Food Truck Permits in North Dakota
Last verified against official sources on by Amrit. How we verify
Yes. Every food truck (a "mobile food unit" in North Dakota law) must be licensed before it operates. Most trucks get the license from the state Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Food and Lodging Unit, or from the local public health unit where the truck is based. A license from one agency is mostly accepted across the state, but Fargo, West Fargo, Bismarck and tribal lands need their own license. You also need a plan review before you build, a passed inspection, a fire code check and a state sales tax permit.[1][3][6][4][9]
At a glance
| Permit needed | Yes. A mobile food unit license, before you operate.[1] |
|---|---|
| Who issues it | HHS Food and Lodging, or the local public health unit where your truck's base of operation is. The state map lists Bismarck-Burleigh, Fargo Cass, Grand Forks, First District and Southwestern District health units, plus tribal jurisdictions.[3][5][6] |
| Works statewide | Mostly, for trucks based in North Dakota. Fargo Cass Public Health, Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and tribal jurisdictions need their own license. Trucks based out of state get no reciprocity anywhere.[6][7] |
| State fee | $130 a year for a mobile food unit licensed by HHS. A first-time applicant pays $230 (the $130 license plus a $100 administration fee) and a plan review fee of half the license fee ($65), so $295 in the first year. Local health units may charge differently.[2][11] |
| License year | Every license expires on December 31. Renew by then, or pay a late fee of half the license fee within 60 days.[1] |
| Commissary | Only if the health agency requires one. It may be waived for a fully self-contained truck.[5] |
| Training | A certified food protection manager is not required, but HHS highly recommends one.[4] |
| Fire safety | Your truck must meet the Fire Code of North Dakota. Ask the state or local fire authority for a fire inspection.[4][8] |
| Sales tax | A North Dakota sales, use and gross receipts tax permit from the Office of State Tax Commissioner.[9] |
Step by step
Do these in order. Each step links to the official form or page.
Find out which agency licenses your truck
The agency that licenses you is the one where your truck's base of operation is: the commissary or servicing area your truck goes back to for cleaning, emptying waste and storing food. Check the state's jurisdictions map. In Bismarck it is Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, in Fargo and West Fargo it is Fargo Cass Public Health, and in Grand Forks it is Grand Forks Public Health. Elsewhere it is HHS Food and Lodging or a district health unit, such as First District or Southwestern District; the map shows which covers your county. Check zoning with your city or county first; HHS recommends getting local planning and zoning approval before you send plans.[5][7][3][6][4]
Register your business with the Secretary of State
HHS's application tells you to contact the North Dakota Secretary of State before you operate, and to register your business there.[4]
Send the license application and plans at least 30 days ahead
For a state license, fill in the Mobile Food Unit License Application (SFN 19383) with its plan review checklist. Send a menu and a floor plan drawn to scale showing sinks, equipment, food storage and the water tanks. The wastewater tank must be at least 15% bigger than the fresh water tank. If you use a commissary you don't own, include a signed commissary agreement. Send it at least 30 days before you operate or start building, and don't start building until you have written approval.[4][3]
Pay the license fee
HHS contacts you within 3 to 5 business days to confirm your application and tell you what to pay. It only starts the plan review after you pay. For a new state-licensed truck that is $230 for the initial license and application ($130 annual license plus a $100 administration fee) and a $65 plan review fee. The plan review fee is charged once. If a local health unit licenses you, it sets its own fee.[4][2][11][12]
Meet the fire code and get a fire inspection
Ask the State Fire Marshal or your local fire department for a fire inspection. The Fire Code of North Dakota requires, among other things: a type 1 hood and fire suppression system if your cooking makes grease-laden vapour; propane tanks of no more than 200 lbs, mounted securely; a listed propane gas alarm inside the truck; propane containers inspected every year; and a 2A:10BC extinguisher, serviced every year.[4][8]
Pass the pre-opening inspection
No license is issued until the agency has inspected your truck and found it meets the rules. Before final approval, HHS also wants copies of any other approvals your truck needs, such as plumbing and electrical certificates.[4]
Get a sales tax permit
Apply to the Office of State Tax Commissioner through the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP). You collect state and local sales tax on what you sell.[9][4]
Check each place you plan to sell
Within North Dakota, most health agencies accept each other's licenses. If you plan to sell in Fargo, West Fargo, Bismarck or on tribal land, contact those agencies for a license there too. Cities and counties can also add their own rules, so check with each one about where you may park.[6][3][4]
Renew by December 31 every year
Your license expires on December 31. Send the renewal application and fee by then (for a state license, the annual fee is $130). If you miss it, you cannot operate, but you can still renew within 60 days by adding a late fee of half the license fee. After 60 days you have to apply again from scratch.[1][2]
Local rules
These places add their own requirements on top of the state rules.
