What You Need To Know About Food Truck Permits in Georgia

If you’re dreaming of hitting the streets with your very own food truck in Georgia, you’re not alone. From busy corners in Atlanta to cozy downtowns in smaller towns, the local mobile food scene is alive and kicking. People are hungry for bold flavors, local specialties, and fun new food experiences—and your truck could be their next favorite stop. 

But before you get rolling, there’s something important you need to check off your list: permits.

Georgia doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Each city and county might have its own quirks, but don’t worry. Once you understand the steps and have your paperwork in order, the rest gets easier. 

Why are food truck permits so important?

Operating a food truck in Georgia without the proper paperwork isn’t just risky, but illegal. In fact, just this year, a food truck was shut down for operating without proper papers, highlighting how strictly local health departments enforce these regulations. 

Your permits are the foundation of your business; they show your setup is safe, your food is clean, and you’re operating responsibly in public spaces. Missing even a single one can result in immediate closure and fines, making compliance essential for staying open and building customer trust. 

Step-by-step guide to getting your permits in Georgia

Getting your food truck paperwork in order might feel like a tall order, but once you break it into steps, you’ll find that it’s very doable. Each part builds on the next, and by the time you’re done, you’ll be fully set up to serve across the state.

Start with local zoning and city approvals

Every county and city in Georgia can have its own set of rules for food trucks. That means step one is always checking with your local city hall or planning department. 

Some places require special zoning approval, while others may limit how close you can park near schools, restaurants, or public parks. For example, Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta have distinct processes and permit offices, so never assume the rules are the same across counties.

Meanwhile, some cities will only let you vend on private property with permission, while others may allow public street vending during certain hours or only in designated zones. If you plan to travel around Georgia, you’ll want to make a chart or folder for each city you’ll operate in, with its specific rules and contacts.

Secure a base of operations

Before your truck can serve its first meal, it needs a home base. This is your commissary kitchen—a licensed facility where you’ll clean equipment, restock supplies, prep ingredients, and dispose of waste. A home kitchen won’t meet the standards, so look for a commercial kitchen or shared-use space that’s approved by your local health department.

Start by calling your county health department and asking for a list of approved commissaries. You’ll need a written agreement with one before applying for any mobile permits.

Get your health permits in order

You’ll need two key health permits: one for your commissary and another for your mobile food unit. Start by submitting your application to your county health department. Be ready to provide:

• A full menu
• Truck layout with equipment placement
• Photos of the truck
• Details about your sinks, hot and cold water systems, and storage
• Wastewater disposal methods

Health departments take food safety seriously. They’ll want to know that your truck can keep hot food hot, cold food cold, and everything in between clean and sanitary. They’ll also check for food thermometers, glove use, storage temps, and whether you’re disposing of wastewater properly.

Get a business license

After getting your health permit squared away, the next piece of the puzzle is your business license, sometimes called an occupational tax certificate. This license officially gives you the right to run your food truck business within a specific city or county in Georgia. Without it, even with all your other documents in place, you’re technically not authorized to do business in the state.

Each jurisdiction has its own requirements, but most will ask for:

• Your official business name and street address (whether it’s your commissary or home office)
• A copy of your current health permit
• Your Georgia Sales and Use Tax ID number
• Payment of the required annual fee

This license is a stamp of legitimacy that allows you to apply for vendor spots at city-run events, operate in approved areas, and even qualify for small business funding or vendor directories. Its fees can vary quite a bit based on where you’re located. In smaller towns, it might be under $100. In more populated areas, it could be closer to $400. 

To find the right office to apply with, start by checking out the Georgia Municipal Association Directory.

Once you’re licensed, make a note of your renewal date. Most business licenses are valid for one year, and if you forget to renew, you could end up paying penalties or getting shut down temporarily. It’s a simple step, but an essential one to keep your wheels turning.

Register for Sales Tax

Next, let’s talk about money or, more specifically, taxes. Before you even serve your first sandwich, you need to register for a Georgia Sales and Use Tax ID. This ID is what allows you to legally collect sales tax from your customers and ensures you’re staying on the right side of the state’s tax rules.

Registering is easy and free. You can do it online through the Georgia Tax Center. When you register, you’ll receive your sales tax number, which you’ll use when filing your returns and reporting earnings.

After you’re set up, it’s not a one-and-done deal. You’ll need to file sales tax reports on a regular basis, either monthly or quarterly, depending on your business’s revenue. The state will let you know your reporting schedule when you register.

Tip: Keep good records from day one. Track your daily sales, separate your taxable and non-taxable items, and make a habit of setting aside the sales tax you collect. That way, when it’s time to file, you’re not scrambling. You’ve already got everything in place, and you’re in full control of your finances.

