How to Start a Food Truck in Georgia (2026)

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Georgia · Food truck launch guide

Start with the county environmental health office where your base of operation will be located. Review the base, mobile unit, menu and intended service locations together so you know which applications and approvals apply. Georgia DPH food-service applications and guidance.

Your route to opening day

1. Confirm the menu, truck and kitchen plan with the reviewing authority before paying for a build.
2. Choose your business structure and registrations. If you choose an LLC, you can file directly or use a filing service.
3. Check your proposed selling locations and collect property-owner or event requirements.
4. Prepare your tax registrations for the places you will serve.
5. Arrange coverage and event documents before your first booking.

Already planning your first event? Check Georgia insurance costs, coverage and certificate steps →

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

How to Start a Food Truck in Georgia (Step by Step)

Step 1: Form Your Georgia LLC

If you choose an LLC: the filing steps below apply. Confirm your chosen structure before submitting registrations.

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: Prepare your insurance and event paperwork

Start with the requirements from your commissary, property owner, and event organizer. Ask for the coverage types, limits, and any additional-insured wording in writing, so you can give the same brief to each insurance provider.

The food business

Customer liability

Ask about general liability and food-related claims. Match the policy to your menu, activities, and venue contract.

The vehicle

Truck or trailer

Ask an auto insurance agent to confirm coverage for the vehicle, drivers, towing, and business use. A liability quote for the food business is a separate task.

Your team

Employees

Georgia generally requires coverage when you regularly employ three or more people. Regular part-time workers count, as do corporate officers and LLC members. Check Georgia’s employer rules, then ask an agent about your team.

Ready to price customer liability?

Compare liability quotes for your food truck

Simply Business offers food-truck general liability quotes. Have your business details and any venue insurance requirements ready so you can compare coverage as well as price.

Get food-truck liability quotes ↗

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission. You continue to Simply Business to request a quote; availability depends on your operation.

Still working out what to ask for? Use the Georgia coverage and quote checklist →

Keep fire approval on your launch list. Ask your local fire official to review the cooking equipment, suppression system, and extinguishers for your truck. Insurance does not replace the required inspections.

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+

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

• Starting a Business in Georgia: Complete Guide

← Back to all Georgia business guides

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.