To open a food truck in the city of Chicago, IL, you need to obtain several licenses and permits, including a Mobile Food Dispenser (MFD) or Mobile Food Preparer (MFP) license, a Mobile Food Vehicle (MFV) license, a City of Chicago Food Sanitation Manager Certificate, and a Fire Safety Permit, if applicable. The application and license fees for MFD and MFP are $700 and $1,000 respectively for a 2-year term. You also need to provide personal and business identification, and meet specific requirements for your vehicle and food preparation.
1. Mobile Food Dispenser (MFD) License
Purpose: This license is for vehicles serving individual portions of food that are totally enclosed in a wrapper or container and have been prepared in a licensed food establishment.
Estimated Cost: $700 for a 2-year term.
How to Register: You can apply in-person at BACP’s Small Business Center, 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 800.
2. Mobile Food Preparer (MFP) License
Purpose: This license is for vehicles where food is prepared on-board and then served.
Estimated Cost: $1,000 for a 2-year term.
How to Register: You can apply in-person at BACP’s Small Business Center, 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 800.
3. Mobile Food Vehicle (MFV) License
Purpose: This license is for a commercial vehicle used solely for the food business.
How to Register: You can apply in-person at BACP’s Small Business Center, 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 800.
4. City of Chicago Food Sanitation Manager Certificate
Purpose: This certificate is required to ensure food safety and sanitation.
5. Fire Safety Permit
Purpose: This permit is required if your mobile food vehicle uses a gasoline, diesel or propane electric generator, propane gas or compressed natural gas, or types I or II exhaust hood and/or fire suppression systems.
How to Register: You can apply through the Chicago Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau (CFD-FPB).
More Resources
For more detailed information, please refer to the following sources:
- Mobile Food Vendor Licenses
- Mobile Food Vehicle Business License
- Mobile Prepared Food Vendor License
- Mobile Food Vehicle Certifications
- Mobile Food Dispenser (MFD) License
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