Food Truck Permits in Chicago, IL
Last verified against official sources on by Amrit. How we verify
You need a Mobile Food License from the City of Chicago: a Mobile Food Dispenser license ($700) if you only sell single portions that were prepared and wrapped in a licensed kitchen, or a Mobile Food Preparer license ($1,000) if you cook on the truck. Each lasts two years. You also need a Shared Kitchen User license for your commissary, an inspection by the Chicago Department of Public Health, and a working GPS device. If the truck has propane, a generator, an exhaust hood or a fire suppression system, you need a Fire Safety Permit from the Chicago Fire Department too.[1][2]
At a glance
| License | Mobile Food Dispenser (pre-wrapped food only) or Mobile Food Preparer (cook on the truck)[2] |
|---|---|
| License fee | Dispenser $700 or Preparer $1,000, each for 2 years[1] |
| License length | 2 years[1] |
| Commissary license | Shared Kitchen User: $330 for 2 years, or $75 for 90 days (can't be renewed)[3] |
| Fire Safety Permit | $100 permit plus $150 fire suppression plan review, if your truck needs a Fire Safety Permit[1][5] |
| GPS | Required on every truck[1] |
| Parking | Up to 4 hours per block, and not within 200 feet of a street-level restaurant entrance (except 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.)[1] |
| Hours | No sales from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., except at a food truck stand that allows it[1] |
| Agency | Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Small Business Center[4] |
Step by step
Do these in order. Each step links to the official form or page.
Pick your license type
If you cook or prepare food on the truck, you need a Mobile Food Preparer license. If you only sell single portions that were prepared and wrapped in a licensed kitchen, you need a Mobile Food Dispenser license.[2]
Get a Shared Kitchen User license at your commissary
Pick a licensed commissary kitchen to clean, service and store the truck. The Shared Kitchen User license is its own application. You need a signed letter of intent from the commissary dated within the last 30 days, a labeled drawing of the kitchen layout, your full menu, and a City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate. After you pay and the health department signs off, you pick up a Shared Kitchen User badge at the City Clerk's office in City Hall (121 N LaSalle St, Room 107).[3]
Start your application
Submit your business information online or in person at the Small Business Center, then complete the full license application. Have ready: your vehicle registration card, a certificate of insurance with limits of at least $350,000, the commissary's signed letter of intent (dated within the last 30 days), and the name of your GPS provider. If you cook on the truck, you also need a City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate.[1]
Meet with the health department
The Chicago Department of Public Health reviews your equipment, sanitation and documents. You can ask for a free assessment of your truck by health and fire inspectors. Email food@cityofchicago.org.[1]
Get a Fire Safety Permit, if you need one
You need this if the truck has a generator, propane, natural gas, an exhaust hood or a fire suppression system. Send the fire suppression system plans (blueprints) to the Fire Department with a $150 review fee. If they are approved, fire and health inspectors inspect the truck. After it passes, send the permit application with $100. Both fees are paid by check or money order and are not refunded. If you have a gas, diesel, propane or natural gas system, you must also take the Fire Department's Fire Safety Class.[1][5]
Pay the license fee and clear any City debt
Pay for your license. You pay only the fee for your license type. Any money you owe the City must be paid before the license is issued.[1]
Pass the final health inspection and get your decal
After you pay, email food@cityofchicago.org to book the final vehicle inspection. Once everything is done, you get your license and food truck decal.[1]
Renew every 2 years
Renew before the license expires. You need a health department consultation first, and health and fire inspectors check the truck again.[1]
The office you deal with
Chicago Small Business Center (BACP)[4]
City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street, 8th Floor, Room 800, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.74.GOBIZ (744.6249)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Where you can park and sell
- Park in a legal parking space or at a food truck stand. Stay no more than 4 hours in one block, or less if the parking limit is shorter.[1]
- The 200-foot rule: don't park within 200 feet of the main customer entrance of a street-level restaurant. The only exception is 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.[1]
- Don't park within 20 feet of a crosswalk, within 30 feet of a stop light or stop sign, or next to a protected bike lane.[1]
- No sales from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., unless a food truck stand allows it.[1]
- You can sell on private property with the owner's written permission, within the 4-hour limit and zoning rules. The 200-foot rule still applies, except for a restaurant on the host property. Vacant lots and lots with a vacant building are off limits.[1]
Commissary
- No cooking or storing food at home. All food must be prepped or stored in a licensed kitchen, such as a commissary.[2]
- Tell the City which commissary will clean, service and store the truck. If you store it somewhere else, give that address.[1]
Truck equipment and GPS
- Every truck needs a working GPS device. You tell the City which provider gets your GPS data.[1]
- The truck must be enclosed, with a top and sides. It needs a hand sink, hot and cold water, equipment to keep food at safe temperatures, a waste water tank and a covered trash bin. Preparers also need a three-compartment sink. Paint your business name and license number on both sides.[1]
- Register the truck as a commercial vehicle and use it only as a food truck. No loudspeakers or other sound devices.[1]
Fire safety
- Carry no more than 40 pounds of propane at any time.[1]
- Someone trained to handle and refill propane must be on the truck at all times.[5]
- Keep the Fire Safety Permit in the truck at all times.[5]
What it costs
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| Get a Shared Kitchen User license at your commissary | $75 to $330 ($330 for a 2-year license, or $75 for a 90-day license that can't be renewed) |
| Get a Fire Safety Permit, if you need one | $250 (only if your truck needs a Fire Safety Permit: $150 plan review plus $100 permit) |
| Pay the license fee and clear any City debt | $700 to $1,000 (2-year license: $700 Mobile Food Dispenser or $1,000 Mobile Food Preparer) |
| Total if every fee applies to you | $1,025 to $1,580 |
New food truck licences in Chicago
New mobile food licences for trucks (preparer and dispenser) issued each year by the City of Chicago. Renewals are not counted. 138 truck licences are active right now.
Source: Business Licenses (dataset r5kz-chrr), City of Chicago. Downloaded October 24, 2026. Counts are computed from the raw data; we don't adjust them.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a Mobile Food Dispenser and a Mobile Food Preparer license?
A Dispenser sells single portions that were already prepared and wrapped in a licensed kitchen. A Preparer cooks or prepares food on the truck. Dispenser costs $700 and Preparer costs $1,000.[2][1]
How close to a restaurant can I park my food truck?
Not within 200 feet of the main customer entrance of a street-level restaurant, except between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m.[1]
How long can I stay in one spot?
Up to 4 hours in any one block, or less if the posted parking limit is shorter.[1]
Can I prep food in my home kitchen?
No. Food must be prepared or stored in a licensed kitchen, such as a commissary.[2]
Do I really need a GPS on my truck?
Yes. Every mobile food vehicle must have a working GPS device.[1]
Can I sell beer or wine from my food truck?
No. Chicago does not allow mobile sale of liquor.[1]
Does every food truck need a Fire Safety Permit?
Only trucks with a generator, propane or natural gas, an exhaust hood or a fire suppression system.[1]
Sources
- Food Trucks, City of Chicago, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Mobile Food, City of Chicago, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Visit Us (Small Business Center), City of Chicago, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Mobile Food Vehicle Certifications, Chicago Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau. Checked October 24, 2026.
Related
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change. Before you apply or start selling, confirm the details with Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) or your local health department. Spotted something wrong or out of date?Report it and we will check it.