Food Truck License Colorado: Permits and Requirements to Operate Legally

Colorado’s food truck industry is booming, from the lively streets of Denver and Colorado Springs to the small mountain towns that draw crowds for seasonal fairs and markets.

According to 2025 nationwide survey data, Colorado food trucks generate a median annual revenue of about $387,763, showing just how profitable this business can be in the state.

While the opportunity to share your food with diverse customers is exciting, you need to get the legal groundwork in place before you start your own food truck and serve your first dish. This means obtaining the right licenses, permits, and inspections to operate in compliance with Colorado’s laws.

1. Sales tax license

In Colorado, every food truck owner is required to obtain a Sales Tax License from the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR). This license is your official approval to collect sales tax on every taxable item you sell. You can apply online through the CDOR portal, and you will need details about your business entity type, your federal EIN (if applicable), your projected annual revenue, and your main operating location.

While the statewide sales tax rate is 2.9%, most cities and counties add their own local taxes, which can vary significantly. Denver, for example, adds its own rate, meaning your total tax rate can be much higher depending on where you operate. Some municipalities also require a separate local sales tax license, so if you plan to travel to multiple cities, be ready to apply for additional licenses.

2. Food manager and Food handler certification

Colorado doesn’t enforce a statewide Certified Food Manager requirement, but many local health departments do. The easiest way to get certified is by completing an ANSI-accredited food protection manager program, such as those offered through ServSafe or other approved training providers. These courses can be taken online or in person, and after passing the exam you’ll receive a certificate valid for about five years. Keep a copy in your truck, because inspectors may ask to see it at any time.

For your staff, food handler certificates are quicker and less expensive. Most employees can finish the training online in a couple of hours for under $20. ServSafe is the most widely recognized option, though other ANSI-accredited programs are also accepted in Colorado. Once completed, the certificate is usually valid for two to three years.

3. Mobile food truck license or permit

Colorado regulates food trucks at the city or county level, which means requirements vary depending on where you plan to operate. Unlike some states that offer a single statewide license, in Colorado, you’ll typically need to apply for a Mobile Food Vendor License or Permit in each city or county where you want to do business. If you hope to rotate between Denver, Colorado Springs, and a few mountain towns, you should expect to submit multiple applications and meet slightly different sets of rules in each place.

These applications usually require you to present several key documents, such as a commissary kitchen agreement, a detailed menu, proof of insurance, and a completed vehicle inspection report. The paperwork demonstrates to regulators that your truck is equipped to serve food safely and consistently.

In Denver, for instance, the Department of Public Health & Environment will not only inspect your vehicle but also ask for written proof of commissary use if your truck isn’t fully self-sufficient. In Boulder, inspectors may place tighter restrictions on where you can park and serve, while in Colorado Springs the process often includes coordination with zoning officials. Each city has its own timeline, fees, and inspection standards, so researching well ahead of time can save you delays and frustration.

4. Health Department Approval

A health inspection is mandatory before you begin serving customers, and in many ways it is one of the most important approvals you’ll receive. Local health departments will thoroughly inspect your food truck to confirm that you comply with Colorado’s food safety standards and that your setup can safely serve the public. During these visits inspectors will look at a wide range of details, including:

• Whether cold foods are consistently stored below 41°F and hot foods are held above 135°F to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
• That raw and cooked foods are kept separate at all times to avoid cross-contamination.
• That you have functional handwashing stations equipped with both hot and cold water, soap, and paper towels so staff can keep hands clean while handling food.
• That wastewater disposal systems are properly connected and functioning, preventing contamination and keeping your truck sanitary.

Depending on your setup, inspectors may also review refrigeration logs, cleaning schedules, and pest-prevention practices. They want to see evidence that food safety isn’t just an afterthought but part of your daily routine.

So how do you apply for approval? You’ll need to reach out to the local or regional health department in the county or city where you plan to operate. Most counties, including Denver, Boulder, and El Paso, have online application portals on their public health department websites where you can submit your application for inspection. In many cases, you’ll be asked to provide your commissary agreement, proposed menu, and details about your truck layout before scheduling the inspection. Fees vary by county but usually range from $100 to $300 for the initial inspection and permit. Once your paperwork is in and your inspection is scheduled, an inspector will meet you at your commissary or truck to complete the review.

Expect annual inspections, but be prepared for additional checks if you change your menu, add new equipment, or expand into different cities. Some counties conduct surprise spot-checks as well, especially during busy summer months or festivals.

5. Commissary kitchen agreement

Most Colorado cities require food trucks to operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen, which is a professional-grade facility designed for food prep, cleaning equipment, storing supplies, and disposing of waste safely. You’ll need to present a signed commissary agreement when applying for local permits, and many cities will ask for proof that you are regularly using the facility. Some rural areas may waive this requirement if your truck is completely self-contained, but you’ll need to request that exception directly through your local health department.

To get a food truck commissary kitchen agreement, the best starting point is to contact commercial kitchens in your area that rent space to mobile vendors. Many commissaries in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs have online sign-up forms and pricing posted on their websites. For example, the Denver Commissary Kitchen Network and Colorado Springs Food Truck Commissary list rental options for food truck operators. Once you choose a commissary, you’ll sign an agreement and submit it as part of your local permit application. Keep in mind that inspectors may ask for logs or receipts to prove regular use, so plan to build commissary visits into your weekly routine.

