Food Truck Permit Requirements in Columbia, SC

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.

Updated 2026-03-14 6 stops $600–$1,500 est. 3–6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections
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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 South Carolina

2 stops

  1. South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in South Carolina. South Carolina charges a 6% state sales tax; local jurisdictions may add up to 3% more. A $50 one-time license fee applies.

    Official government source

    $50 one-timeImmediate (online via MyDORWAY)

  2. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control — Food Protection Manager Certification

    SC DHEC requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Must pass an ANSI-accredited exam.

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of Columbia / Richland County

3 stops

  1. Richland County / City of Columbia — Mobile Food Unit Permit

    All food trucks operating in Columbia must obtain a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit from the local health department (Richland County or City of Columbia Environmental Health). The truck undergoes an inspection before the permit is issued. Annual renewal required.

    Official government source

    $250–$450/year2–4 weeks after application and inspection

  2. City of Columbia Business License Division — Business License

    The City of Columbia requires an annual Business License for all businesses with a location within city limits. The fee is based on gross revenues. 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 revenues1–3 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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,500 · 3–6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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