License Overview 

A Mobile Prepared Food Vendor license is required for the 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. This license requires the operator to also obtain a Shared Kitchen User license in order to service the food cart at a licensed commissary kitchen.

Related License 

• If food is sold from a motorized food truck, a Mobile Food Preparer or Dispenser license is required.
• Food may not be prepared on or in any non-motorized food cart. A Mobile Preparer license for a food truck is required to prepare food outside a brick and mortar establishment.
• Sale of liquor requires a Liquor license. Mobile sale of liquor is not permitted.
• Mobile Prepared Food Vendor licensees must also obtain a Shared Kitchen User license in order to service the food cart at a licensed commissary kitchen.

Application Requirements 

• Applicants must provide the name of the commissary where the cart will be cleaned, serviced, and stored. If the cart will not be stored at the commissary, the address where storage will occur must be provided.
• Mobile food vendors 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.
• A debt check will be conducted as part of the application process. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.

Required Documents 

• Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents
• City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate or recent proof of reciprocity for the certificate
• Additional documents are required by the Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division. 

License Application Steps 

• 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. For questions regarding the consultation following the submission of a full license application, 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.
• Receive license once all requirements are met and the cart decal

For more information on license application steps, see the Business License Application Steps webpage.

Cost 

$100 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.

Operational Requirements 

• Preparation of food is not allowed.
• Licensees must affix a nutritional label, pre-approved by the Chicago Department of Public Health, to all items served.
• The use of propane or gasoline is not allowed
• Adequate refrigeration and/ or heating equipment is required and must be approved by the Chicago Department of Public Health. All mechanical refrigeration and heating equipment must be equipped with a thermometer.
• All sides, top, bottom, and counters of the cart must be made of durable and cleanable construction.
• Clean-non-absorbent, washable receptacles, with tightfitting lids for refuse is required.
• Licensees are responsible for the sanitation and cleanliness of the place of operation and the surrounding area.
• The license decal must be affixed to the cart at all times.

Renewal Requirements 

A Mobile Food license for a Mobile Prepared Food Vendor 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 email businesslicense@cityofchicago.org

Mobile Prepared Food Vendor Flier / Vendedor Ambulante De Comida Preparada