Food Truck Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Oregon Secretary of State Business Registration

   All formal business entities (LLC, corporation, etc.) operating in Oregon must register with the Oregon Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using only their legal name are exempt, but an LLC is strongly recommended for liability protection.

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC filing fee)·1–2 weeks (online filing)

   $100 (LLC filing fee)

   1–2 weeks (online filing)

2. Oregon Department of Revenue Business Tax Registration

   All businesses operating in Oregon must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue. Oregon has no sales tax, so no sales tax permit is needed — but businesses may be subject to Oregon's Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) if gross receipts exceed $1 million.

   Official government source

   Free·1 week

   Free

   1 week

3. Oregon Department of Agriculture Food Establishment License

   If your food truck sells packaged goods (e.g., bottled sauces, pre-packaged items), the Oregon Department of Agriculture requires a food establishment license. Mobile food units selling only prepared-to-order food are typically covered by the county health permit.

   Official government source

   $100–$300/year·2–4 weeks

   $100–$300/year

   2–4 weeks

4. Oregon Food Handler Cards

   The Oregon Health Authority requires all food handlers to obtain a Food Handler Card within 30 days of employment. Cards are obtained by passing an accredited food safety exam. Note: Oregon has no sales tax, which is a significant cost advantage for food truck operators.

   Official government source

   $10–$20 per employee·Same day (online exam available)

   $10–$20 per employee

   Same day (online exam available)

1. Multnomah County Environmental Health Mobile Food Unit License

   Issued by Multnomah County Environmental Health, this license authorizes operation of a mobile food unit within Multnomah County. The fee is risk-based — higher-risk operations (cooking raw proteins) pay more than lower-risk operations. Annual renewal required with inspection.

   Official government source

   $300–$500/year·2–4 weeks

   $300–$500/year

   2–4 weeks

2. City of Portland Business License

   Issued by the City of Portland Revenue Division, this license is required for all businesses operating within Portland city limits. The base fee starts around $100/year plus a percentage of gross revenue above a threshold. Renewal is annual.

   Official government source

   $100+/year (based on revenue)·1–2 weeks

   $100+/year (based on revenue)

   1–2 weeks

3. Commissary Agreement

   Portland requires mobile food units to operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen for food prep, storage, and cleaning. You must provide a signed commissary agreement to Multnomah County Environmental Health as part of your mobile unit license application.

   Official government source

   $200–$600/month (commissary rental)·Arranged before licensing

   $200–$600/month (commissary rental)

   Arranged before licensing

4. Cart Pod Application or Private Property Permission

   To operate at a fixed location in Portland, you either apply for a designated city cart pod spot through the Portland Bureau of Transportation or secure written permission from private property owners. Cart pod applications go through a competitive selection process.

   Official government source

   Varies ($0–$500/month for space rental)·2–8 weeks

   Varies ($0–$500/month for space rental)

   2–8 weeks

Official Sources

• Multnomah County Environmental Health — Food Businesses
• City of Portland Revenue Division — Business License Tax
• Oregon Department of Agriculture — Food Safety
• Oregon Secretary of State — Business Registration

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