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Georgia is a strong market for food trucks. Atlanta alone has one of the fastest-growing street food scenes in the Southeast, and cities like Savannah, Augusta, and Athens draw steady foot traffic from tourists, college students, and locals alike. But Georgia’s regulatory landscape is more fragmented than states with statewide preemption laws. Your county health department issues your food service permit, every city can layer on its own vending permits, and every truck must operate from an approved commissary or base of operation – no exceptions.
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This guide covers every permit, cost, and step to legally start and operate a food truck in Georgia, whether you are setting up in downtown Atlanta or serving barbecue plates at a county fairground.
Food Truck Requirements in Georgia at a Glance
| Requirement | Agency | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation (Articles of Organization) | GA Secretary of State | $100 | 1-3 business days (online) |
| Federal EIN | IRS | Free | Immediate (online) |
| County Health Permit (Food Service) | County Health Department (under GA DPH) | $100-$1,000 | 2-6 weeks (plan review + inspection) |
| Mobile Food Service Unit Permit | County Health Department | Included with health permit or separate fee | Issued after vehicle inspection |
| Commissary/Base of Operation Agreement | Licensed commercial kitchen | $300-$1,500/month (Atlanta area) | Required before health permit issued |
| Certified Food Protection Manager | ServSafe / ANSI-CFP accredited exam | $50-$275 | 1-2 weeks (exam + processing) |
| Fire Suppression System (UL 300) | Licensed fire protection contractor | $3,000-$6,000 install | 1-2 weeks |
| Sales Tax Registration | GA Dept. of Revenue | Free | 1-2 weeks |
| Local City/County Business License | City or county government | $50-$400 | 1-2 weeks |
| General Liability Insurance | Commercial insurer | $500-$2,000/year | Same day |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | Commercial insurer | $1,500-$3,000/year | Same day |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance (3+ employees) | Commercial insurer | Varies | Same day |
Insurance requirements: see the full food truck insurance guide for Georgia — what the state actually requires, and current coverage rules.
How to Start a Food Truck in Georgia (Step by Step)
Step 1: Form Your Georgia LLC
File your Articles of Organization online through the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division. Cost: $100 (online filing). Processing takes 1-3 business days.
Your LLC name must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company” and must be distinguishable from existing entities on file. You’ll need a Georgia Registered Agent with a physical street address in the state – you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Georgia address.
Georgia LLCs must file an Annual Registration with the Secretary of State each year. Cost: $60, due by April 1.
If you want to operate under a different name (e.g., “Peachtree Plates” instead of “Peachtree Plates LLC”), file a Trade Name Registration with the county Superior Court Clerk.
Step 2: Get Your Federal EIN
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number at IRS.gov. You’ll receive it immediately when applying online. You need this to open a business bank account, hire employees, and register for sales tax.
Step 3: Secure a Commissary or Base of Operation
Every food truck in Georgia must have an approved commissary or base of operation. This is not optional. Unlike some states where self-sufficient trucks can skip the commissary, Georgia requires all mobile food service units to operate from a fixed, licensed facility.
Your commissary must be a licensed food service establishment where you can:
- Store food and supplies
- Prepare and pre-cook menu items
- Wash dishes, utensils, and equipment
- Dispose of wastewater and grease
- Fill fresh water tanks
You’ll need a signed commissary agreement before your county health department will issue your food service permit. The agreement must specify the commissary’s name, address, operating hours, and the services available to you.
- Monthly commissary rental in the Atlanta area: $300-$1,500 depending on location, hours, and amenities
- Shared kitchen spaces like prep kitchens and incubator kitchens are available in most major Georgia cities
Step 4: Get Your County Health Permit
In Georgia, food service is regulated by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), but permits are issued at the county level through your local county health department. This is the most important permit for your food truck.
- Cost: $100-$1,000 (varies significantly by county and risk level of your menu)
- Apply through: The county health department in the county where your commissary is located
- Plan review required: Submit your truck layout, equipment list, menu, and water/waste system specifications for review before inspection
- Vehicle inspection: Your truck must pass an inspection by the county environmental health specialist
- Mobile Food Service Unit Permit: Issued per truck after passing inspection
- Renewal: Annual
Vehicle display requirements: Your truck must display the business name, address, and permit number in lettering at least 2 inches tall, clearly visible on the exterior of the vehicle.
Important – No statewide preemption: Unlike Florida’s Occupational Freedom Act, Georgia does not have a law preventing cities and counties from adding their own permit requirements. This means if you operate in multiple jurisdictions, you may need to obtain permits from each one. Your county health permit covers food safety, but individual cities can require separate mobile vending permits on top of that.
Step 5: Get Food Safety Certification
Georgia requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per food service establishment, including food trucks.
