Getting Your Food Truck License

Food truck owners will need to obtain a variety of licenses and permits before they are legally allowed to operate a food truck. The following are some of the more important food truck permits and licenses required in California and how to get them.

1. Business License

A business license, also called a “vendor license,” allows an individual to operate a food truck. The city where a food truck is located administers the business license. The business license needs to be renewed yearly. As a food truck owner, you need to pay between $15 – $100 depending on the type of business or the area of jurisdiction.

2. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID used to register a business with the IRS. It is issued free of charge through the IRS, taking approximately 4 weeks. The EIN allows a business to open bank accounts, create credit profiles, or hire employees. The number can also be used by a business owner to make tax payment estimates.

3. Health Permit

A health department permit indicates that the food truck has passed the health inspection. The health department sends an agent to examine the truck for any health code violations before assigning an overall grade for the food truck. Depending on the locality, the health permit costs between $50 to $1000. The health permit is an indication that a food truck business has conducted due diligence to avoid the occurrence of foodborne illnesses.

4. California Seller’s Permit

Any business selling tangible goods requires a seller’s permit to charge sales tax. Food trucks need a seller’s permit since they sell foods and drinks, which are tangible goods. As a prospective food truck owner, you will need to register for the seller’s permit, which is free of charge.

5. Fictitious Business Name

You will need to register your food truck name with the state. It will enable you to open a business bank account and be recognized as a legal business entity. A fictitious name is not needed if you use your legal name for the food truck business. Filing a fictitious business name in California costs $26 for one name and one owner. It is not advisable to use your legal name unless your culinary skills are well-known. 

6. Liquor license

In California, food trucks cannot serve alcoholic drinks. However, food trucks can obtain a short-term liquor license for special events. As a prospective food truck owner, you should check to confirm if liquor licenses are available in the location they need to open their business. A liquor license will cost anywhere from $105 to $16,000, but as stated above, a food truck cannot get a full liquor license.

Let Legion Handle The Paperwork

Finding the licenses needed to open a food truck is important to ensure a successful business. However, applying for the licenses and waiting for approval may be tiresome. At Legion Food Trucks, we handle the paperwork for you. We’ll tell which license to apply for and we’ll even submit the applications on your behalf.  Contact us today, and we will help your food truck business hit the road.

The post How To Get Your Food Truck License appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

Food Truck Permits and Licenses to Start a Food Truck

Business License

Like any business, food trucks require business licenses, commonly referred to as basic business operation licenses or vendor licenses. Having this permit allows you to operate within your city, county, and state. Besides, the government will recognize your business as legitimate and track your activities for tax purposes. Generally, a business license shows that your food truck is compliant with requirements; hence, it is crucial to check with local authorities regarding requirements and fees for business license applications before applying.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Also known as a Social Security Number, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID number that enables you to pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. It is a 9-digit number that allows authorities to identify your business quickly. Besides, an EIN will enable you to hire employees, mainly when expanding your food truck fleet. Although some states provide EIN along with business licenses, others require you to apply through the IRS website, mail, or fax.

Health Department Permit

This is one of the most common food truck permits issued by the health department. The health permit ensures your food truck is compliant with health requirements as well as equipment requirements for safety and sanitation standards. The cost of applying for a health department permit varies between cities and can range from $50 to $1,000.

Driver’s License and Registration

Because food trucks involve a mobile kitchen, you’ll need a driver’s license and a properly registered vehicle to operate. This allows you to drive a food truck, although your standard driver’s license may come in handy. However, some states may use vehicle weight and length to determine whether you require a commercial driver’s license or use your standard driver’s license. Yet, you can easily obtain your driver’s license and register the truck through your state’s system for transportation.

Food Handler’s Permit

All employees or food truck owners handling food for preparation and storage require food handler’s permits. The permit is often granted to people who have completed a course in food handling and safety before operating restaurants, including food trucks. Most states require employers to have a valid food handler’s permit, while others call for one or more employees to have the license. It is among the most critical food truck permits because it makes customers feel more comfortable buying food from your mobile kitchen.

Parking Permit

Having a parking permit for your food truck allows you to park in specific locations or spots and sell food. This is because some streets might be off-limits or restricted to particular times of selling food from a food truck. Hence, consulting your local county clerk allows you to gain more insights into areas where you can park or need permission to operate your food truck business. You should note that parking permits vary between cities, counties, and states depending on requirements.

Licensing, Permitting, and Food Trucks All-in-One

Legion Food Trucks is more than a manufacturer. We are a true business partner who will set you up for success. This means helping you with licensing, permitting, and marketing in addition to providing a custom food truck. Visit our website to get started today!

