Food trucks in Washington, DC
In the District of Columbia, a food truck is licensed entirely by District agencies, with no separate city or county layer. DC Health's Division of Food Safety issues a Health Inspection Certificate for each mobile unit, and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) issues the Vending Business License and a Mobile Site Permit for each vehicle. Trucks that use propane also need a permit from DC Fire and EMS before the vending application is filed on DLCP's BOSS portal.
Who issues food truck permits in Washington, DC
Licensed by the state
DC Health's mobile food vending application (version 06.27.2025) requires a support facility or depot, signed by its owner, where food is stored and prepared and the unit is cleaned. The facility must provide food storage and preparation, potable water, wastewater and waste disposal, and dishwashing; if the unit is parked elsewhere, a parking agreement must be attached. Source ↗
OTR's FAQ says street and mobile food vendors collect the 10 percent sales tax on food and pay the higher of the sales tax collected or a $375 minimum per license each quarter, even with no sales. Returns go on form FR-800V, filed electronically on MyTax.DC.gov, and are due January 20, April 20, July 20 and October 20 (as listed on OTR on 2026-10-03). Confirm current rates with OTR. Source ↗
DLCP tells food vendors to apply for a propane permit before submitting the vending application on BOSS if the business uses propane. DC Fire and EMS's Fire Prevention Division issues operational permits, including LP-gas permits, through its Application for Permits and Inspections. Source ↗
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Questions and answers
Which agencies license a food truck in DC?
DLCP issues the Vending Business License and a Mobile Site Permit for each vehicle. DC Health issues the Health Inspection Certificate for each mobile unit. If you use propane, DC Fire and EMS issues the propane permit, and you register with the Office of Tax and Revenue and get a Certificate of Clean Hands before applying.
What does a DC vending license cost?
As listed on DLCP on 2026-10-03, the Vending Business License runs 2 years and costs $99, and the Mobile Site Permit costs $300 per vehicle for 2 years, pro-rated to the license period. DC Health's application lists $100 per Health Inspection Certificate application, plus $75 if a HACCP plan review is required.
Do DC food trucks need a commissary?
Yes. DC Health's application requires a support facility or depot where food is stored and prepared and the unit is cleaned, and the facility owner must sign the application. Trucks and trailers also need a 38-gallon potable water tank and a wastewater tank 15 percent larger, according to the same form.
Is there a minimum sales tax for DC food trucks?
Yes. OTR's FAQ says street and mobile food vendors pay the higher of the sales tax collected or $375 per license each quarter, even if they made no sales. The return is form FR-800V, filed electronically on MyTax.DC.gov.
Sources
Facts checked against official sources on October 3, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the agency before you apply.
- dlcp.dc.gov/service/vending-district
- dlcp.dc.gov/page/vending-steps-licensing-0
- dchealth.dc.gov/publication/mobile-food-vending
- dchealth.dc.gov/publication/mobile-vending-changes
- dchealth.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/2025%20Demande%20de%20Certificat%20d%27inspection%20sanitaire%20des%20unit%C3%A9s%20de%20vente%20ambulante%20de%20produits%20alimentaires%20_Mobile-Food-Vending-Application_French.pdf
- fems.dc.gov/service/business-inspection-service
- otr.cfo.dc.gov/page/sales-and-use-tax-faqs