Food Truck Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH
Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Columbus / Franklin County Requirements
4 requirementsColumbus Public Health Mobile Food Service License
Required for all food trucks operating within the City of Columbus. Issued by Columbus Public Health, Environmental Health Division. Trucks are classified by risk level (Class 1-4) based on food handling complexity; higher-risk operations require more extensive inspections and higher fees.
City of Columbus Business License
Required for all businesses operating within the City of Columbus. Issued by the Columbus Division of Income Tax. Food trucks must obtain this general business license in addition to their food safety permits.
Commissary Agreement
Columbus Public Health requires all mobile food vendors to operate from an approved commissary — a licensed commercial kitchen for food storage, preparation, and vehicle cleaning. A signed commissary agreement must be submitted with your mobile food service license application.
Designated Vending Site Permit
Required to operate at designated vending sites on public property in Columbus. Contact the relevant city department for the specific location (park, street, etc.). Vending on private property requires property owner permission but generally no city permit.
Ohio State Requirements
3 requirementsOhio Vendor's License (Sales Tax)
Required for all businesses selling taxable goods in Ohio. Food truck sales of prepared food are subject to Ohio sales tax. Issued by the Ohio Department of Taxation; register online at tax.ohio.gov.
Ohio Department of Agriculture Retail Food Establishment License (if selling packaged goods)
Required if your food truck sells packaged, pre-manufactured food items in addition to prepared food. Issued by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Food Safety. Most trucks serving prepared-to-order food are covered by the Columbus Public Health license, but selling retail-packaged goods may trigger this additional state license.
Ohio Secretary of State Business Registration
Required if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership in Ohio. Establishes your legal business entity in the state.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official Sources
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