Food Truck Permits in Minnesota
Last verified against official sources on by Amrit. How we verify
Yes. In Minnesota a food truck is a "mobile food unit" and needs a license every year. Who issues it depends on what you sell and where: the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) if you mainly serve meals, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) if you mainly sell retail food, or a city or county health office that licenses on the state's behalf. Before you get the license your truck's plans must be approved and the truck must pass an inspection. You will also need a Minnesota Tax ID for sales tax, usually a certified food protection manager, a yearly electrical inspection, and any permits the city where you park requires.[2][1][16][14][8][6][18]
At a glance
| Permit needed | Yes. A mobile food unit license, renewed every year[2][12] |
|---|---|
| Who licenses you | MDH if most of your sales are meals (food service). MDA if most are retail food. In some cities and counties, a local health office licenses instead. Your menu and where you operate decide which[16][8] |
| MDH fees | $700 plan review for a new truck, then $505 a year for the license ($300 base fee, $150 mobile food unit fee, $50 statewide hospitality fee and $5 technology fee). State law keeps food trucks out of the high, medium and low-risk groups, so a truck pays the $150 mobile fee whatever it cooks. Local health offices and MDA charge their own fees[11][2][3] |
| MDA fees | A $50 application fee, then a Food Handler license fee set by your sales and food safety risk. Under $50,000 a year in sales it is $135 to $285[14][16][5] |
| Plan review | Required before you build or convert a truck. Send plans at least 30 days before work starts[8][12] |
| Commissary | No statewide commissary rule found, but off-truck prep and storage must be in a licensed food business, never a home[12][13] |
| Training | Most trucks must employ a certified food protection manager. Low-risk menus, such as hot dogs, popcorn or nachos only, are exempt[4] |
| Parking in one place | No more than 21 days a year at any one place, unless the health authority approves more[1] |
| Sales tax | Register for a Minnesota Tax ID. Most food sold from a truck is taxable[7][19] |
Step by step
Do these in order. Each step links to the official form or page.
Find out which agency licenses your truck
Minnesota has no single food truck office. If most of your sales (51% or more) are meals and food service, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) licenses you. If most are retail food, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) does. Some cities and counties, such as Minneapolis, Bloomington and Hennepin and Ramsey counties, run their own programs on the state's behalf, and you deal with them instead if you only operate there. Check MDH's licensing jurisdiction list, or call MDH at 651-201-4500 or MDA at 651-201-6062, before you spend money on the truck.[16][8][15][12][14]
Register for a Minnesota Tax ID
Food you prepare and sell from a truck is generally taxable, so you need to collect sales tax. Register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue for a Minnesota Tax ID with a sales and use tax account; an active Tax ID counts as your sales tax permit. MDA also asks for your Tax ID (or Social Security number) when you apply.[19][6][7][14]
Send your truck's plans for review before you build
Before you build, buy and fit out, or remodel a truck, send a plan review application with your menu, a scale drawing of the layout, the equipment list with model numbers and spec sheets, finishes, water heater and tank sizes, and where your water comes from and your wastewater goes. Send it at least 30 days before work starts; MDH charges an extra 50% if you send it later. If your truck was already licensed by MDH, MDA or a delegated agency, MDH can sometimes skip the plan review, but it still inspects. The fee shown is MDH's; MDA and local agencies set their own.[2][11][12][9]
Build the truck to the Minnesota Food Code
The truck needs a permanently installed handwashing sink, a sink with at least three compartments for washing dishes and utensils, and permanently installed fresh water and wastewater tanks, with the wastewater tank at least 15% bigger than the fresh water tank. Use a food-grade hose with a backflow preventer, never a garden hose, and empty wastewater only into a sanitary sewer. Most equipment must be certified for commercial food use (for example NSF). Plumbing must be done by a licensed plumber, gas lines must meet the state mechanical code, and electrical wiring must meet the state electrical code.[12][14][10]
Get a certified food protection manager
Unless your menu is low risk, your license holder must employ a certified food protection manager (CFPM). The exemptions include menus limited to heating or serving precooked hot dogs or sausages, popcorn, nachos, pretzels or frozen pizza, and low-risk menus as defined in state law. To become one, take an accredited course and exam, then apply to MDH within 6 months of the exam. When you first open you have up to 60 days to get one, if a full-time employee already meets the course and exam requirement.[4][2]
Apply for the license and pass the opening inspection
Ask the plan reviewer for the license application, then pay the license fee, which is separate from the plan review fee. Book the opening inspection at least 14 days ahead and bring the truck to an agreed office or public place; MDH can't inspect at a private home. With MDH the license is $505 a year, whatever your menu: state law doesn't put food trucks in the risk-based fee categories that restaurants pay. With MDA you pay a $50 application fee plus a Food Handler license fee based on your sales and risk ($135 to $285 under $50,000 in sales, more above that). If you open on or after October 1, the MDH license fee is halved.[9][12][11][17][5][2][3]
Pass the yearly electrical inspection
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), or your city if it does its own electrical inspections, must inspect the truck's electrical equipment at or before its first setup each year. Apply for a transitory permit online first. Only licensed electricians may fix wiring.[18]
Check fire and city rules where you park
Cities set their own rules on where trucks can park, and some, like Minneapolis, need their own city license. Ask the local fire department about propane and fire extinguisher rules; MDA says a fire extinguisher rated at least 2A 10 B C is needed if the State Fire Marshal requires one. You can't stay more than 21 days a year at one place unless the health authority approves it.[14][20][1]
Post your license and renew every year
Keep the original license posted where people can see it. Renew every year: MDA mobile licenses run April 1 to March 31. Operating without a license adds a $100 penalty to an MDH mobile food unit license fee.[2][12][15]
Local rules
These places add their own requirements on top of the state rules.