The post 6 Common Food Truck Permits You Need To Start Your Business appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

You could shop for a used truck and take a chance its mechanical integrity will last or buy a new one. A custom food truck by Legion incorporates high-quality equipment with a personalized layout design. It offers the peace of mind you deserve as you dazzle the neighborhood with your culinary expertise. Here are five great reasons why custom food trucks are the way to go:

1. Minimize Potential Issues With Custom Food Trucks

The last thing you and your team want to worry about when you are building your business is the reliability and safety of your vehicle. Breaking down means added costs and unnecessary stress along with loss of revenue. Pre-owned food trucks come with wear and risks. The expense of extra maintenance and possible repairs if mechanical issues arise is reason enough to consider investing in a custom food truck from the start.

2. Make It Yours With Customized Equipment and Layout

Purchasing a pre-owned food truck means you are working with an existing layout which can limit what equipment you can use. If you want to make your food truck your own, customizing might be the way to go. Different menus and cuisines require different equipment. It only makes sense to avoid the costly replacement of older equipment by getting what you need for success right from the start.

3. Pass Health Code Inspections With Ease

Health codes vary from state to state and from county to county through the Food and Drug Association (FDA) has established a general code. A previously owned food truck, especially if purchased in another location, may not be up to your city’s code. You can skip the stress of making sure your business will pass inspection by purchasing a customized food truck. It will be built with your city’s health codes in mind.

4. Save Money With Big Picture Costs 

One of the main considerations when buying a food truck is the initial price you have to pay. Purchasing a pre-owned truck may seem more affordable at first but, in the long run, could be more costly. From unexpected and expensive updates or repairs to customizing equipment to meet your particular business needs, you may end up paying more. It all adds up, especially if your business is stalled from frequent breakdowns.

5. Select From A Variety Of Creative Options

Custom food trucks give entrepreneurs the ability to be as creative and innovative as they are. Legion Food Trucks designs your truck your way. Pre-owned food trucks limit your options and it may be difficult to find exactly what you are looking for. A customized food truck lets you make the decisions. From top-of-the-line, efficient equipment to personalized logos and vinyl wraps, your dream restaurant on wheels can become a reality in no time at all.

Choose Legion Food Trucks For Quality

Legion Food Trucks is known for manufacturing the best custom vehicles in the nation. Our team of talented fabricators, designers, and electricians work with you to imagine and realize your ideal food truck. We offer creative financing options streamlined to get you on the road as soon as possible. Contact us anytime and let us know how we can help you achieve your food truck business goals.

The post 5 Reasons Custom Food Trucks Are Better Than Pre Owned appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

Acquire All Necessary Permits

The permits needed for operating a food truck business will vary between different states. In California, you need three different types of permits to operate a food truck: a seller permit, health department permit, and food handling permit. This will allow you to handle and sell food legally. You’ll also be subject to a health inspection before you officially start selling food.

Additionally, you’ll need two licenses to start a food truck business. You’ll need a business license for your company, as well as an Employee Identification Number if you employ any helpers. While you may not need an official driver’s license, all food trucks need a vehicle license.

Adhere to Health Codes

Like any restaurant, food truck owners need to make sure that all food is being stored appropriately. A health inspector will make verify that all food is fresh and kept at the right temperature. Health inspectors will also make sure the food preparation areas are clean and that employees are wearing gloves for food handling.

California also has health codes in regard to waste removal and restrooms. Trash must be thrown into a marked bin outside the truck, to be removed when the truck leaves the premises. Customers need to have access to a functioning toilet and sink within 200 feet of your food truck.

Buying Business Insurance

Insurance is a worthy investment for all businesses, especially mobile food service. If another driver hits your food truck or it’s damaged by weather, business insurance can help recoup the costs. Business insurance also covers product liability, as well as business property and worker’s compensation.

The cost of your insurance will depend on the size of the truck and the cost of all the equipment inside. A large truck with multiple grills, fryers, and a freezer will obviously cost more to insure than a small ice cream truck. Plan to set aside around $250 to pay for your business insurance each month.

Learn About Parking Rules

Your loyal customers may walk anywhere for your food, but that doesn’t mean you can park anywhere you please! In Los Angeles, all food trucks are required to serve food from the sidewalk side. Food trucks also are not exempt from parking sign rules and regulations regarding overnight parking. Always check your city’s zoning restrictions first to see where you can and can’t park your food truck.

Starting Your Food Truck Business With Legion

It’s hard to stay up to date on all the latest food truck protocols, but Legion can help. We pride ourselves on creating unique custom food trucks for both first-timers and seasoned restaurant owners. To get your next food truck project started, contact us today.

The post The Legalities of Running a Food Truck Business appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.