Food Truck Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in New York City, New York City (all boroughs) County, New York.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $700–$2,500 est. Variable — Full mobile food vendor permits are subject to a city-wide cap and waiting list. Restricted permits take several weeks. Plan for 1–6 months minimum.
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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 York

2 stops

  1. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance — Certificate of Authority (Sales Tax)

    Required to collect and remit New York State sales tax (4%) plus New York City additional tax (4.5% + 0.375% Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District surcharge) on taxable food sales. Hot prepared food and most beverages sold by food trucks are taxable in NYC.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online registration at NY Business Express)

  2. New York State LLC or Corporation Filing (if applicable)

    If operating as an LLC or corporation in New York State, you must file formation documents with the New York Department of State. New York requires all LLCs to publish a notice of formation in two newspapers for 6 consecutive weeks in the county of formation.

    Official government source

    $200 (LLC filing fee) + $50–$2,000 publication fees (varies by county)3–5 business days for filing; 6 weeks for publication requirement

City of New York City / New York City (all boroughs) County

3 stops

  1. NYC Department of Health — Mobile Food Vendor Permit

    All food trucks and mobile food vendors operating in New York City must obtain a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). There are two categories: a Full Permit for vendors who prepare or serve food requiring temperature control (e.g., hot or cold foods), and a Restricted Permit for pre-packaged food only. IMPORTANT: NYC strictly caps the number of Full permits issued (currently capped; a waiting list exists). Vendors must also have a licensed Mobile Food Commissary Agreement.

    Official government source

    $200/2 years (Full Permit); $50/2 years (Restricted Permit)Full Permit: subject to cap and waiting list (can take months to years); Restricted: several weeks

  2. NYC Department of Health — Food Protection Certificate (per vendor)

    The person in charge of each mobile food unit must hold a NYC Food Protection Certificate (formerly Food Handler Certificate). This requires completing an approved food safety course and passing a multiple-choice exam administered by the NYC DOHMH.

    Official government source

    $24 (exam fee)Course: 5–15 hours; exam: 1–2 weeks wait for appointment

  3. NYC Commissary Agreement

    All NYC mobile food vendors must operate from a licensed commissary — a licensed food establishment used for food preparation, storage, restocking, and cleaning. The commissary must be approved by the NYC DOHMH. A signed commissary agreement must be on file with the health department.

    Official government source

    $300–$1,000/month (commissary kitchen rental varies)Arranged before permit application

Terminus

Open for business — est. $700–$2,500 · Variable — Full mobile food vendor permits are subject to a city-wide cap and waiting list. Restricted permits take several weeks. Plan for 1–6 months minimum.

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Official Sources

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