Food trucks in Georgia
Georgia regulates food trucks, trailers and pushcarts as mobile food service units under the Georgia Department of Public Health Food Service Rules (Chapter 511-6-1). Permits are issued by the county board of health in the county where the unit's base of operation (commissary) is located, called the county of origin. Since January 1, 2023, other counties must recognize that permit, but each outside county requires an authorization to operate.
Read the full guide: how to get a food truck permit in Georgia →
Who issues food truck permits in Georgia
Licensed by county or city health departments
Every mobile food service unit must operate from its own permitted base of operation, return to it daily for servicing, and may not share a base or equipment with another permit holder. DPH lists the minimum at the base as a dump station or mop sink, a handwashing sink and a potable water tap; the menu decides what else is needed. A home can serve as a base only if local zoning allows it and the area is completely separate from living space. Source ↗
Anyone who meets the definition of a dealer must register for a sales and use tax number, which is done online through the Georgia Tax Center; DOR says the account number usually arrives by email within 15 minutes. DOR's FAQ notes the certificate of registration must be conspicuously displayed. The state rate is 4% and county and city taxes are added on top, so the total rate depends on where you sell (DOR rate chart, checked 2026-10-03). Source ↗
DPH's mobile unit application asks for proof of compliance with other agencies such as zoning and fire, and fire inspection requirements vary locally. For example, Athens-Clarke County requires semi-annual Fire Department inspections for trucks that cook, and Savannah's ordinance requires a 2A:10BC extinguisher, a Class K extinguisher when cooking with fats or oils, and suppression systems tagged under Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner rules. LP-gas is regulated by the State Fire Marshal's Special Hazards Section; check with your local fire marshal before you buy or modify a unit. Source ↗
Food truck cities in Georgia
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Questions and answers
Who issues food truck permits in Georgia?
The county board of health in the county where your base of operation is located issues the base of operation permit and a separate Mobile Food Service Unit permit for each truck, trailer or cart. The rules are statewide, set by the Georgia Department of Public Health in Chapter 511-6-1.
Do I need a new health permit for every Georgia county I sell in?
No. Since January 1, 2023, outside counties must recognize the permit from your county of origin. Before you operate there, you apply to that county's health department for an authorization to operate, and the county may charge an administrative fee limited to its costs.
Do I need a commissary in Georgia?
Yes. Each unit must operate from its own permitted base of operation, return daily to empty wastewater, refill water and restock, and may not share the base with another permit holder.
Does a Georgia food truck need a sales tax number?
Yes, if you meet the definition of a dealer. Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue through the Georgia Tax Center. The state rate is 4% plus local taxes that vary by county.
Sources
Facts checked against official sources on October 3, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the agency before you apply.
- dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/food-service
- dph.georgia.gov/document/document/mobile-food-frequency-asked-questions/download
- dph.georgia.gov/document/document/dph-mobile-food-unit-permit-application-pdf/download
- dph.georgia.gov/document/document/envhealthfoodmobilefoodunitpermitappexternalco2020pdf/download
- dph.georgia.gov/document/document/envhealthfoodfoodservice-rulespdf/download
- fultoncountyboh.com/environmental-health/food-service/
- coastalhealthdistrict.org/programs-services/environmental-health-2/food-service/
- agr.georgia.gov/retailers
- dor.georgia.gov/taxes/business-taxes/sales-use-tax/sales-and-use-tax-registration-faq
- dor.georgia.gov/sales-tax-rates-general
- dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicles/vehicle-registration-license-plates
- oci.georgia.gov/inspections-permits-plans/special-hazards
- oci.georgia.gov/inspections-permits-plans/buildings-fire-suppression-systems
- sos.ga.gov/
- www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/economic-development/vending-program
- www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/economic-development/vending-program/private-property-vending
- www.savannahga.gov/2466/Food-Trucks
- www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27452
- www.accgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/31488
- www.augustaga.gov/