Food trucks in Illinois
In most of Illinois, food trucks get their health permit from the local health department (county, city or district) where they operate, not from a state agency. In Chicago, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection issues a Mobile Food Dispenser or Mobile Food Preparer license after a Chicago Department of Public Health consultation and inspection. The Illinois Department of Public Health sets the Illinois Food Code, based on the 2022 FDA Food Code, and supports local health departments. Some cities add their own rules. Chicago also requires a Fire Safety Permit for trucks with generators, propane, hoods or suppression systems. Peoria requires a fire permit and, downtown or on the public right-of-way, a city license. Rockford requires an annual fire inspection and, on city property, the right-of-way or at events, a city vending permit.
Read the full guide: how to get a food truck permit in Illinois →
Who issues food truck permits in Illinois
Licensed by county or city health departments
Commissary rules are set locally. Chicago requires every mobile food licensee to hold a Shared Kitchen User license and service the truck at a licensed commissary. Will County requires mobile units to return daily to a licensed commissary and to file a signed commissary agreement. Check with your local health department. Source ↗
Register with IDOR before you make sales: file Form REG-1 online through MyTax Illinois (IDOR lists about one to two business days) to get a Certificate of Registration, which IDOR says must be displayed in a prominent location. Food prepared for immediate consumption is taxed at the 6.25% State rate plus local taxes, as listed in IDOR PIO-115 on 2026-10-03. Some cities add their own taxes, such as Peoria's 2% municipal food and beverage tax. Source ↗
Fire checks are local. Chicago requires a Chicago Fire Department Fire Safety Permit for trucks with generators, propane or natural gas, exhaust hoods or suppression systems, and allows no more than 40 pounds of propane on a truck. Rockford requires an annual fire inspection and Peoria a fire permit. The State Fire Marshal's LP-gas rules adopt NFPA 58. Source ↗
Food truck cities in Illinois
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Questions and answers
Who issues food truck permits in Illinois?
In most of Illinois, your local health department. IDPH says retail food establishments, including food trucks, are regulated by the local health department serving the area where they operate. In Chicago, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection issues a Mobile Food Dispenser or Mobile Food Preparer license after a Chicago Department of Public Health consultation and inspection. Some cities add their own rules, such as Peoria's fire permit and Rockford's annual fire inspection.
Do Illinois food trucks need a commissary?
It depends on where you operate. Chicago requires a Shared Kitchen User license and servicing at a licensed commissary, and Will County requires a daily return to a licensed commissary with a signed agreement. Ask your local health department what it requires.
What food safety certificates does an Illinois food truck need?
IDPH requires food establishments to be supervised by a Certified Food Protection Manager (ANSI-accredited, valid five years), though some counties waive this for low-risk menus. Mobile food employees need food handler training unless they hold a CFPM. Chicago Mobile Food Preparers need a City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate or proof of reciprocity.
How much is a food truck license in Chicago?
As listed by the City of Chicago on 2026-10-03: $700 for a Mobile Food Dispenser license and $1,000 for a Mobile Food Preparer license, each for two years. Trucks that need a Fire Safety Permit pay $100 for the permit, and trucks with a fire suppression system also pay $150 for the suppression system plan review.
Sources
Facts checked against official sources on October 3, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the agency before you apply.
- dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/food-safety/retail-food.html
- dph.illinois.gov/about/lhd.html
- dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/food-safety/food-handler-training/food-handler-faq.html
- dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/food-safety/cfpm-fssmc.html
- tax.illinois.gov/businesses/registration.html
- tax.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/tax/businesses/documents/pio-117.pdf
- tax.illinois.gov/research/publications/pio-115.html
- sfm.illinois.gov/iam/business/liquefied-petroleum-gas-tanks.html
- www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/chicago-business-licensing/home/foodtrucks.html
- www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/chicago-business-licensing/home/mobilefood.html
- www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cfd/provdrs/prevent/svcs/mobile-food-vehicle-certifications.html
- sangamonil.gov/departments/m-r/public-health/food-service
- peoriagov.org/1123/Mobile-Food-Drink-Operations
- www.rockfordil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4473/Food-Vendor-Requirements-Flyer
- www.c-uphd.org/plan-review-and-annual-health-permits.html
- willcountyhealth.org/mobile-vending/