- Who: At least one person on your truck must hold a valid CFPM credential
- Exam: Pass a ServSafe or any ANSI-CFP accredited food protection manager certification exam
- Cost: $50-$275 (exam + study materials)
- Validity: 5 years
- Timing: Must be obtained before your food service permit is issued
While Georgia does not mandate a separate food handler card for all employees the way some states do, the DPH requires that all food service workers receive training in food safety and hygiene. Keeping training records for all staff is strongly recommended and may be requested during inspections.
Step 6: Ensure Fire Safety Compliance
If your truck uses any grease-producing equipment (fryers, grills, griddles, flattops), you must meet fire safety requirements under NFPA 96 Annex B, which Georgia has adopted for mobile cooking operations.
UL 300 Listed Fire Suppression System
- Required for: Any grease-producing cooking equipment
- Installation cost: $3,000-$6,000
- Service: Semi-annual inspection and maintenance required, $200-$500 per service
- Standard: Must be UL 300 listed and installed by a licensed fire protection contractor
Fire Extinguishers
- Class K fire extinguisher: Required for cooking operations involving grease and oils ($50-$150)
- ABC fire extinguisher: Required for general fire hazards ($50-$150)
- Both must be inspected annually and tagged
Propane Safety
- Propane systems must comply with NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code)
- Tanks must be properly secured, vented, and accessible from the exterior
- Shut-off valves must be easily reachable in an emergency
- Local fire marshals may require an inspection before you begin operating
Step 7: Get Local City and County Permits
Because Georgia has no statewide preemption for food trucks, each city and county can impose its own permitting requirements. This is one of the biggest differences from states like Florida where a single state license covers you everywhere.
Atlanta
- Motor Vehicle Vending Permit: $75/year
- Electronic reservation fee: $350 (required for vending in designated zones)
- Must comply with Atlanta’s mobile food vending ordinance for location restrictions, operating hours, and distance from brick-and-mortar restaurants
Savannah
- Annual mobile food vending permit: $150/year
- Specific zones designated for food truck operation in the historic district
Other Cities
Always check with the city clerk or business licensing office in every municipality where you plan to operate. Common requirements include:
- City business license ($50-$400/year)
- Mobile vending or peddler’s permit
- Zoning approval for your commissary location
- Special event permits for festivals and markets
Step 8: Register for Sales Tax with GA DOR
All prepared food sold from a food truck is taxable in Georgia. Unlike grocery items (which are exempt from state sales tax), prepared food is always subject to the full rate.
- State sales tax rate: 4%
- Local sales tax: Up to 4% additional (varies by county)
- Combined average rate: Approximately 7%
- Register at: Georgia Tax Center (GTC) – free online registration
- You’ll receive a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration
- Sales tax returns are due monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on your volume
If you operate in multiple counties, you must collect the correct local rate for each county where you make sales. The Georgia Department of Revenue maintains a current rate lookup tool.
Step 9: Get Insurance
General Liability Insurance
Covers customer injuries, foodborne illness claims, and property damage at event locations.
- Average cost: $500-$2,000/year
- Typical coverage: $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate
- Many event organizers, commissaries, and cities require proof of general liability before allowing you to operate
Commercial Auto Insurance
Your personal auto policy will not cover a food truck. You need a commercial auto policy.
- Average cost: $1,500-$3,000/year
- Covers accidents, collision, comprehensive damage, and liability while driving the vehicle
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Required in Georgia for businesses with 3 or more employees (including part-time workers).
- Georgia’s threshold is lower than many states, so plan for this cost early if you intend to hire
- Sole proprietors and LLC members can elect to be exempt from coverage
- Administered by the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation
Your personal auto policy will not cover the truck
Stated plainly on your own build sheet, and worth repeating: a personal auto policy will not cover a food truck. You need commercial auto, at roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year — and it is the larger of the two lines.
General liability runs $500–$2,000 a year for $1M/$2M and covers customer injuries, foodborne-illness claims and property damage at event locations. Many event organizers, commissaries and cities require proof of it before you are allowed to operate at all.
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Vehicle Registration & Truck Requirements
Commercial Vehicle Registration
Your food truck must be registered with the Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division.
