Food Truck Permits in South Dakota
Last verified against official sources on by Amrit. How we verify
Yes. Every food truck in South Dakota needs a mobile food service license from the South Dakota Department of Health before it opens, and you renew it every year by December 31. You send the Department your truck's layout plan at least 30 days before you build or remodel it, pass an inspection, and name a certified food service manager. You also need a state sales tax license, and cities such as Sioux Falls add their own vendor license, plus a fire inspection for trucks that cook with propane, electricity or grease.[9][1][7][15][18]
At a glance
| Permit needed | Yes. A mobile food service license from the South Dakota Department of Health, before you open[9] |
|---|---|
| State fees | $88 a year ($44 if you open between July 1 and December 31), which includes the inspection fees. New businesses also pay a one-time $100 initial license fee[7][11][13] |
| License lasts | Until December 31. Renew every year[7] |
| Plan review | Send a layout plan and the mobile plan review questionnaire at least 30 days before you build or remodel the truck[3] |
| Commissary | Required, unless waived because the truck has approved dishwashing and enough storage on board[1] |
| Training | At least one person must hold a certified food service manager certificate (an 8-hour course and exam), before the inspection[5][2] |
| Sales tax license | Yes, from the South Dakota Department of Revenue. Only someone who sells at three or fewer events a year can skip it[15][16] |
| City rules | Set locally. Sioux Falls, for example, requires its own $75 vendor license and a fire inspection if you cook with propane, electricity or grease[18] |
| Agency | South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Health Protection, 605-773-4945[7] |
Step by step
Do these in order. Each step links to the official form or page.
Get a sales tax license
Any business with a physical presence in South Dakota needs a sales tax license from the Department of Revenue. Apply with the online Tax License Application. Cities such as Sioux Falls ask for your sales tax number when you apply for their vendor license. Most cities add their own sales tax, and a city may also charge a 1% municipal gross receipts tax on eating establishments.[15][18][17]
Send your truck's plans to the Department of Health
At least 30 days before you build a new truck or remodel one, send the Office of Health Protection a layout plan drawn to scale (at least 1/4 inch = 1 foot) and the Mobile Food Service Plan Review Questionnaire. The questionnaire asks about your menu, water and wastewater tanks, sinks, hood, refrigeration and commissary. The Department tells you in writing whether the plan is approved or what to change.[3][12][2]
Build the truck to the state's standards
The truck must be fully enclosed, with screens or windows on serving openings. It needs fresh water and a permanently installed wastewater tank at least 15% bigger than the fresh water tank, a water heater, a handwashing sink with hot and cold running water, and a three-compartment sink with a drainboard for washing utensils. Anything that cooks with smoke, steam or grease needs a Type I hood with metal grease filters. Plumbing must meet the State Plumbing Code. A truck that sells only limited-menu food (foods that don't need temperature control, like popcorn, snow cones or packaged snacks, plus plain hot dogs) can skip the three-compartment sink if it has a plumbed handwashing sink and uses only one or two serving utensils.[1][4]
Line up a commissary, or show you don't need one
A commissary is a licensed fixed kitchen you work from for supplies, storage and cleaning. South Dakota requires one unless the Department waives it because your truck has approved dishwashing and enough storage on board. If you use one, the questionnaire asks where it is and for its layout. All food must be made on the truck or come from an approved source. You can't make food at home and sell it from the truck.[1][3]
Get a certified food service manager
At least one person in your business must pass an 8-hour food service training and certification course, such as ServSafe. The license application asks for the manager's certificate number, and the Department wants it done before your inspection. If you are still taking the course, give the date you enrolled.[5][2][7]
Apply for the license and pay
Apply online through the Department of Health's Food Service Licensure page, or on the paper Food License Application, choosing "Mobile Food Service" (or "Limited Menu Mobile Food"). A full-year mobile license is $88, which already includes the inspection fees. If you open between July 1 and December 31, it is $44. A new business also pays a one-time $100 initial license fee, so your first year costs $144 or $188. Fees are generally not refunded once the Department starts work on your application.[2][7][6]
Pass the state inspection
A regional health protection advisor reviews your application and contacts you to schedule an on-site inspection. Your license is issued only after you pass. After that, the Department inspects licensed food trucks at least twice a year. If you get a 60-day notice to fix a problem, the follow-up inspection costs $50.[2][7][13][14]
Get city permits and a fire inspection
The state license does not cover city rules. A city can add its own vendor license, location limits and fire inspection. In Sioux Falls, for example, you need a $75 city Mobile Food Vendor license, a health inspection and, if you cook with propane, electricity or grease, a Fire Marshal inspection. Ask each city where you plan to sell; in Sioux Falls, licensing questions go to Police Records.[18]
Post your license and renew every year
Keep your license on hand and posted where people can see it. It expires on December 31 each year, so renew before then. The license can't be transferred: if the truck changes hands, the new owner needs a new license.[8][7][10]
Local rules
These places add their own requirements on top of the state rules.
