Opening a food truck in Washington State requires several licenses and permits. These include a State of Washington Business License, a City of Seattle Business License (if operating in Seattle), food worker cards, a local fire permit, a business license in each city where you'll vend, a permit from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) for food trucks or trailers, a Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) Mobile Food Service Business Permit, and potentially a liquor caterer license if you plan to serve alcohol.
1. State of Washington Business License
- Purpose: This license is required to legally operate a business in Washington State.
- How to Register: You can register your trade name and obtain a state business license at the Seattle Office of Economic Development website.
2. City of Seattle Business License
- Purpose: This license is required to legally operate a business in the City of Seattle.
- How to Register: You can apply for a City of Seattle business licenseat the Seattle Office of Economic Development website.
3. Food Worker Cards
- Purpose: This permit is required to ensure the food truck meets health and safety standards.
- How to Register: You can learn more about the application process at the Washington State Department of Health website.
4. Local Fire Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required for food trucks using LPG, solid fuel, open flame, and/or charcoal for food vending.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit at the Seattle Fire Department website.
5. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required for food trucks or trailers that meet certain criteria.
- How to Register: You can submit your plans at your local L&I office or by mail. More information can be found at the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries website.
6. Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) Mobile Food Service Business Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required to ensure the food truck meets public health standards.
- How to Register: You can apply online at the King County Government website.
7. Liquor Caterer License
- Purpose: This license is required if you plan to serve alcohol from your mobile unit.
- How to Register: You can apply online at the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board website.
For more information, you can visit the following sources:
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
- Washington State Food Truck Association
- Seattle Office of Economic Development
- Seattle Fire Department
Learn more about local food delivery trends and insights:
About Otter
- Increase revenue up to 10% with Marketing*
- Reduce storefront downtime by up to 50% with Live Alerts*
- Increase sales up to 50% with Digital Dine-In's QR code ordering*
- Reduce missed orders to less than 1% with Order Manager's Auto-Accept feature*
- Supercharge your food business with our all-in-one restaurant POS system*