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

   $50 (one-time Business License Application fee; $5/year renewal per location)·1–2 weeks

   $50 (one-time Business License Application fee; $5/year renewal per location)

   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 rather than only preparing and serving food directly from the truck. Issued by the Washington State Department of Agriculture Food Safety Program. The license is annual and covers only the products, processes, and operations listed on the approved application - adding a different type of product can require an amendment before you make it.

   Official government source

   Annual license fee set by gross annual sales (RCW 69.07.040): $92 for $0-$50,000; $147 for $50,001-$500,000; $262 for $500,001-$1,000,000; $427 for $1,000,001-$5,000,000; $585 for $5,000,001-$10,000,000; $862 above $10,000,000. New operators pay based on estimated first-year sales.·After WSDA receives your completed application and license fee, a Food Safety Compliance Specialist contacts you to schedule an inspection of the facility; the license is issued after that inspection is passed.

   Annual license fee set by gross annual sales (RCW 69.07.040): $92 for $0-$50,000; $147 for $50,001-$500,000; $262 for $500,001-$1,000,000; $427 for $1,000,001-$5,000,000; $585 for $5,000,001-$10,000,000; $862 above $10,000,000. New operators pay based on estimated first-year sales.

   After WSDA receives your completed application and license fee, a Food Safety Compliance Specialist contacts you to schedule an inspection of the facility; the license is issued after that inspection is passed.

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 and priced by risk category (Risk 1 through Risk 3, not four categories); higher-risk operations that cook pay the higher tiers. Plans must be reviewed and approved before construction, remodeling, or change of ownership.

   Official government source

   Annual mobile food unit permit for 2026: $630 (Risk 1), $1,008 (Risk 2), or $1,260 (Risk 3). The permit year runs April 1 to March 31 and the first year is prorated (100/75/50/25 percent by quarter of entry). Changes to a mobile or limited food service establishment are reviewed at $504 plus $252 an hour after two hours, and changing your commissary costs $25.·2–4 weeks after inspection

   Annual mobile food unit permit for 2026: $630 (Risk 1), $1,008 (Risk 2), or $1,260 (Risk 3). The permit year runs April 1 to March 31 and the first year is prorated (100/75/50/25 percent by quarter of entry). Changes to a mobile or limited food service establishment are reviewed at $504 plus $252 an hour after two hours, and changing your commissary costs $25.

   2–4 weeks after inspection

2. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

   Required for anyone doing business within Seattle city limits, issued by Seattle City Finance (License and Tax Administration) and applied for or renewed through FileLocal. The certificate is required regardless of revenue. Seattle B&O tax is owed only above $2,000,000 in annual Seattle taxable gross revenue (threshold raised from $100,000 effective January 1, 2026, with a new $2,000,000 standard deduction), but you must still file and report gross revenue each year. Businesses with $4,000 or less of Seattle revenue and no place of business in the city are exempt from the certificate requirement as of 2026.

   Official government source

   2026 annual fee by Seattle taxable revenue: $73 (under $20,000), $147 ($20,000-$499,999), $667 ($500,000-$1,999,999), $1,604 ($2,000,000-$4,999,999), $3,210 ($5,000,000 or more), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses starting July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.·Filed online through FileLocal the certificate is usually printable within 2-3 business days; by mail it takes one to six weeks. All certificates expire Dec. 31 and must be renewed annually.

   2026 annual fee by Seattle taxable revenue: $73 (under $20,000), $147 ($20,000-$499,999), $667 ($500,000-$1,999,999), $1,604 ($2,000,000-$4,999,999), $3,210 ($5,000,000 or more), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses starting July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.

   Filed online through FileLocal the certificate is usually printable within 2-3 business days; by mail it takes one to six weeks. All certificates expire Dec. 31 and must be renewed annually.

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 — Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Permit

   Food trucks operating in Seattle need a Seattle Fire Department Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle permit (applications 8206-FVH, 8206-TRK, 8206-RGL). Seattle participates in the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals food truck inspection program, so a WSAFM checklist inspection from another participating jurisdiction is recognized and earns a discounted Seattle permit. The 2021 IFC 319.10.3 fuel gas piping inspection is also required annually. A permit is generally required from each jurisdiction you operate in.

   Official government source

   Permit fee required (set by the Seattle Fire Code permit fee schedule, SMC 22.602); discounted with proof of a WSAFM inspection from another participating jurisdiction·Inspection is scheduled by SFD after you apply and pay; SFD performs food truck inspections on Wednesday mornings

   Permit fee required (set by the Seattle Fire Code permit fee schedule, SMC 22.602); discounted with proof of a WSAFM inspection from another participating jurisdiction

   Inspection is scheduled by SFD after you apply and pay; SFD performs food truck inspections on Wednesday mornings

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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