Food trucks in Iowa
Iowa licenses food trucks and carts as mobile food units under Iowa Code chapter 137F. The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) issues the license unless a local agency has an agreement with DIAL to license and inspect, as the City of Dubuque Health Services Department does. The license comes from the regulatory authority where the unit is domiciled, and cities such as West Des Moines, Ankeny and Dubuque add their own mobile vendor license.
Who issues food truck permits in Iowa
State and local health departments
Iowa Code defines a mobile food unit as one that either operates up to three consecutive days at one location or returns to a home base of operation at the end of each day, and DIAL says units are licensed in the county where they are stored and serviced. The official pages checked do not set a separate commissary rule, so ask your licensing agency what it expects at your home base. Source ↗
Iowa sales tax permits are free. Prepared food, such as food sold heated or sold with utensils, is taxable, and permit holders collect state sales tax plus any applicable local option sales tax. Iowa does not issue temporary permits for special events: vendors give the event sponsor their name, address and permanent permit number. Source ↗
Under Iowa Code 137F.15, breaking a fire safety rule that applies to food establishments, on the premises of a food establishment, is also a violation of the food establishment chapter. The State Fire Marshal pages checked do not post a food truck checklist, so check with the local fire department where you will operate. Source ↗
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Questions and answers
Who issues a food truck license in Iowa?
DIAL, unless a local agency has an agreement with DIAL to license and inspect, as the City of Dubuque Health Services Department does. Iowa Code says the license comes from the regulatory authority where the unit is domiciled, and DIAL says units are licensed in the county where they are stored and serviced.
How much is the Iowa mobile food unit license and when should I apply?
The annual license fee is $250, as listed by DIAL and in Iowa Code 137F.6 on 2026-10-03. DIAL asks you to apply at least 30 days before you start, have at least one certified food protection manager, provide a floor plan, menu and equipment list, and pass an inspection before opening. Its page also says this license needs a plan review before it is approved.
Can a food truck from another state sell in Iowa?
Only with an Iowa license. DIAL says mobile units from other states that want to operate in Iowa must have an Iowa license.
Do I need a separate sales tax permit for each festival?
No. The Iowa Department of Revenue does not issue temporary permits. Vendors with a permanent sales tax permit give the event sponsor their name, address and permit number.
Sources
Facts checked against official sources on October 3, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the agency before you apply.
- dial.iowa.gov/licenses/food-establishments-hotels/mobile-food-units
- dial.iowa.gov/licenses/food-establishments-hotels
- www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/137F.pdf
- revenue.iowa.gov/permits-licensing/business-permit-registration
- revenue.iowa.gov/taxes/tax-guidance/sales-use-excise-tax/iowa-sales-tax-food
- revenue.iowa.gov/taxes/tax-guidance/sales-use-excise-tax/permits-filing-requirements-local-option-sales-tax-lost
- revenue.iowa.gov/taxes/tax-guidance/sales-use-excise-tax/special-events-tax-permits
- dps.iowa.gov/divisions-iowa-department-public-safety/iowa-state-fire-marshal-division
- www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/city-manager/city-clerk/licenses-and-permits/mobile-vendor
- www.ankenyiowa.gov/209/Food-Trucks
- www.cityofdubuque.org/174/Food-License-Safety-and-Inspection
- www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/60409