- CDL not required if your vehicle is under 26,001 lbs GVWR – most food trucks fall well under this threshold
- A standard Georgia Class C driver’s license is sufficient for most food trucks
- Register at your county tag office
Vehicle Requirements
Your mobile food service unit must meet Georgia DPH requirements, including:
- Handwash sink: Dedicated, with hot and cold running water, soap, and paper towels
- 3-compartment warewashing sink: For washing, rinsing, and sanitizing utensils
- Fresh water tank: Adequate capacity for daily operations
- Wastewater tank: Must be 15% larger than fresh water tank capacity
- Refrigeration: Must maintain cold-holding at 41 degrees F or below
- Display: Business name, address, and permit number in 2-inch lettering on the exterior
Cost to Start a Food Truck in Georgia
Budget Build (Used/Converted Truck)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Used Food Truck (converted) | $30,000-$50,000 | Inspect thoroughly before buying |
| LLC Formation (Secretary of State) | $100 | One-time |
| Federal EIN | Free | Online at IRS.gov |
| County Health Permit | $100-$1,000 | Annual, varies by county |
| Certified Food Protection Manager Exam | $50-$275 | Valid 5 years |
| Fire Suppression System (UL 300) | $3,000-$6,000 | Required for grease equipment |
| Fire Extinguishers (Class K + ABC) | $100-$300 | Must be inspected annually |
| Commissary (first 3 months) | $900-$4,500 | $300-$1,500/month in Atlanta area |
| City/County Business License | $50-$400 | Annual, varies by jurisdiction |
| General Liability Insurance | $500-$2,000/year | $1M/$2M coverage |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | $1,500-$3,000/year | Required for food truck |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $2,000-$5,000 | Food, packaging, smallwares |
| Point-of-Sale System | $300-$1,000 | Square, Clover, etc. |
| Branding / Wrap / Signage | $2,500-$5,000 | Vehicle wrap recommended |
| Estimated total: $50,000-$100,000 | ||
Premium Build (New Custom Truck)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Custom Food Truck | $100,000-$200,000 | Built to spec with full equipment |
| LLC Formation + EIN | $100 | One-time |
| County Health Permit | $100-$1,000 | Annual |
| Certified Food Protection Manager Exam | $50-$275 | Valid 5 years |
| Fire Suppression System (UL 300) | $3,000-$6,000 | Often included in custom builds |
| Fire Extinguishers (Class K + ABC) | $100-$300 | Must be inspected annually |
| Commissary (first 3 months) | $900-$4,500 | $300-$1,500/month in Atlanta area |
| City/County Business License | $50-$400 | Annual |
| Atlanta Motor Vehicle Vending Permit | $425 | $75 permit + $350 reservation fee |
| General Liability Insurance | $500-$2,000/year | $1M/$2M coverage |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | $1,500-$3,000/year | Required |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $3,000-$8,000 | Premium ingredients, packaging |
| Point-of-Sale System | $500-$1,500 | Advanced system with reporting |
| Branding / Wrap / Signage | $5,000-$10,000 | Professional design + full wrap |
| Generator (if not built-in) | $3,000-$8,000 | Commercial-grade quiet generator |
| Estimated total: $125,000-$250,000+ | ||
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Key Georgia Agencies for Food Truck Operators
| Agency | What They Handle | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) | Food safety regulations, county health permits | dph.georgia.gov | 404-657-6534 |
| Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) | Sales tax registration, vehicle registration | dor.georgia.gov |
| Georgia Secretary of State | LLC formation, annual registrations | sos.ga.gov |
| County Health Departments | Food service permits, truck inspections | Contact your county’s environmental health office |
| State Board of Workers’ Compensation | Workers’ comp requirements | sbwc.georgia.gov |
Related Georgia Business Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commissary for my food truck in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires all mobile food service units to operate from an approved commissary or base of operation. This applies regardless of whether your truck is fully self-sufficient with onboard water tanks and sinks. You must have a signed commissary agreement before your county health department will issue your food service permit. Commissary rentals in the Atlanta area typically run $300-$1,500/month.
Who regulates food trucks in Georgia?
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) sets food safety rules statewide, but permits are issued through your county health department in the county where your commissary is located. Individual cities can also require their own mobile vending permits on top of your health permit, since Georgia has no statewide preemption law for food trucks.
Can I operate my food truck in any city in Georgia with one permit?
No. Unlike states with statewide preemption, Georgia allows each city and county to set its own food truck permitting requirements. Your county health permit covers food safety, but you may need separate business licenses or mobile vending permits from each municipality where you operate. Always check with the local business licensing office before setting up in a new city.
How much does it cost to start a food truck in Georgia?
A budget build using a used or converted truck typically costs $50,000-$100,000, including the vehicle, health permits, commissary fees, fire safety equipment, insurance, and initial inventory. A premium build with a new custom truck runs $125,000-$250,000+, including professional branding, advanced POS, and higher-end equipment.
What sales tax rate applies to food truck sales in Georgia?
Prepared food sold from a food truck is subject to the 4% Georgia state sales tax plus local sales tax of up to 4%, bringing the combined rate to approximately 7% on average. The exact rate depends on the county where the sale takes place. You must register with the Georgia Department of Revenue and collect the correct rate for each county.
Do I need a CDL to drive a food truck in Georgia?
No, as long as your vehicle is under 26,001 lbs GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), which covers the vast majority of food trucks. A standard Georgia Class C driver’s license is sufficient. You do need to register the truck as a commercial vehicle at your county tag office.
Comparing states? See our food truck guides for all 50 states.
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