6. Fire safety inspection

If you use propane, deep fryers, grills, or any equipment with an open flame, you’ll need to pass a fire safety inspection by your local fire department. This isn’t just a box to check. It’s about protecting your team, your customers, and your investment. Inspectors will want to see that your truck is designed to prevent and handle emergencies safely. This usually includes:

• Having a Class K fire extinguisher onboard and mounted in an accessible spot
• Exhaust hoods and ventilation systems that are clean, properly installed, and serviced regularly
• Propane tanks that are secured, labeled, and checked for leaks
• A working fire suppression system above fryers or open-flame equipment, such as an Ansul hood
• Clear access to emergency exits and shutoff valves

Most cities require this inspection annually, though some may require more frequent checks depending on your setup. Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins will not issue or renew your food truck license without proof of a passed fire inspection.

To schedule, you’ll need to contact your local fire marshal’s office directly, fill out an application, and pay the inspection fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $150. They will then visit your truck, often at your commissary kitchen or at a designated inspection site, to evaluate your safety equipment and layout.

Make sure your extinguishers are fully charged, your hood system has up-to-date service tags, and your propane connections are tight and leak-free. Many fire departments publish checklists online; for example, the Denver Fire Department’s website provides detailed guidelines on what inspectors look for.

7. Vehicle registration and insurance

Registering your mobile unit as a commercial vehicle is not optional, but it’s a legal step you must take with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Unlike a personal car registration, commercial registration may involve higher fees and additional documentation, since your truck is considered a business on wheels. You can start the process on the official Colorado DMV website where you’ll find application forms and requirements. Be ready to provide proof of ownership, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and any modifications made to the vehicle for food service. Depending on the size and weight of your food mobile truck, you may also need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or a special endorsement to operate legally. If you’re not sure whether this applies to you, the DMV can clarify based on your truck’s specifications.

On the other hand, insurance is just as critical as registration. At a minimum, you’ll need:

• Commercial auto insurance, which protects your vehicle in case of an accident or damage.
• General liability insurance, which covers customer injuries, property damage, or claims related to foodborne illness.
• Workers’ compensation insurance, if you have employees, to protect them in case of workplace injuries.

Most Colorado cities will require you to show proof of insurance before issuing operating permits, and many event organizers won’t let you sign up without it. You can apply for policies directly through insurance companies that specialize in food mobile trucks, or work with a broker who understands mobile food businesses. For workers’ compensation, you can apply through the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation

8. Location and parking permits

Parking regulations vary widely across Colorado, and this is one of the areas where many new food truck owners run into trouble. For example, Denver prohibits food trucks from operating within 300 feet of a brick-and-mortar restaurant without written permission, a rule designed to balance fairness between mobile vendors and established eateries. Boulder takes a different approach and often designates specific areas where food trucks can operate, while smaller towns may only allow service on private property with an owner’s consent. Some cities, like Colorado Springs, require a location permit from the planning or zoning department before you can legally park and sell food.

To apply for permission, you’ll usually need to submit an application to the city planning or zoning office. In Denver, details and applications are available through the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses website. Boulder operators can find guidance and application links on the Boulder Planning and Development Services page. Colorado Springs provides information through its Planning and Development department. Because every municipality sets its own zoning rules, always confirm them before setting up shop.

9. Liquor license (if serving alcohol)

Serving alcohol from a food truck in Colorado requires a liquor license from the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Liquor Enforcement Division, along with approval from the city or county where you’ll operate. This process is more involved than other permits, so you’ll want to start early. Depending on whether you intend to serve beer, wine, or mixed drinks, you may need a Beer and Wine License, a Tavern License, or a Special Event Permit if you’re only serving alcohol at festivals or short-term gatherings.

You can begin the process through the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Liquor Enforcement Division website where you’ll find application forms, fee schedules, and detailed requirements. Local approval is also necessary, which means submitting paperwork to your city clerk’s office or local licensing authority. In Denver, for example, you’ll work with the Department of Excise and Licenses, while in Boulder you’ll need to apply through the City Clerk’s office.

Processing times can take several weeks to a few months depending on your location and the type of license you request. Be prepared to provide background checks, detailed operating plans, and possibly post public notices.

Renewal times to remember

One of the most common mistakes new food truck owners make is overlooking the renewal dates for their business license and permits. Missing even one deadline can put your business at risk of operating illegally, and in some cases, fines can be steep. Treat renewals as part of your yearly business plan and set reminders well in advance.

Here’s a quick reference table you can use to stay organized. Save it and personalize it by adding any renewal times specific to your business:

Permit or License	Issued By	Renewal Timeline
Sales Tax License	Colorado Department of Revenue	No renewal unless business info changes
Certified Food Manager Certificate	ANSI-accredited providers (e.g., ServSafe)	Every 5 years
Food Handler Certificate	ANSI-accredited providers (e.g., ServSafe)	Every 2–3 years depending on provider
Mobile Food Truck License/Permit	Local city or county health department	Usually annual, varies by location
Health Department Approval (inspection)	Local health department	Annual, plus surprise checks
Commissary Kitchen Agreement	Local health department	Annual or as required in permit conditions
Fire Safety Inspection	Local fire department	Annual in most cities
Vehicle Registration	Colorado DMV	Annual
Commercial Auto Insurance	Private insurance provider	Ongoing policy, renewed annually
General Liability Insurance	Private insurance provider	Ongoing policy, renewed annually
Workers’ Compensation Insurance	Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation or private insurer	Ongoing policy, renewed annually
Location or Parking Permits	Local planning/zoning offices	Varies by city, often annual
Liquor License (if applicable)	Colorado Department of Revenue + local approval	Annual renewal required

Launch your food truck business the right way

Colorado offers a thriving market for mobile food businesses, and the entrepreneurs who succeed are the ones who prepare carefully and stay consistent. Securing every license, maintaining open communication with inspectors, and staying proactive with renewals will set your business up for smooth operations.

Once these details are in place, you’ll have the freedom to focus on what truly matters: crafting food that excites your customers and building a loyal following that will seek you out wherever you park.