Food Truck Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

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. Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) Business Registration

   All formal business entities (LLC, corporation) operating in Virginia must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. An LLC provides personal liability protection. Virginia SCC filings can be completed online and the fee is approximately $100 for an LLC.

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC filing fee)·1–2 weeks

   $100 (LLC filing fee)

   1–2 weeks

2. Virginia Department of Taxation Sales Tax Registration

   Food trucks selling prepared food in Virginia must register for a sales tax certificate with the Virginia Department of Taxation. Most prepared food sold from food trucks is subject to Virginia sales tax (currently 2.5% for food, with local rates adding to the total). Registration is required before making any taxable sales.

   Official government source

   Free·1 week (online)

   Free

   1 week (online)

3. Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS) Food Registration

   If your food truck sells packaged food products or pre-packaged goods, the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS) may require food product registration. Mobile food units selling prepared-to-order food are typically covered under VDH health permits.

   Official government source

   $50–$150/year·2–4 weeks

   $50–$150/year

   2–4 weeks

1. Virginia Beach Health Department Mobile Food Unit Permit

   The Virginia Beach Health Department, operating under the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), issues mobile food unit permits to food trucks operating in Virginia Beach. The permit requires a pre-operational inspection to verify compliance with Virginia's food safety regulations, including proper food temperature controls, hand-washing facilities, and equipment standards. Annual renewal is required.

   Official government source

   $100–$250/year·2–4 weeks

   $100–$250/year

   2–4 weeks

2. Virginia Beach BPOL License (Business, Professional, Occupational License)

   Virginia Beach requires all businesses to obtain a BPOL license from the Commissioner of Revenue. This is Virginia Beach's primary business operating license, unique to Virginia's independent city system. The fee is based on gross receipts — food trucks pay a rate applied to their annual gross revenue with a minimum flat fee. The BPOL license must be renewed annually by March 1.

   Official government source

   $50–$200/year (based on gross receipts)·1–2 weeks

   $50–$200/year (based on gross receipts)

   1–2 weeks

3. Commissary Agreement

   Virginia Beach Health Department requires food trucks to operate from a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation, storage, and equipment cleaning. A signed commissary agreement must be submitted with your mobile food unit permit application. A home kitchen does not qualify as a commissary.

   Official government source

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

   $200–$600/month (commissary rental)

   Arranged before licensing

4. Vending Location Permit for Public Property

   To operate on Virginia Beach public property, streets, or the boardwalk area, food trucks must obtain vending location permits from the Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation or the applicable city department. Private property operations require written permission from the property owner.

   Official government source

   $50–$200 per location or event·1–4 weeks

   $50–$200 per location or event

   1–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Virginia Department of Health — Virginia Beach Local Health District
• Virginia Beach Commissioner of Revenue — Business License (BPOL)
• Virginia Department of Taxation — Sales Tax
• Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services — Food Safety

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