Food Truck Permits in Georgia
Last verified against official sources on by Amrit. How we verify
Yes. In Georgia you need health permits from the county health department where your base of operation (your commissary) is located: one for the base and one for each truck. That county is called your "county of origin." Since January 1, 2023, other Georgia counties must recognize that permit, but you still apply for an "authorization to operate" in each other county before you sell there. Cities and counties can also add their own zoning and business license rules.[3][2][8]
At a glance
| Permit needed | Yes. A base of operation permit plus a separate permit for each truck, trailer or cart.[4] |
|---|---|
| Who issues it | The county health department where your base of operation is (your "county of origin")[2] |
| Fee | Set by each county board of health. There is no single statewide fee.[2] |
| Commissary | Required. Your own base of operation, visited daily. At minimum: a dump station or mop sink, a handwashing sink and a drinking-water tap.[2] |
| Food safety manager | Required, unless your truck does not process food, or serves only foods that need little preparation or were already prepared in a permitted kitchen.[3] |
| Restroom | A working restroom within 200 feet of where you park, with a written agreement from its owner[2] |
| Selling in other counties | No new permit, but you must get an "authorization to operate" from each other county first. It may charge a small fee limited to its costs.[5][8] |
| Sales tax | Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for sales and use tax if you make taxable sales[9] |
| Business license | Required from your city or county business license office[4] |
Step by step
Do these in order. Each step links to the official form or page.
Check your city and county rules first
Before you spend money, ask the planning and zoning office in the city or county where you want to work. Some places do not allow food trucks at all. These rules are separate from the health department.[2]
Set up your own base of operation
Find a fixed place (your "base of operation," also called a commissary) where you will dump wastewater, refill water, store and prepare food, wash large utensils, and clean the truck. It must be yours alone: two permit holders cannot share one. It should be close to where you plan to sell, because you must go back every day. At minimum it needs a dump station or mop sink, a handwashing sink and a drinking-water tap. Your home can qualify only in limited cases, such as a separate outbuilding that local zoning allows.[2][4]
Register for sales tax
If you make taxable sales in Georgia, register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for sales and use tax. You do this online through the Georgia Tax Center.[9]
Apply to the county health department for your permits
Apply at the county health department where your base is located, at least 10 business days before you plan to open. You need one permit for the base and one for each truck. With the truck application, send your menu, at least two photos (one outside, one inside), a labelled drawing, equipment spec sheets, an original notarized Verification of Residency form with a copy of the secure and verifiable document (such as an ID) that supports it, proof you comply with other agencies such as zoning and fire, your location form, and copies of your toilet and property use agreements.[3][4][2]
Pass plan review of your truck and base
The health department reviews your menu, drawings and equipment. Your menu decides what your truck and base need. The health department can add requirements, or limit what foods you sell, based on this review. You can only serve foods on the menu you submitted.[2][3][4]
Get a Certified Food Safety Manager
Unless your truck is exempt (see the table above), at least one employee who supervises food preparation must pass an accredited food safety manager exam. A new business has 60 days from when the permit is issued to have one.[3]
Get your city or county business license
Register with the business license office of the city or county where you operate.[4]
Before selling in another county, get an authorization to operate
Send that county's health department the authorization form with the places, dates and times you plan to sell there, your menu, proof you comply with local zoning and fire rules, and your toilet and property use agreements. The law also lets the county ask for copies of your permits and a list of other counties where you operate. The county checks that your permits are in good standing; there is no inspection to get the authorization. It may charge an administrative fee limited to its costs. Once you sell there, the county can inspect you, and you must pay any inspection fee by the next business day or lose the authorization.[8][2][5]
Keep your location list up to date
Tell the health department where and when you will sell before you operate there. Give at least 7 days' notice before you change locations. Get written permission from each property owner where you park.[3][2]
Local rules
These places add their own requirements on top of the state rules.
- Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties: These three counties share one health district (GNR Public Health) with its own forms. If this is your first truck, you also fill in its full food service application packet. GNR's inspection results are not in the state's statewide search.[10][1]
- Unincorporated Fulton County: You need a Food Truck Administrative Use Permit for each site from Fulton County's planning office: $50 per site plus a $25 processing fee. It lasts one year and covers only the approved site. You can sell at a site no more than 4 days a week. You must be at least 200 feet from a restaurant (or 100 feet from a store that sells food) unless they give notarized permission.[11]
- Every Georgia city and county: Your health permit is recognized statewide, but you still have to follow each county's and city's own ordinances, such as zoning and business licences.[8]
What it costs
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apply to the county health department for your permits | Set by each county board of health |
| Before selling in another county, get an authorization to operate | Administrative fee set by each county board of health, limited to its costs |
| Total if every fee applies to you | $0 |
Not included in the total because the fee is set locally: Apply to the county health department for your permits; Before selling in another county, get an authorization to operate.
Recent changes
- : Georgia's food service rules (Chapter 511-6-1) were revised to adopt the 2022 FDA Food Code. Among the changes, sesame became the 9th major allergen, and you must tell customers in writing (for example, on your menu) about major allergens in unpackaged food.[1][7]
- : House Bill 1443 took effect. A food truck permitted in its home county no longer needs a separate permit in each county. Other counties must recognize the permit after a simple authorization process.[8]
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my home kitchen as my base of operation?
Usually not. Georgia's rules ban food service in a private home or living space. But if local zoning allows it and you have an area fully separate from the home, like an outbuilding, the health department may approve it. You may need to change your septic system, or prove your well water is safe to drink. Food made at home can never be sold or used on a truck.[2][3]
Can I share a commissary or a restaurant kitchen with another food truck?
No. Each permit holder needs their own base of operation. Two separate permit holders cannot share equipment and space. If you own a restaurant, it needs a separate base of operation permit for your truck, on top of its restaurant permit.[2][3]
Do I need a new permit for every county I sell in?
No. Since 2023 your home county permit is recognized across Georgia. But before you sell in another county you must apply there for an "authorization to operate." That county checks that your permit is in good standing. It does not inspect you to give the authorization, but it can inspect you later while you sell there.[2][8]
How much does a food truck permit cost in Georgia?
It depends on the county. Each county board of health sets its own permit fees. Other counties can charge an administrative fee for an authorization to operate, limited to their costs. Call your county environmental health office for the current amount.[2]
Can I sell at a festival in another county?
Yes, with your authorization to operate, as long as the event is on your location list and you go back to your base every day. If you can't go back daily, you need a temporary food service permit from that county.[2]
Do I need access to a restroom?
Yes. A working restroom must be within 200 feet of where you park, with a written agreement from the business that lets you and your staff use it while you are there. If you put out tables for customers, they must be able to use it too.[6][2]
Where can I park my truck overnight?
At your base of operation, or at another place the health department has approved.[2]
Do I need a fire inspection for my propane or generator?
Georgia's health permit application asks for proof that you comply with other agencies, including fire. Fire inspections are handled locally, so ask your county or city fire marshal what they require.[4]
Sources
- Food Service (Environmental Health), Georgia Department of Public Health. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Mobile Food Service Establishment Frequently Asked Questions (Rev. 1/03/23), Georgia Department of Public Health. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations, Chapter 511-6-1 (Revised 2/2025), Georgia Department of Public Health. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Permit Application for Mobile Food Unit (Rev 06/2026), Georgia Department of Public Health. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Toilet Use Agreement for Mobile Food Service Unit, Georgia Department of Public Health. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations (Chapter 511-6-1) - Summary of Changes, Georgia Department of Public Health. Checked October 24, 2026.
- House Bill 1443 (2022), as passed (O.C.G.A. 26-2-370, 26-2-371, 26-2-379), Office of the Governor of Georgia. Checked October 24, 2026.
- How Do I Know If I Need to Collect Sales & Use Tax?, Georgia Department of Revenue. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Restaurant Regulations and Forms, Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments (GNR Public Health). Checked October 24, 2026.
- Food Truck Administrative Use Permit application, Fulton County Planning and Community Services. Checked October 24, 2026.
Related
- Cottage Food Laws in Georgia
- Food Truck Permits in Florida
- Food Truck Permits in North Carolina
- Food Truck Permits by State
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change. Before you apply or start selling, confirm the details with Georgia Department of Public Health (rules), through county boards of health (permits) or your local health department. Spotted something wrong or out of date?Report it and we will check it.