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.

Verified 2026-08-27 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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 Certificate of Publication fee + newspaper publication costs (roughly $300-$1,600+ depending on county; highest in NYC)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 in NYC need two things from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH): a Mobile Food Vendor License for each person ($50 per two-year term, uncapped), and a Mobile Food Vending Unit Permit for the cart/truck. Full-term citywide and borough permits are capped by law with waiting lists (new supervisory-license permits are being phased in from July 2026); Restricted Area permits (private property or NYC Parks property under agreement) have no cap. Vendors must operate from a licensed commissary or depot.

    Official government source

    $200/2 years (full-term permit, food prepared on unit); $75/2 years (full-term, pre-packaged only); plus $50/2 years personal vendor licenseFull 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)

    Every mobile food vendor must obtain a Mobile Food Vendor License, which requires passing the DOHMH Food Protection Course for Mobile Vendors ($53). This is distinct from the restaurant Food Protection Certificate (free online course with a $24 final exam) required for supervisors of fixed food service establishments.

    Official government source

    $53 (Food Protection Course for Mobile Vendors, required for the vendor license)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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