Mobile Merchant License


License Overview 

A mobile merchant license is for the sale of goods from within a motor vehicle such as a box truck or van (not a trailer), where customers may enter the vehicle and the vehicle may park for up to four hours or the maximum allowable parking limit, whichever is less.

 

Related Licenses 

A food license is required for the mobile sale of food.

A Limited Business License is required for the sale of general merchandise from a brick-and-mortar location.

A Secondhand Dealer License is required for the sale of certain secondhand merchandise.

Sale of merchandise that is specifically regulated such as tobacco, fuel, or liquor requires a specialized license, and may only be sold from a brick-and-mortar location.


Application Requirements 

The mobile merchant vehicle must be a completely enclosed commercial vehicle (not a trailer) that is no more than thirty feet long and have no other purpose than being used as a mobile merchant business.

Required Documents 

  • Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents page.
  • Commercial general liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, and commercial automobile liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000.
  • Plan of vehicle including the location of the carbon monoxide detector, fire detector and fire extinguisher.

 

Licensing Process 

  • Submit initial business information in person or online
  • Complete and submit a full license application
  • Make payment for the license
  • Receive license once all requirements are met and vehicle emblem, which must be displayed on the windshield

 

Cost 

$250 License Fee

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 

  • Mobile merchant vehicles cannot operate on any block for longer than the parking limit or four hours, whichever is shorter.
  • Mobile merchant vehicles cannot park adjacent to a bike lane, within 20 feet of a crosswalk, or within 30 feet of an intersection.
  • The mobile merchant vehicle must be a completely enclosed commercial vehicle (not a trailer) that is no more than thirty feet long and have no other purpose than being used as a mobile merchant business.
  • Mobile merchant vehicles must be inspected an maintained at least every 90 days by a licensed professional. Copies of the last four maintenance reports must be kept in the vehicle at all times.

 

Renewal Requirements 

A Mobile Merchant License is issued for a period of two years and must be renewed prior to expiration. For renewal information, see the Renewal page.

 

Resources 

For questions, call 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249) or 312.744.1944, or email businesslicense@cityofchicago.org