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What a food truck permit costs in Michigan

The figures below come from Michigan's agency pages, each with the date it was read. Government fees only: commissary rent, insurance and the truck are private costs, and the profit calculator is where those go.

The main license

$159 a year, plus a $197 plan review and a $90 inspection in the first year

Transitory Food Unit license (MDARD; the category that covers food trucks and trailers)

License year May 1 to April 30; two paid $90 inspections a year after the first. MDARD's separate Mobile Food Establishment license ($192) is for grocery-style sales from a vehicle that returns to a commissary daily.

Issued by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Read on the agency page Oct 5, 2026

Every step, with the fee where it is published

In filing order. A step without a published fee links the agency to ask.

  1. 1

    Form your entity and get your EINFederal

    the IRS

    Fee not published here; ask the agency
  2. 2

    Register for Michigan sales taxState

    Michigan Department of Treasury

    Private cost or no fee
  3. 3

    Certify a food protection managerState

    an accredited food manager certification provider

    Private cost or no fee
  4. 4

    Sign your commissary agreementState

    Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) — Food and Dairy Division

    Fee not published here; ask the agency
  5. 5

    Apply for the Mobile Food Establishment LicenseState

    Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) — Food and Dairy Division

    $189 state Mobile Food Establishment license ($156 for a Special Transitory Food Unit) under MCL 289.4111, checked September 12, 2026; local health departments add their own plan-review and inspection fees

    Sep 12, 2026
  6. 6

    Clear the county and city layersCity

    your city and county

    Private cost or no fee
  7. 7

    Get general liability insurance and a certificate of insurance (COI)Private

    your insurer

    Private cost or no fee

Renewal timeline

  • MDARD Food Establishment License

    Every year · start paperwork 30 days before · Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) — Food and Dairy Division

  • City/Township Business License

    Every year · start paperwork 30 days before · Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) — Food and Dairy Division

  • Fire Safety Inspection

    Every year · start paperwork 30 days before · Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) — Food and Dairy Division

  • General liability insurance (COI)

    Every year · start paperwork 21 days before · Your insurer

Download the renewal calendar (.ics) Open the printable checklist

Read the full picture

Michigan food truck permit guideAgencies, fees, inspections, city rules and the pitfalls, with sources.

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