- Sioux Falls: You need a city Mobile Food Vendor license ($75 a year, expires December 31), applied for through the city's online portal. You need a South Dakota sales tax number, $1 million / $2 million liability insurance naming the City of Sioux Falls as additional insured, and a signed letter from the owner if you park on private property. You can stay in one spot for at most 6 hours in 24, and can't sell in residential areas, city parking lots or ramps without approval. Trucks that cook with propane, electricity or grease need a Fire Marshal inspection.[18]
- Rapid City: To sell in certain Rapid City park parking lots, you need a Mobile Food Vending Permit from Rapid City Parks and Recreation. The application asks for copies of your sales tax license and state health license, your menu, and liability insurance naming the city. Call Parks and Recreation at 605-394-4175 for the current form and fee.[19]
What it costs
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| Send your truck's plans to the Department of Health | Free |
| Apply for the license and pay | $144 to $188 (first year: $88 full-year license (or $44 if you open after July 1) plus the one-time $100 initial license fee) |
| Get city permits and a fire inspection | Set by each city |
| Total if every fee applies to you | $144 to $188 |
Not included in the total because the fee is set locally: Get city permits and a fire inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food truck license cost in South Dakota?
The state license is $88 a year, including inspection fees, or $44 if you open after July 1. New businesses also pay a one-time $100 initial license fee. City licenses cost extra, such as $75 a year in Sioux Falls.[7][18]
Do I need a commissary?
Usually. South Dakota requires food trucks to work from a commissary or another fixed licensed kitchen. The Department can waive this if your truck has approved dishwashing and enough storage on board.[1]
Can I cook at home and sell it from my truck?
No. Food must be made on the truck or come from an approved source.[1]
Is there a simpler setup for a snow cone or popcorn trailer?
Yes. A limited-menu unit that sells only foods that don't need temperature control, plus plain hot dogs, needs a handwashing sink with hot and cold water but can use a two-compartment sink with a portable tub instead of a three-compartment sink. Toppings like chili or cheese, brats and corn dogs don't count as limited menu.[4]
Do I need a sales tax license if I only sell at events?
If you sell at three or fewer events a year, you can file the special event return the organizer gives you instead. If you sell at more events, or anywhere outside events, get a sales tax license. The Sturgis Rally and the State Fair need a temporary license even if you already have one.[16][17]
Does every worker need food safety training?
The certificate is required for at least one person: a certified food service manager who has passed an 8-hour course. The plan review form also asks whether all employees have been trained in safe food handling.[5][3]
Sources
- Mobile Food Service, South Dakota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Food Service Licensure and Codes, South Dakota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Mobile Food Service Plan Review Questionnaire (06/2026), South Dakota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Limited-Menu Mobile Food Service Guidelines, South Dakota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Food Service Manager Training, South Dakota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Food and Lodging Licensure Fee FAQs, South Dakota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Food License Application (revised 02/2025), South Dakota Department of Health. Checked October 25, 2026. A Department of Health form, but the copy read is hosted on the City of Sioux Falls website. Check it matches the Department's current form before verifying.
- SDCL 34-18-9: License required to operate lodging or food service establishment or campground, South Dakota Legislature. Checked October 25, 2026.
- SDCL 34-18-10: Annual license required, renewal, initial application contents, South Dakota Legislature. Checked October 25, 2026.
- SDCL 34-18-15: Expiration of license, new license on change in ownership or location, South Dakota Legislature. Checked October 25, 2026.
- SDCL 34-18-16: Mobile food service license fee, South Dakota Legislature. Checked October 25, 2026.
- SDCL 34-18-23: Notice to department of construction and alteration of establishments, South Dakota Legislature. Checked October 25, 2026.
- SDCL 34-18-25.1: Inspection of food service establishments and mobile food services, fee, South Dakota Legislature. Checked October 25, 2026.
- SDCL 34-18-26.1: Follow-up inspection, fee, South Dakota Legislature. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Sales & Use Tax, South Dakota Department of Revenue. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Business FAQs, South Dakota Department of Revenue. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Tax Fact: Special Events (September 2025), South Dakota Department of Revenue. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Peddler/Mobile Food Licenses, City of Sioux Falls. Checked October 25, 2026.
- 2021 Mobile Food Vending Application/Permit, City of Rapid City, Department of Parks and Recreation. Checked October 25, 2026. This is the 2021 form. The 2022 form returned HTTP 403 to the fetcher, and no current-year form was found. Confirm the permit still exists and its current fee with Rapid City Parks and Recreation before verifying.
Related
- Cottage Food Laws in South Dakota
- Food Truck Permits in Iowa
- Food Truck Permits in Minnesota
- Food Truck Permits in Montana
- Food Truck Permits in Nebraska
- Food Truck Permits in North 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 South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Health Protection or your local health department. Spotted something wrong or out of date?Report it and we will check it.