Food Truck Requirements in Texas – Part 3: Legalities. How To Get Business Licenses
You are probably sitting at your desk, wondering how to get started with your food truck business. The legal side of the business can be daunting and confusing, but we’re here to help!
This blog post will cover the types of licenses you need for your food truck to operate legally. We’ll also discuss where to go (or who to contact) when applying for these licenses and what type of information is needed when filling out applications.
Types of Food Truck Licenses
There are three major types of food truck licenses to consider getting before opening your mobile restaurant.
1. Business License
The first is the business license, which allows you (or anyone operating under the name) to legally operate as a corporation or sole proprietorship in Texas. This means that if someone sees you out at their favorite park serving gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, they can file a complaint with the city if it is found that you are not legally allowed to operate as a business.
2. Occupational Permit
The second type of license that many food trucks require is an occupational license or permit. These licenses vary from state to state and county to county based on how each municipality decides to regulate mobile food vendors.
These permits are usually issued by the city or county government. They can be used in multiple locations within their jurisdiction, though you will often have to apply for a new permit if your business changes location (e.g., moving from one side of town to another).
3. Commercial Insurance Coverage
Lastly, many food trucks also need commercial insurance coverage before they can start selling food. This protection is vital to running a successful business because it covers any damage or injuries while working with your mobile kitchen setup.
Where To Apply For Food Truck Licenses
The best place to apply for both licenses and permits will be at the city level, where local government offices are usually located. You can also try to apply at the county level, often listed on their website or available upon request from local government offices.
The best place to start when looking for these locations in your area will be online, where you should find a list of addresses and contact information specific to businesses like yours (i.e., food trucks).
If you cannot find the information online, don’t be afraid to call up local government offices and ask about what licenses or permits your business will need to operate legally.
We are looking forward to assisting you.
Operate Your Food Truck Legally
A food truck business permit/license allows you to legally operate a food truck in one city/county, and additional licenses and permits also need to be obtained if you want to park your truck or cook food on the street.
The individual operating the truck must also obtain a DOT license (truck permit) to legally operate it on public roads.
Furthermore, business owners must register their business with a state tax office and apply for various tax permissions as a vendor in most states. You may be required to obtain a state sales tax permit.
Consult your local tax office or the IRS website for more information. If you’re employing, make sure to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), often known as a federal tax ID.
Start Filling Applications!
If you need assistance with the process, do not hesitate to contact our team at Trailer King Builders. We’ll be glad to assist you. For more information about licenses, contact your state department of transportation.