Alabama food truck permit checklist

The steps, in order

1. 1.Form your entity and get your EIN

   Federal

   Decide sole proprietor vs LLC, then get your EIN from the IRS online. The EIN itself carries no fee. Every application below asks for it, and permits are issued to the entity you pick.

   Fee: Verify the current fee with the IRS.

   Official page

2. 2.Register for Alabama sales tax

   State

   Register with Alabama Department of Revenue before your first sale. Keep the certificate on the truck; some event organizers and cities ask to see it.

   Fee: Verify the current fee with Alabama Department of Revenue.

3. 3.Get your food handler card

   State

   Alabama requires a food handler card for people preparing or serving food. Accredited online courses take a few hours. Renews every 3 years.

   Fee: Verify the current fee with an accredited food handler course provider.

4. 4.Certify a food protection manager

   State

   At least one certified food protection manager is required. Renews every 5 years. Most health departments want the certificate in the application package.

   Fee: Verify the current fee with an accredited food manager certification provider.

5. 5.Sign your commissary agreement

   State

   Most counties require a commissary agreement for food prep, water supply, and wastewater disposal. Some counties accept a written commissary plan with a licensed commercial kitchen.

   Fee: Verify the current fee with Alabama Department of Public Health.

   Watch out: Settle the commissary before the license application, not after.

   Official page

6. 6.Apply for the Food Establishment Permit

   State

   Issued by Alabama Department of Public Health. Expect a plan review or application, then a licensing inspection of the truck before the permit is released.

   Fee: Verify the current fee with Alabama Department of Public Health.

   Official page

7. 7.Clear the county and city layers

   City

   Business tax receipt or local business license, fire inspection, and zoning approval for where you park and serve. Cities keep these even where the state runs the health side. Start with the city you will work most (Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile).

   Fee: Verify the current fee with your city and county.

   Watch out: Some counties require a separate permit for every county you serve in. Check before booking an out-of-county event.

8. 8.Get general liability insurance and a certificate of insurance (COI)

   Private

   Event organizers, commissaries, and some city permits ask for a COI naming them as additional insured. Get the policy first; certificates usually issue the same day once it is active.

Renewal calendar

What comes due after you open, and how far ahead to start the paperwork. The .ics download puts each of these on your calendar.

• State Health Permit

  Alabama Department of Public Health

  Every yearStart 30 days before

  Annually

• County Health Permit

  Alabama Department of Public Health

  Every yearStart 30 days before

  Annually

• City Business License

  Alabama Department of Public Health

  Every yearStart 30 days before

  Annually

• Mobile Vendor Permit

  Alabama Department of Public Health

  Every yearStart 30 days before

  Annually

• General liability insurance (COI)

  Your insurer

  Every yearStart 21 days before

  Organizers require the COI; renew before the policy lapses.