To open a food truck in New York City, NY, you are required to obtain a Mobile Food Vending License and a Mobile Food Vending Permit. Additionally, you must complete the Food Protection Course for Mobile Vendors. These requirements are set by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to ensure the safety and hygiene of food served in mobile food carts and trucks.
1. Mobile Food Vending License
Purpose: This license is for individuals who will prepare and/or serve food from a permitted mobile food vending unit (truck or pushcart). It is issued as a photo ID badge and is required prior to applying for a Mobile Food Vending Permit.
Estimated Cost: The new application fee is $50.00 and the renewal fee is $60.00 for a renewal cycle of 2 years.
How to Register: An application for a new license must be submitted in person by the applicant at the Citywide Licensing Center. None will be accepted by mail or by a representative of the applicant.
2. Mobile Food Vending Permit
Purpose: This permit is required for your unit to sell food on the street. The number of permits available is restricted by law, with specific limits for different categories.
3. Food Protection Course for Mobile Vendors
Purpose: The course trains individuals in food protection practices to ensure the safety of the food served in NYC's mobile food carts and trucks. Completion of this course and passing of the final exam satisfies the NYC Health code requirement for all applicants for a Mobile Food Vendor license.
Estimated Cost: The course costs $53.00.
How to Register: Registration for this course must be done in person at the Citywide Licensing Center.
More Resources
For more information, you can visit the following links:
- Mobile Food Vending License
- Food Protection Course for Mobile Vendors
- Mobile and Temporary Food Vendors
- Permits and Licenses
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