 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/year·2–4 weeks after application and inspection

   $250–$450/year

   2–4 weeks after application and inspection

2. City of Santa Fe City Clerk — Business License

   Santa Fe requires a City Business Registration for all businesses operating within city limits. Certain regulated businesses require additional permits. 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 revenues·1–3 weeks

   $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues

   1–3 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.

   Official government source

   $200–$700/month (commissary rental fees vary)·Arranged before permit application

   $200–$700/month (commissary rental fees vary)

   Arranged before permit application

Official Sources

• Santa Fe / Santa Fe County Health Department
• New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

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