Food trucks in New Hampshire
New Hampshire licenses food trucks and push carts as mobile food units through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Food Protection Section, which requires a plan review application before a vehicle is built or converted. The exception is the 15 self-inspecting cities and towns, including Manchester, Nashua, Concord and Portsmouth, which issue their own food licenses and do their own inspections. Operators selling taxable meals also need a Meals and Rooms (Rentals) operator's license from the state.
Who issues food truck permits in New Hampshire
State and local health departments
DHHS requires at least a hand sink on the unit and access to a three-compartment sink, either on board or at a servicing area or commissary, and it licenses servicing areas used for food storage or warewashing. Some self-inspecting cities go further: Nashua requires a licensed commissary and a signed commissary agreement, and Portsmouth requires daily service at a licensed, inspected commissary when operating. Source ↗
Businesses selling taxable meals must register for a Meals and Rooms (Rentals) operator's license before opening (RSA 78-A:4). The customer pays the tax, and the operator collects it and remits it to the state by the 15th of each month. The rate is 8.5% for taxable periods beginning October 1, 2021, as listed on 2026-10-03. Source ↗
The State Fire Marshal's office says the state fire code (NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2024 editions, effective July 27, 2026) applies to anyone operating equipment or processes regulated under NFPA 1, and that permits and fees are reserved for municipalities. The page does not address food trucks specifically, so check with the local fire department. Nashua, for example, requires a fire safety inspection from its Fire Marshal's Office for food trucks and trailers. Source ↗
Food truck cities in New Hampshire
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Questions and answers
Who issues a food truck license in New Hampshire?
The DHHS Food Protection Section licenses mobile food units statewide, except in the 15 self-inspecting communities: Bedford, Berlin, Claremont, Concord, Derry, Dover, Exeter, Keene, Manchester, Merrimack, Nashua, Plaistow, Portsmouth, Rochester and Salem. Those cities and towns issue their own licenses.
How much is a state mobile food unit license?
As listed on the DHHS fee schedule (September 2026) on 2026-10-03, a mobile cook unit costs $225 a year, and a push cart or other mobile unit serving packaged or non-TCS foods costs $150 a year. Self-inspecting cities set their own fees.
Do I need a state license to sell at a fair or farmers market?
DHHS says a unit is exempt if it only operates as a temporary food service establishment (a fixed location for up to 2 weeks at a fair or similar event) or an occasional one (no more than 4 days in a 30-day period). Other mobile units must apply for a license, and DHHS recommends checking local rules too.
Can I cook on a grill outside my New Hampshire food truck?
No. DHHS says there may be no cooking equipment or other accessories outside the mobile food unit, and all storage tanks must be part of the unit. In Nashua, any operation outside the unit needs a separate temporary vendor application and plan review.
Sources
Facts checked against official sources on October 3, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the agency before you apply.
- www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/environmental-health-and-you/food-protection
- www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/environmental-health-and-you/food-protection/apply-new-license-or-change-0
- www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/documents/2021-11/fp-selfinspect.pdf
- www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/documents/2021-11/fp-mfus-faq.pdf
- www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/media/media_document/fp-feeschedule.pdf
- www.revenue.nh.gov/taxes-glance/meals-rooms-rentals-tax
- www.firemarshal.dos.nh.gov/laws-rules-regulatory/state-fire-code
- www.nashuanh.gov/1498/Mobile-Food-Service-Vendors
- www.portsmouthnh.gov/health/food-truck-regulations
- www.concordnh.gov/1893/Food-Truck-Information
- keenenh.gov/community-development/food-licenses-inspections/