- Minneapolis: Minneapolis licenses food trucks itself. You need a city food truck license, a city food plan review, a certified food protection manager, liability insurance and a background check. Food must be prepared and stored at a licensed kitchen in Minneapolis. Trucks can sell curbside on approved streets and must be removed every day when you close.[20][21]
- Saint Paul: Saint Paul relies on the state license from MDH or MDA. Street vending is only allowed next to parcels zoned for outdoor commercial use, and you can't put tables, chairs, propane tanks or generators on the street or sidewalk. Private property needs the owner's permission and must be in an allowed zone. A truck can't be parked overnight on residential property.[22]
What it costs
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| Send your truck's plans for review before you build | $700 (MDH plan review for a new mobile food unit ($400 to remodel)) |
| Get a certified food protection manager | $50 (MDH certificate fee ($45 plus $5 technology fee); the course and exam cost extra) |
| Apply for the license and pass the opening inspection | $185 to $505 (MDH: $505 ($300 base, $150 mobile food unit, $50 hospitality, $5 technology). MDA: $50 application fee plus $135 to $285 if sales are under $50,000, higher above that. Local agencies set their own.) |
| Pass the yearly electrical inspection | $35 to $40 (per year: $35 up to 60 amps, $40 over 60 amps; extra outside business hours) |
| Check fire and city rules where you park | Set by each city and fire department |
| Total if every fee applies to you | $970 to $1,295 |
Not included in the total because the fee is set locally: Check fire and city rules where you park.
Recent changes
- : MDA starts converting renewing mobile food licenses to the new single Food Handler license. Mobile licenses keep their April 1 to March 31 year.[17]
- : MDA's new licensing law takes effect. Its food license types merge into one Food Handler license, with fees set by sales and food safety risk and a new $50 application fee for new businesses.[17]
- : MDH's current plan review and license fee schedule takes effect, including the $700 plan review and $150 mobile food unit fee.[11]
Frequently asked questions
Can I prep food in my home kitchen for my food truck?
No. Food for a mobile food unit can't be prepared or stored in a home. Prepare it on the truck or in a licensed food business, and talk to your inspector first about any off-site prep.[13]
Can I park my food truck in the same spot all summer?
Only with approval. State law limits a mobile food unit to 21 days a year at any one place unless the health authority approves more, or the truck runs at the site of your own licensed restaurant or food business. Cities like Saint Paul also require their own approval past 21 days.[1][22]
Is my license good everywhere in Minnesota?
Not always. Which agency licenses you depends on your menu and where you operate, and cities such as Minneapolis require their own license on top. MDH only licenses trucks that have events or areas of operation in places MDH covers. If you plan to sell in several cities or counties, ask each agency on your route before you go.[12][20]
I only sell prepackaged snacks or ice cream. Do I need the full license?
Maybe not. MDA has a retail food vehicle license for selling only prepackaged food or raw produce, with no plan review, and you can operate up to 365 days a year.[15]
Can I do the plumbing on my truck myself?
No. A licensed plumber must do all plumbing work, and the plumbing plans go to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, separately from the health plan review.[10][9]
Can I cater events from my food truck?
Only if the health authority approves it, and you can show safe storage and handling for the larger amounts of food.[12]
Do I charge sales tax on food from my truck?
Usually, yes. Most prepared food and drink sold by eating establishments, including food trucks, is taxable in Minnesota. Register for a Minnesota Tax ID before your first sale.[19]
Sources
- Minnesota Statutes, section 157.15: Definitions, Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Minnesota Statutes, section 157.16: Licenses required; fees, Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Minnesota Statutes, section 157.20: Inspections; risk categories, Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Minnesota Rules, part 4626.0033: Certified food protection manager requirements, Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Minnesota Statutes, section 28A.08: License fees; penalties, Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.83: Application for permit, Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.84: Permits issued and not issued, Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Licensing: Food, Pools, and Lodging Services, Minnesota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Plan Review: Food, Pools, and Lodging Services, Minnesota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- FPLS Plan Review FAQ, Minnesota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- FPLS Plan Review and License Fees (effective July 1, 2025), Minnesota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Mobile Food Unit, Seasonal Temporary Food Stand, and Seasonal Permanent Food Stand Construction Guide, Minnesota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Mobile Food Unit: Plan Review, Licensing and Safe Operation, Minnesota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Mobile Food Units, Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Retail Mobile Food Handler, Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Checked October 25, 2026.
- About the Retail Food Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Food Licensing Modernization, Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Electrical inspection procedures for mobile food units, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Sales - Food (Eating Establishments guide), Minnesota Department of Revenue. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Food Truck, City of Minneapolis. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Food Truck Application, City of Minneapolis. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Food Truck/Mobile Food Unit Regulations, City of Saint Paul, Department of Safety and Inspections. Checked October 25, 2026.
Related
- Cottage Food Laws in Minnesota
- Food Truck Permits in Iowa
- Food Truck Permits in North Dakota
- Food Truck Permits in South Dakota
- Food Truck Permits in Wisconsin
- 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 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Food, Pools, and Lodging Services or your local health department. Spotted something wrong or out of date?Report it and we will check it.