Food trucks in Vermont
In Vermont, the Department of Health's Food and Lodging Program licenses food trucks, food trailers and push carts statewide under a commercial caterer license. The license is annual and must stay current even if you only operate seasonally, and the Health Department does not prorate license fees. Some cities and towns also require their own vendor or peddler license.
Who issues food truck permits in Vermont
Licensed by the state
The Health Department's mobile unit guide does not list a general commissary requirement. It does say any separate space used as a prep kitchen needs its own commercial caterer license or home caterer license. Source ↗
Vermont's Meals and Rooms Tax is paid on meals and alcoholic beverages served by restaurants and bars. Businesses register for a Vermont Business Tax Account and a Meals and Rooms Tax license before collecting the tax. Businesses that must collect a local option meals tax have to file and pay electronically. Check the department's page for current rates. Source ↗
The Health Department's mobile unit guide links to the National Fire Protection Association food truck safety checklist and requires ventilation adequate to control heat, steam, smoke and fumes. The Health Department tells operators to contact the Vermont Department of Public Safety for fire safety, electrical or plumbing inspections. Source ↗
Food truck cities in Vermont
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Questions and answers
What license does a food truck need in Vermont?
A commercial caterer license from the Vermont Department of Health. It covers food trucks, food trailers and push carts. It is an annual license, and you must keep it current even if you only operate seasonally. The Health Department asks for a complete application packet at least 30 days before you plan to open.
How much water does a Vermont food truck need to carry?
The Health Department's guide lists 30 gallons of fresh water and 35 gallons of wastewater capacity for mobile units, and 6 and 7 gallons for push carts. The onboard hot water must stay between 110°F and 120°F.
Can I set up seating or a porch next to my truck in Vermont?
Seasonal operations can have up to 16 outdoor seats. No porches, steps or other structures can be attached to the unit, because a mobile food establishment must be capable of being moved at any time.
Do Vermont cities require their own license too?
Some do. Burlington issues peddler licenses through its Clerk/Treasurer's Office, and Montpelier and Rutland license vendors through their city clerks. Check with the town where you plan to sell.
Sources
Facts checked against official sources on October 3, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the agency before you apply.
- www.healthvermont.gov/environment/food-lodging
- www.healthvermont.gov/environment/food-lodging-program/retail-food-service-establishments
- www.healthvermont.gov/health-environment/food-lodging/retail-food-licensing
- www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/env-fl-mobile-unit-and-push-cart-requirements.pdf
- web.archive.org/web/20250101180720/http://tax.vermont.gov/business/meals-and-rooms-tax
- www.burlingtonvt.gov/493/Peddler-Licensing
- www.montpelier-vt.org/FormCenter/Clerks-9/Business-license-74
- www.rutlandcity.org/how-do-i/business-licensing/