Food Trucks
License Overview
Food sold from a food truck can either be prepared in the truck (requiring a Mobile Preparer license), or pre-prepared totally enclosed portions (requiring a Mobile Food Dispenser license).
Related Licenses
- Sale from a non-motorized cart of portions of food, coffee, or other beverages that are totally enclosed in a wrapper or container and which have been prepared or wrapped in a licensed food establishment requires a Mobile Prepared Food Vendor license.
- Sale of liquor requires a Liquor license. Mobile sale of liquor is not permitted.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must provide the name of the commissary where the vehicle will be cleaned, serviced, and stored. If the vehicle will not be stored at the commissary, the address where storage will occur must be provided.
- Food trucks must hold a Shared Kitchen User license for the preparation of food at a licensed brick and mortar location. Food may not be prepared or stored in a residential home.
- Applicants will undergo a consultation with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division to review equipment, sanitation and required documents.
- All vehicles with a generator, propane or compressed natural gas, type II exhaust hood or fire suppression system will need a Fire Safety Permit, which requires attending a Fire Safety Class (registration is completed as part of the application process), plans from the company that installed the fire suppression system on the vehicle on company letterhead, and a vehicle inspection by the Chicago Fire Department. See the Fire Safety Permit Consultation Packet for more information.
- An inspection of the vehicle will be conducted by the Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division.
- Provide name of the Global Positioning System device provider where the operator’s GPS data will be uploaded. All mobile food vehicles must be equipped with an operational Global Positioning System device.
Required Documents
- Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents page
- Certificate of Insurance (limits not less than $350,000)
- City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate or recent proof of reciprocity (Mobile Food Preparers)
- Signed letter of intent, dated within the last 30 days, from the commissary where the vehicle will be cleaned and serviced
- Vehicle Registration Card
- Vehicle insurance
- Additional documents are required by the
License Application
- Submit initial business information in person or online
- Complete and submit a full license application
- Applicants will undergo a consultation with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division to review equipment, sanitation, and required documents. Applicants can request a free mobile food vehicle assessment by Chicago Department of Public Health and Chicago Fire Department inspectors, who will provide an inspection report. A free assessment can be requested as part of the application process. For requests and inquiries, email food@cityofchicago.org.
- Make payment for the license
- Undergo a City debt check. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
- Undergo final vehicle inspection from the Chicago Department of Public Health. To request an inspection following license payment, email food@cityofchicago.org.
- If required, obtain a Fire Safety Permit from the Chicago Fire Department.
- Receive license and food truck decal once all requirements are met.
For more information on license application steps, see the Business License Application Steps webpage.
Cost
Mobile Food Dispenser $700
Mobile Food Preparer $1,000
Fire Safety Permit $100
Fire Suppression System Review $150
How to Apply
In person: Visit the Small Business Center Visit Us webpage for wait times, location, and hours of operation.
Online: Visit the online business license application system.
Operating Requirements
- The vehicle must be enclosed with top and sides, have a hand wash sink, hot and cold water, equipment to maintain temperatures, wastewater retention tank, a tight non-absorbent washable receptable for refuse, and the business name and license number legibly painted on each side of the vehicle. Mobile Food Preparers must also have a three-compartment sink.
- The vehicle must be registered as a commercial vehicle, operated only by individuals with a valid driver’s license, and cannot be used for anything except as a mobile food vehicle.
- No more than 40 pounds of propane can be carried on the vehicle at any time.
- No food vehicle may be equipped with any sound-amplifying device.
Location and Time Regulations
- Mobile food vehicles can park in legal parking spaces or at food truck stands for up to 4 hours or the maximum permitted period for parking, whichever is less, in any one block.
- Mobile food vehicles may not park within 200 feet of any principal customer entrance to a restaurant which is located at street level, with the exception of 12 AM – 2 AM.
- Mobile food vehicles may not be parked within 20 feet of a crosswalk, 30 feet of a stop light or stop sign, or adjacent to a protected bike lane.
- Sales may not be made between the hours of 2 AM and 5 AM, except if specifically allowed at a food vehicle stand.
- Mobile food vehicles are not allowed on privately-owned vacant lots, or on any lot with a vacant building.
- Mobile food vehicles may operate on private property within the 4-hour service limit and in compliance with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance, with the written permission of the property owner. When operating on private property, mobile food vehicles must abide by the 200-foot rule cited above, except in relation to the private property hosting the food vehicle.
- See the Food Truck Stand Map for locations of food struck stands.
Renewal Requirements
A Mobile Food License is issued for a period of two years and must be renewed prior to expiration.
A consultation is required with the Chicago Department of Public Health before renewal to ensure all information is current. The Chicago Department of Public Health and Chicago Fire Department reinspect food trucks prior to renewal. For renewal information, see the Renewal page.
Resources
For questions, call 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249) or email businesslicense@cityofchicago.org