- Fargo and West Fargo: Fargo Cass Public Health licenses and inspects food trucks in Fargo and West Fargo, and does not accept other agencies' mobile food licenses. It has its own mobile food plan review application. Its licenses cannot be transferred to a new owner.[10][6]
- Bismarck: Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health licenses mobile food units in the City of Bismarck and does not accept other agencies' licenses. Call (701) 355-3400.[6]
- Tribal lands: Tribal jurisdictions license food trucks on their own lands and do not take part in reciprocity. Contact the tribe before you sell there.[6]
What it costs
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| Pay the license fee | $295 (HHS-licensed trucks, first year: $230 initial license and application ($130 license + $100 administration) + $65 plan review) |
| Total if every fee applies to you | $295 |
Recent changes
- : HHS raised the mobile food unit license from $110 to $130 a year and added a $100 administration fee for first-time applicants and a plan review fee of half the annual license fee. The changes followed 2025 House Bill 1012.[13][12][2]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new license for every county I sell in?
Usually not, if your truck is based in North Dakota. Most health agencies accept each other's licenses. The exceptions are Fargo and West Fargo, Bismarck, and tribal lands, which each need their own license.[6]
My truck is based in Minnesota (or another state). Can I sell in North Dakota?
Yes, but you get no reciprocity. You need a license from each agency covering the cities and counties where you plan to sell.[7]
How much does a North Dakota food truck license cost?
If HHS licenses you, $130 a year. In your first year you pay $230 for the initial license and application (the $130 license plus a $100 administration fee) and a $65 plan review fee, so $295. If you later remodel or change how you operate, HHS can charge another plan review fee of half the license fee. Local health units such as Fargo Cass and Bismarck-Burleigh set their own fees; ask them.[2][11]
Can I cook at home and sell the food from my truck?
No. Home-cooked food and cottage foods are not allowed on a food truck, and you cannot store the truck's food at home. Food can only be kept on the truck, at the servicing area or at a commissary.[5]
Do I need a commissary in North Dakota?
It depends on your truck. The health agency can waive the commissary if your truck is fully self-contained, with all food storage and preparation on board. If you need one, it must be a fixed, approved kitchen or facility, not a home.[5]
Is a food cart or tent the same as a food truck?
No. Tents, booths and pushcarts are not mobile food units and get no reciprocity. HHS charges a pushcart or food stand $50 per event (up to 14 days at one place), with a maximum of $250 a year.[8][2]
Do I need a food manager certificate?
No. The North Dakota Food Code does not require a certified food protection manager, but HHS highly recommends one.[4]
Sources
- North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-09: Lodging and Food Establishments, North Dakota Legislative Branch. Checked October 25, 2026.
- N.D. Admin. Code Chapter 33-33-08: Food Establishment License Fees, North Dakota Legislative Branch. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Mobile Food Units, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Lodging. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Mobile Food Unit License Application (SFN 19383, 07-2024), North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Lodging Unit. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Mobile Food Unit Plan Review Manual (last updated 3/2022), North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Lodging. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Mobile Food Unit Regulatory Jurisdictions Map, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Lodging. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Mobile Food Unit Licensing and Reciprocity Flowchart, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Lodging. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Mobile Food Units Fire Code Requirements, North Dakota Insurance Department, Office of the State Fire Marshal (published by ND HHS). Checked October 25, 2026.
- Sales Tax: Sales, Use, and Gross Receipts Tax Requirements Guideline, North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Food and Beverage, Fargo Cass Public Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Food and Lodging License Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2026; updated 12/2025), North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Lodging. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Report of the Department of Health and Human Services on N.D. Admin. Code Chapter 33-33-08, with regulatory analysis (Administrative Rules Committee, December 3, 2025, Appendix M), North Dakota Legislative Council. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Marked-up changes to N.D. Admin. Code Chapter 33-33-08 (hearing September 17, 2025), North Dakota Legislative Council. Checked October 25, 2026.
Related
- Cottage Food Laws in North Dakota
- Food Truck Permits in Minnesota
- Food Truck Permits in Montana
- Food Truck Permits in South Dakota
- 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 North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Lodging Unit (or your local public health unit) or your local health department. Spotted something wrong or out of date?Report it and we will check it.