What licenses and permits are required to open a food truck in the California state?

To open a food truck in California, you must comply with a series of state, federal, and local requirements. These include adherence to the California Retail Food Code, certification in food safety, filing with the California Secretary of State if forming a corporation, LLC, or partnership, and obtaining various permits and licenses.

1. California Retail Food Code Compliance

• Purpose: This is a set of regulations for food safety. At least one employee must be certified in food safety.
• Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the training provider.
• How to Register: You can find a list of approved food safety certification training providers on the California Department of Public Health's website.

2. Commercial Modular Classification

• Purpose: Your food truck may be classified as a "Commercial Modular" by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
• Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the specific requirements of your food truck.
• How to Register: You can find more information on the HCD's website.

3. Filing with the California Secretary of State

• Purpose: If you plan to form a corporation, LLC, or partnership, you must file with the California Secretary of State.
• Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the type of business entity.
• How to Register: You can file online on the California Secretary of State's website.

4. Seller's Permit

• Purpose: If you're selling tangible property, you need a Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
• Estimated Cost: Free.
• How to Register: You can apply online on the CDTFA's website.

5. Worker's Compensation Insurance

• Purpose: If your business will have employees, you must maintain Worker's Compensation Insurance coverage.
• Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the number of employees and other factors.
• How to Register: You can purchase this insurance through a licensed insurance agent or broker.

6. Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Purpose: You also need a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
• Estimated Cost: Free.
• How to Register: You can apply online on the IRS's website.

7. Local Permits and Licenses

• Purpose: At the local level, you may need a business license, zoning or use permit, fictitious business name, health permit and inspection, fire permit, and general liability insurance.
• Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the specific requirements of your local jurisdiction.
• How to Register: You can use the online permit assistance tool, CalGOLD, to identify local, state, and federal permit information for businesses.

8. Proposition 65 Compliance

• Purpose: You must comply with Proposition 65, which requires businesses to provide a warning before exposing anyone to chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
• Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the specific requirements of your business.
• How to Register: You can find more information on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's website.

For more detailed information, you can visit the California Office of the Small Business Advocate's guide for mobile food vendors.

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