Food Truck Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Washington State Business License

   Required for all businesses operating in Washington State. Issued by the Department of Revenue (DOR) via the Business Licensing Service (BLS). Covers state B&O tax registration, sales tax account, and other state endorsements.

   Official government source

   $19/year (master license fee)·1–2 weeks

   $19/year (master license fee)

   1–2 weeks

2. Food Worker Card

   All food workers in Washington State must obtain a Food Worker Card by completing an accredited food safety training course. Issued by the local health department and valid for 2 years.

   Official government source

   $10 per employee·Same day (online or in-person course)

   $10 per employee

   Same day (online or in-person course)

3. WA Dept of Agriculture Food Processor License

   Required if your food truck sells packaged or processed foods to the public. Issued by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Not required if all food is prepared and sold directly from the truck without packaging.

   Official government source

   $85–$250/year depending on gross sales·2–4 weeks

   $85–$250/year depending on gross sales

   2–4 weeks

1. King County Public Health Mobile Food Unit Permit

   Required for all mobile food units operating in King County, including Seattle. Issued by Public Health — Seattle & King County based on food risk level (Category 1–4). Higher-risk operations (full cooking) require Category 3 or 4 permits at higher fee tiers.

   Official government source

   $400–$600/year depending on food risk category·2–4 weeks after inspection

   $400–$600/year depending on food risk category

   2–4 weeks after inspection

2. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

   Required for all businesses operating within Seattle city limits. Issued by the City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services department. Must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $110/year·1–2 weeks

   $110/year

   1–2 weeks

3. Commissary Agreement

   Mobile food units in Seattle/King County must operate from an approved commissary — a licensed commercial kitchen for food prep, storage, and cleaning. You must submit a signed commissary agreement with your health permit application.

   Official government source

   $300–$800/month (commissary rental, varies)·Obtained before permit application

   $300–$800/month (commissary rental, varies)

   Obtained before permit application

4. Seattle Fire Department Inspection

   Required if your food truck uses propane, open flame cooking, or grease-producing equipment. The Seattle Fire Department inspects for fire suppression systems and safe fuel storage.

   Official government source

   No separate fee (included in permitting process)·Scheduled concurrent with health inspection

   No separate fee (included in permitting process)

   Scheduled concurrent with health inspection

Official Sources

• Public Health — Seattle & King County: Mobile Food Businesses
• City of Seattle: Business License Tax Certificate
• Washington DOR: Apply for a Business License
• WA Dept of Agriculture: Food Licensing

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