Get Your Staff Certified

Running a food truck isn’t a one-person show, a team effort. And just like your ingredients, your team should be top quality, especially when it comes to food safety. Georgia requires that every person who handles food in your truck be trained and certified, and that’s a smart move for both public health and your business reputation.

Every staff member who works with food should have a food handler card. These are quick and affordable to get, usually involving a short online course followed by a quiz. It’s a great way to make sure your team understands the basics like proper handwashing, avoiding cross-contamination, and keeping hot food hot and cold food cold.

In addition, at least one person on your team, typically the owner, manager, or lead cook, should hold a food manager certification. This is a more in-depth program that covers more advanced food safety practices and shows inspectors that you’re serious about running a clean, safe operation.

One popular provider is ServSafe Georgia, which offers both food handler and food manager training online. The certifications are valid for several years, making this a smart investment in your team and your peace of mind.

Having a fully certified team not only helps you stay compliant, but it also builds trust with customers who want to know their food is in good hands. To help you stay organized with training deadlines and certification tracking, tools like 7shifts can be a game-changer. You can use it to keep your team on schedule, manage staff documents, and even set reminders for when certifications need to be renewed. 

Prepare for your truck inspection

Before your mobile food unit is officially approved, it will go through an in-person inspection. A health inspector will examine your truck to make sure it matches the plans you submitted. They’ll check for:

• Proper water temperature and pressure
• Functioning hot-holding and cold-storage equipment
• Proper sink setups and handwashing stations
• Food safety tools like thermometers and gloves
• Cleanliness and food storage practices

It’s your chance to prove your truck is fully equipped to serve safely. Make sure everything works as intended, your food is stored off the floor, and your surfaces are spotless. If something’s missing or not working, you may have to schedule a re-inspection. Keep your paperwork on hand (like the menu), commissary agreement, and permits, so it’s easy to reference during the visit.

Take Advantage of Statewide Recognition (HB 1443)

In 2022, Georgia passed House Bill 1443, which made it easier for food trucks to operate across multiple counties. This law states that if you’ve already received a mobile food permit in one county, you don’t need to go through the full inspection process again in others.

That said, you do still need to notify each new county where you plan to operate. Expect to submit copies of your current permit, commissary agreement, and some basic forms. The good news is that you won’t have to pay another full fee or do another inspection, just some paperwork to stay official.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for permits in Georgia

Turning your recipes into reality and bringing your food to the streets may sound exciting, but there are a few key missteps that can slow you down or cost you more money than necessary. Avoiding these pitfalls early can save you time, frustration, and surprise expenses later.

Not having a commissary agreement

Every food truck in Georgia needs to be connected to a base of operations, like a commissary kitchen. This isn’t optional. It’s required by county health departments to ensure proper sanitation, waste disposal, and food prep support. Skipping this step or trying to use a home kitchen will almost guarantee a denied application. 

Before you submit anything, make sure you have a signed agreement with a licensed commissary.

Skipping county notifications under HB 1443

Yes, Georgia allows your health permit to be recognized statewide thanks to HB 1443. But that doesn’t mean you’re automatically clear to roll into a new county. Many new operators forget to notify local health departments in advance. Each county still wants to see your permit, commissary details, and basic paperwork. Don’t assume. Always reach out and submit what’s needed.

Parking without zoning approval

It might be tempting to just park wherever there’s a crowd, but zoning laws are real, and they’re enforced. Some cities have strict limits about where you can park and when. Others may require written permission from property owners. Take the time to speak with the zoning office or review the rules on the city website.

Overlooking permit renewal dates

Permits aren’t forever. Most health and business licenses need to be renewed annually. If you miss a renewal deadline, you may have to start the entire process from scratch or face penalties. One of the best ways to stay ahead? Make sure to set up renewal reminders and track your key compliance dates. That way, you won’t get caught off guard.

Here’s a quick table to guide you on your renewals:

Ready, set, serve

Launching a food truck in Georgia comes with a learning curve, but once you’ve tackled the permits and paperwork, you’re free to do what you do best, which is to serve delicious food to eager customers. It might seem like a lot at first, but if you take it step by step, it becomes a process you can manage and even master.

Keep your documents in order, stay ahead of renewal dates, including your staff’s certifications, and review local rules as your business grows. You don’t have to do it all alone, either. Tools like 7shifts can help you track team certifications and staff scheduling all in one place.

Once you’re fully permitted and licensed, the road is open. You’ll be ready to show up at farmers markets, festivals, or even your own regular neighborhood spot.