All 50 States

How to Start a Food Truck

Permits, licenses, health codes, commissary requirements, and city-specific tips — a complete guide for every US state.

What Each Guide Covers

Everything you need to legally operate a food truck in your state.

State Health Permits

The specific agency, form, and fee for your state's mobile food unit license.

County & City Permits

Local requirements on top of the state license — varies significantly by metro area.

Commissary Requirements

Whether your state requires a licensed commissary and how to find one.

Food Handler Certification

State-specific food safety certification requirements for you and your staff.

Vehicle Inspection

What inspectors look for and how to pass your initial mobile unit inspection.

Best Cities to Operate

The highest-opportunity markets in each state, based on food truck culture and demand.

Once You're Licensed

Build the customer list that makes your food truck a real business.

A permit gets you legal. A loyal customer list gets you profitable. VendorLoop lets you collect customer phone numbers at your window and text your entire list your location each week.

See How VendorLoop Works