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How Long Does It Take to Get a Food Truck Permit?

Most often, it takes around 5 to 10 days to process and obtain your food truck permit; however, it can be longer if there is a need for modifications or if you need to submit additional documents.

Food trucks provide services and offerings that require them to obtain authorizations. These permits and licenses work to guarantee that food trucks comply with the regulations and numerous food safety guidelines. Although they can seem daunting most times, their essence is to ensure that businesses are in line with local and federal laws.

Have it in mind that a food truck permit and license will have to be acquired prior to opening your truck windows to serve food.

Regardless of where you are in the United States, if you don’t obtain the right authorizations before starting your food truck business, you will incur sanctions and penalties that might cripple your business.

Factors That Influence How Long It Takes to Get a Food Truck Permit

Starting a Food truck business is indeed a good option to consider if you are looking for a viable business concept. While the licenses and permits you need will surely differ, it is recommended you pay vital attention to this phase of your business.

However, have it in mind that the time or how long it takes to get your permits will vary depending on certain vital factors. These factors include;

  1. Location and Regulations

States, cities, and even counties tend to have guidelines that regulate food trucks within their jurisdiction and it is important you conform to those regulations.

For instance, in Los Angeles, a food truck operator will be expected to first acquire Mobile Food Facility Permit, a Health Permit, as well as a Business License. These permits tend to have different application processes and could take from 5 days to several weeks to get.

  1. Completeness of Application

It is imperative to reiterate that it can take longer to obtain your permits if there is a need for modifications or if there is a need to submit additional documents.

If certain details are missing from your application or your documents are not complete, it will most definitely delay your application.

  1. Time of Year

This is another factor that will most definitely dictate how long it takes to get your food truck permit. There are cities and municipalities in the United States that experience high demand for permits during a particular time of the year. For example, the summer season is known to be the most lucrative time of year for food truck businesses.

Since, there are more outdoor events, and people prefer to spend more time outside, the food truck business tends to welcome more entrants. Note that this could delay your application as the city might be understaffed or burdened with a backlog of applications.

  1. Type of Food Being Served

This is another factor that will influence how long it takes to grant your permits. There are specific kinds of foods or menu options that will necessitate additional permits and inspections to guarantee food safety.

A good number of cities in the United States tend to have restrictions on the sort of culinary options good trucks are allowed to serve in their jurisdiction. This may include alcohol or other relevant restrictions.

  1. Health Department Inspections

During the course of applying for your food truck permit, you will have to provide all necessary information regarding yourself and your food truck, and most often submit yourself for health inspection.

In some cities, this inspection will have to be carried out periodically and will most likely involve checking the temperature of your truck storage areas, ensuring that you use gloves as well as other safety gear, or even guaranteeing you have the right sink and food prep areas. Have in mind that the time it takes to schedule and pass this inspection will differ from one location to another.

  1. Background Checks

This is another factor to take into account when considering how long it will take for your permit to be approved. Note that a good number of cities mandate background checks for food truck owners and their employees.

Note that how long it takes the relevant authority to get the necessary information will influence the time it takes to grant your permit.

  1. Availability of Permits

Numerous cities or municipalities in the United States have a cap on the number of permits they can issue to food trucks within a particular time frame.

When this happens, food truck operators who have submitted their applications will have to wait for the ban to be lifted and a new batch to be issued.

It simply means that how long it takes to get your permit will also depend on the availability of food truck permits in your location.

Conclusion

When looking to start a Food truck anywhere in the United States, it is important to understand the necessary permits you require to sell from your truck window.

Food truck operators are often expected to obtain the same licenses and permit as restaurants, coupled with other necessities that are specific to food trucks.

Most often, it takes around 5 to 10 days to process your food truck permit; however, it can be longer if there is a need for modifications or additional documents.