Food trucks in Maryland
Maryland food trucks are licensed by local health departments, one for each of the 23 counties plus Baltimore City, under the state food service regulations, COMAR 10.15.03, and a truck needs a license in each jurisdiction where it operates. A 2017 state law (SB 262 / HB 771) created the mobile reciprocity license: a truck licensed in its county of origin, with its base of operations there and operating within 90 miles of it, can be licensed in other Maryland counties without a separate plan review, for a fee capped at $300. Mobile units also need a licensed base of operations, unless they sell only prepackaged frozen desserts.
Who issues food truck permits in Maryland
Licensed by county or city health departments
As summarized by the Queen Anne's County Department of Health, COMAR 10.15.03 as updated effective December 31, 2018 required all mobile food service facilities to obtain a base of operations or commissary by May 1, 2020, except units selling only pre-packaged frozen desserts. The base must be a licensed food service facility with potable water, waste and sewage disposal, and utensil washing and storage where needed. Source ↗
The Comptroller lists the sales and use tax rate as 6% (9% on alcoholic beverages). Sellers without a permanent license need a temporary license for events, valid for 30 days. If you take part in three or more events a year, the Comptroller asks you to register for a permanent license through Maryland Tax Connect. Source ↗
The State Fire Marshal's Mobile Food Vehicle Checklist (December 2022, based on NFPA 1, 2021 edition, Chapter 50) covers LP-gas cylinders of 200 gallons or less secured upright, a UL 1484 listed propane leak detector tested monthly, a UL 300 fire suppression system with semi-annual maintenance, a Class K extinguisher for cooking with oil and fat, staff training records kept on board, and a 10-foot clearance from building entrances and exits, other vehicles, tents and combustibles at events. Some counties add their own approval: in Frederick County, mobile units also need approval from the county Fire Marshal's Office. Source ↗
Food truck cities in Maryland
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Questions and answers
Who licenses food trucks in Maryland?
Local health departments: the 23 county departments and the Baltimore City Health Department. They apply the state food service regulations, COMAR 10.15.03, handle plan review and inspections, and you need a license in each jurisdiction where your truck operates.
Can I take my Maryland food truck to other counties?
Yes, with a mobile reciprocity license from each county you visit. You must comply with COMAR 10.15.03, hold a valid license from your county of origin, keep your base of operations in that county and operate within 90 miles of it. A county may not charge more than $300 for this license and may inspect you while you operate there.
Does a Maryland food truck need a commissary?
Yes. Since May 1, 2020, all mobile food service facilities need a licensed base of operations or commissary, except units selling only pre-packaged frozen desserts.
What sales tax license do I need for events in Maryland?
Without a permanent sales and use tax license, you need a temporary license from the Comptroller, valid for 30 days. If you work three or more events a year, register for a permanent license through Maryland Tax Connect. The rate is 6%, or 9% on alcoholic beverages.
Sources
Facts checked against official sources on October 3, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the agency before you apply.
- health.maryland.gov/Pages/departments.aspx
- health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/OFPCHS/Pages/Home.aspx
- health.frederickcountymd.gov/695/Mobile-UnitsFood-Trucks
- health.frederickcountymd.gov/678/Mobile-Reciprocity-License
- www.aahealth.org/environmental-health/food-protection/food-service-professionals/mobile-units
- firemarshal.maryland.gov/about-us/archive-reports-forms-and-documents
- services.marylandcomptroller.gov/taxes/en/sales-and-use-tax?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0010107
- www.baltimorecity.gov/health/our-work/environmental-health/food-facilities
- www.baltimorecity.gov/transportation/about/divisions/right-of-way-services/street-and-mobile-vending