Opening a food truck in Delaware requires several licenses and permits. These include a Food Establishment Permit, a Delaware General Business License, a Mobile Food Service Establishment License (for Wilmington), and potentially other licenses depending on the specific services offered by the food truck.
1. Food Establishment Permit
Purpose: This permit is required for operations that store, prepare, package, serve, vend, or otherwise provide food for human consumption.
Estimated Cost: The Plan Review fees are based on the total square footage of the Mobile Food Unit: $50.00 for 1,000 sq ft or less and $100.00 for 1,001 –5,000 sq ft. The annual fee for the permit is $100.00.
How to Register: Contact the Office of Food Protection at 302-744-4546 or by email at ralph.matthews@state.de.us. You need to submit several documents to the Plan Review, Office of Food Protection, including an Application for Food Establishment Permit, a Servicing Area Agreement, a Type of Food Operation form, a Food Preparation Review form, a Mobile Food Unit Information Sheet, a proposed or actual menu, an equipment schedule, three copies of the proposed plans for the Mobile Food Unit, a finish schedule, a ventilation and lighting detail, and a Plan Review fee.
2. Delaware General Business License
- Purpose: This license is required to operate any business in Delaware.
- Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the type of business.
- How to Register: Use the Delaware Business One Stop Online system to obtain your General Business License from the Delaware Division of Revenue.
3. Mobile Food Service Establishment License (Wilmington)
- Purpose: This license is required to operate a food truck in Wilmington, Delaware.
- Estimated Cost: There is no cost for this license.
- How to Register: Obtain the license from the City’s Department of Licenses and Inspections. The application requires basic information/documentation that most food trucks should already have, such as business licenses, health inspections, and fire marshal’s inspection.
4. Other Licenses
Depending on the specific services offered by your food truck, you may need additional licenses such as a Plumbing Permit, Liquor License, and Public Gathering license. Contact your County, City, and/or Town to find out about local requirements.
Useful Information Source Links:
- Delaware Office of Food Protection
- Delaware Division of Revenue
- Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspections
- Delaware Division of Corporations
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