Food trucks in Washington
Washington has no statewide food truck permit. The local health jurisdiction in each county reviews mobile food unit plans and issues the annual operating permit under the state Retail Food Code (chapter 246-215 WAC). Before that permit is issued, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) must inspect and approve the truck or trailer itself.
Read the full guide: how to get a food truck permit in Washington →
Who issues food truck permits in Washington
Licensed by county or city health departments
WAC 246-215-09100 requires a mobile food unit to operate from an approved commissary or servicing area and return there for supplies, cleaning and servicing, unless it meets the exemption criteria in RCW 43.20.148 (complete onboard preparation, a dedicated handwashing sink, enough water and warewashing capacity, an approved wastewater and garbage plan) and the local health officer approves the menu and plan of operation. Source ↗
Register with DOR and get a Washington business license (UBI number) if you sell products that require sales tax collection. Prepared food, such as food sold heated or with utensils, is subject to retail sales tax. DOR says local sales tax is calculated at the rate where the meals are served, and sales of prepared food to consumers are reported under the retailing B&O classification. Source ↗
The Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A-0319) covers mobile food preparation vehicles with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors or that use LP-gas or CNG systems. Local fire departments issue the permits. Since April 2024, one WSAFM checklist inspection is recognized by participating fire departments, but a permit is generally still required in each jurisdiction where you operate. Source ↗
Food truck cities in Washington
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Questions and answers
Who issues food truck permits in Washington?
The local health jurisdiction in each county issues the mobile food unit operating permit after plan review and a pre-operational inspection. The Department of Labor & Industries separately inspects and approves the truck or trailer, and local fire departments and cities issue their own permits.
Do Washington food trucks need a commissary?
Usually. WAC 246-215-09100 requires an approved commissary or servicing area unless the unit meets the exemption criteria in RCW 43.20.148 and the local health officer approves the menu and plan of operation.
Can I use my county permit in another Washington county?
You still need a permit in each county, but under RCW 43.20.149 the other county must accept your approved plan review if you provide your current permit, approved plan review, latest inspection report and any commissary agreements. It may charge an annual permit fee but not a plan review or inspection fee.
How close does a restroom need to be?
If the truck stays at one location for more than one hour, approved toilet facilities with handwashing must be readily accessible to employees within 500 feet (WAC 246-215-09150).
Sources
Facts checked against official sources on October 3, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the agency before you apply.
- doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/food/local-food-safety-contacts
- doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/food/food-worker-and-industry/food-safety-rules
- doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/food/food-worker-and-industry/food-safety-rules/food-truck-rule-revision
- doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/food/food-worker-and-industry/food-worker-card
- app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-215-09100
- app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-215-09150
- app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.20.148
- app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.20.149
- app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=51-54A-0319
- lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/manufactured-modular-mobile-structures/food-trucks-trailers/
- dor.wa.gov/open-business/apply-business-license
- dor.wa.gov/education/industry-guides/restaurants-and-retailers-prepared-food/retail-sales-tax
- dor.wa.gov/education/industry-guides/restaurants-and-retailers-prepared-food/local-salesuse-tax
- dor.wa.gov/education/industry-guides/restaurants-and-retailers-prepared-food/business-and-occupation-bo-tax
- www.wsafm.com/Food_Trucks
- kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/certificates-permits-licenses/food-business-permits/mobile-food-business-permit
- www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/public-space-management-programs/street-vending
- srhd.org/programs-and-services/food-establishment-permits/new-or-remodeled-food-establishment-permits
- tpchd.org/professionals/food-safety/permits-and-applications/mobile-food-units/
- www.cityofvancouver.us/business/planning-development-and-zoning/land-use-development/mobile-food-vending/
- www.snohd.org/591/Mobile-Food-Units