How to Start a Food Truck in Washington D.C. (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Starting a food truck in Washington D.C. requires a Mobile Food Facility Permit from DC Health, a Vending Business License and Mobile Site Permit from DLCP, and a Basic Business License (BBL) before you serve your first customer. DC Health conducts a plan review before issuing your permit and inspects all food trucks every six months. A licensed commissary kitchen is mandatory. D.C.’s dense federal and commercial corridor makes it one of the strongest food truck markets in the country – but the permit process spans multiple agencies and requires careful sequencing.

Food Truck Requirements in Washington D.C. at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC Formation	DC DLCP Corporations Division	$99 online	3-5 business days
DC Health Plan Review	DC Health – Division of Food Safety	$500 one-time	Up to 30 calendar days
Mobile Food Facility Permit	DC Health	Varies; bi-annual inspection required	After plan review approval
Vending Business License	DC DLCP Vending Division	~$200 app + $300 endorsement + processing	2-4 weeks
Mobile Site Permit (per vehicle)	DC DLCP	$300 per vehicle / 2 years	Pro-rated with Vending Business License
Commissary Agreement	Licensed DC commissary kitchen	$500-$2,000+/month	Required before plan review submission
Basic Business License (BBL)	DC DLCP Business Licensing	$70 app + $25/endorsement + 10% tech fee	2-4 weeks
Sales Tax Registration	DC Office of Tax and Revenue	Free	Before first sale

How to Start a Food Truck in Washington D.C. (Step by Step)

Step 1: Form Your Business Entity

File an LLC with the DLCP Corporations Division for $99 online at mybusiness.dc.gov. Get a free EIN from the IRS at irs.gov. An LLC protects your personal assets from liability inherent in mobile food operations.

Step 2: Secure a Licensed Commissary Kitchen

All D.C. food trucks must operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation, storage, equipment cleaning, and waste disposal. Your commissary agreement must be documented before DC Health will accept your plan review application. Monthly costs typically range from $500 to $2,000+ depending on facility and hours needed. DC Health may inspect your commissary as part of your permit.

Step 3: Submit DC Health Plan Review

Submit a plan review package to DC Health’s Division of Food Safety. Fee: $500 one-time. Required documents:

• Vehicle/unit blueprints showing equipment layout
• Equipment list with specifications (refrigeration, sinks, ventilation)
• Complete menu
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan
• Commissary agreement documentation

DC Health has up to 30 calendar days from a complete submission to finish the review. Revisions add $100-$200 per cycle. Contact: dchealth.dc.gov.

Step 4: Obtain Your Mobile Food Facility Permit

After plan review approval, DC Health issues your Mobile Food Facility Permit. All D.C. food trucks are inspected every six months. A valid six-month health certificate must be on the vehicle at all times. A failed inspection results in permit suspension until corrections are completed.

Step 5: Apply for Vending Business License and Mobile Site Permit

Food trucks in D.C. also need a Vending Business License and a Mobile Site Permit from DLCP:

• Vending Business License: Approximately $200 application + $300 endorsement + processing fee
• Mobile Site Permit: $300 per vehicle, valid 2 years, pro-rated concurrent with the Vending Business License

Apply at dlcp.dc.gov/service/vending-district. The DC Food Truck Association (DCFTA) maintains updated permit guidance at dcfta.org.

Step 6: Obtain Your Basic Business License (BBL)

Apply for a BBL with food service and vending endorsements. Fees: $70 + $25/endorsement + 10% technology surcharge. Renewed every 2 years. Apply at mybusiness.dc.gov or in person at 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024. Phone: (202) 671-4500. Clean Hands certification (no DC government debt over $100) required.

Step 7: Register for DC Taxes

Register at mytax.dc.gov:

• Sales Tax: Prepared food sold by food trucks is taxed at 10% (the restaurant rate, not the general 6%/7% rate). Register before your first sale.
• Franchise Tax (Form D-30): 8.25% on net DC income over $12,000/year. Minimum tax: $250.

Cost to Start a Food Truck in Washington D.C.

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC Formation	$99	Online via My DC Business Center
DC Health Plan Review	$500	One-time; revisions add $100-$200 each
Vending Business License	~$550-$700	Application + endorsement + processing
Mobile Site Permit	$300/vehicle (2-year)	Per vehicle; pro-rated with Vending Business License
Basic Business License (BBL)	~$107+	$70 + $25/endorsement + 10% tech fee
Commissary Kitchen	$500-$2,000+/month	Required ongoing cost
Food Truck Vehicle	$20,000-$100,000+	New vs. used; custom vs. conversion
General Liability Insurance	$2,000-$4,000/year	$1M/$2M coverage
DC Biennial Report (every 2 years)	$300	Due April 1 of year after formation

Estimated total first-year startup cost: $30,000 to $120,000+ (vehicle cost is the dominant variable)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What permits do I need to operate a food truck in Washington D.C.?

Four primary permits: (1) Mobile Food Facility Permit from DC Health after plan review; (2) Vending Business License from DLCP; (3) Mobile Site Permit ($300/vehicle/2 years) from DLCP; and (4) BBL from DLCP with food service and vending endorsements. A commissary kitchen agreement is also required. Contact DC Health: dchealth.dc.gov.

How much does DC Health plan review cost for a food truck?

DC Health charges a $500 one-time plan review fee. Your package must include vehicle blueprints, equipment list, menu, and a HACCP plan. DC Health has up to 30 calendar days to complete the review. Each revision cycle adds $100-$200.

Is a commissary kitchen required for D.C. food trucks?

Yes. All D.C. food trucks must operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen for food prep, storage, equipment cleaning, and waste disposal. The commissary agreement must be submitted as part of your DC Health plan review. Monthly costs typically range $500-$2,000+.

How often are D.C. food trucks inspected?

DC Health inspects all mobile food facilities every six months. A valid six-month health certificate must be on the vehicle at all times. A failed inspection results in permit suspension until corrections are made.

What sales tax rate applies to D.C. food truck sales?

Prepared food sold by food trucks is taxed at 10% – the restaurant rate. The general DC sales tax rate is 6.0% through September 30, 2026, then increases to 7.0%, but the 10% restaurant rate is unchanged. Register at mytax.dc.gov before your first sale.