Food Truck License New Hampshire: All Permits Required to Operate a Food Truck in NH

 

New Hampshire is a great place to start a food truck business. With tourists, community events, and college towns aplenty, the Granite State offers no shortage of opportunities for up-and-coming food truck operators. The icing on the cake is that the state government issues a statewide food truck license, which means that, besides a handful of self-inspecting communities, you can expand to new markets across most counties and cities with limited additional paperwork.

However, despite the flexibility, obtaining a food truck license in New Hampshire is still a complex process. You need to complete multiple requirements to prove that your business adheres to New Hampshire’s standards of safety and financial fairness.

Food truck license requirements checklist

The process of obtaining a food truck license in New Hampshire is quite comprehensive. You need to obtain several permits and pass multiple inspections before taking your business on the road.

To summarize, you need to follow the steps below:

1. Register your business. This costs $100, plus a $2 processing fee if registering online.
2. If you intend to do business using a name other than your registered name (for LLCs, corporations, and partnerships) or legal name (for sole proprietors), register a trade name. This costs $50.
3. Get a meals and rooms tax license from the Department of Revenue administration.
4. If you are constructing, remodeling, or renovating a food truck, apply for a floor plan review. This requires submitting a floor plan, menu, and a food operations questionnaire. The fee for a plan review is $75.
5. Go through the mobile food unit licensing process. This involves submitting your application packet, which includes your application form, proposed menu, and supporting documentation. Once submitted, you must pass a provisional inspection and a final inspection. The cost of a mobile food unit license is $150 or $225, depending on your type of food truck.
6. Ensure at least one employee is a certified food protection manager (CFPM).

Now that you have an overview, let’s take a closer look at each component. We’ll explain what they are, why they’re important, and how to get them.

1. Business registration

Before you can begin obtaining necessary licenses for your food truck, you need to register your business with the Secretary of State. This establishes your food truck as a legal entity, which grants it the right to enter specific business activities, such as entering into contracts, opening business bank accounts, or paying business taxes.

You can register your business in person at the New Hampshire Secretary of State office or electronically through the New Hampshire QuickStart website. Registration typically costs $100, plus a $2 processing fee for online applications.

2. Trade name

Certain types of businesses may be required to register trade names, also known as Doing Business As (DBA). This requirement applies to sole proprietors and general partnerships who intend to operate using anything other than one of the owners’ legal names, or LLCs, corporations, and partnerships intending to use a name other than their officially registered name.

Like with business registration, you register your trade name at the Secretary of State. Registration costs $50.

3. Meals and rooms tax license

Once registered, you need to apply for a meals and rooms license with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA). This is a New Hampshire-specific tax license that permits you to collect taxes on meals. You cannot legally operate your business without this license.

The required meals and rooms tax license forms are available on the DRA website. You can apply online through the DRA taxpayer portal.

4. Application for food establishment floor plan review

Food truck operators who plan to remodel vehicles into mobile food units must submit an application for food establishment floor plan review, which the DHHS uses to assess whether your setup includes the equipment, facilities, and layout necessary to support safe food handling. You are required to complete this application at least 45 days before building, remodeling, or renovating.

The food establishment floor plan review application consists of two components:

• Your proposed menu
• To-scale floor plan drawing
• Food operations questionnaire

Note that the following types of food trucks are NOT required to submit a floor plan:

• Sellers of pre-packaged frozen foods
• Sellers of non-TCS (time or temperature-controlled for safety) foods

There is a $75 fee for all floor plan review applications. You can submit your application online, or mail a paper application to the DHHS.

Proposed menu

Similar to the mobile food unit application, the floor plan review application looks at your menu to identify necessary food preparation, handling, and storage processes. The DHHS then evaluates your floor plan against your menu to determine whether your layout, facilities, and equipment supports the necessary workflows.

Floor plans

Your floor plan drawing shows the proposed layout of your food truck. It should include labels for the locations of:

• All food equipment
• All food preparation areas
• All refrigeration
• All sinks
• All toilet facilities and restrooms (if applicable)

Food operations questionnaire

The food operations questionnaire asks you for critical information about your food truck’s physical facilities, equipment, intended food products, and required food preparation techniques. This further supports the DHHS’ evaluation of your food truck floor plan.

5. Mobile food unit license

The most important food truck license is the mobile food unit license, which you can obtain from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Applying for this license is a multi-step process with different fee schedules and requirements based on your class of mobile food unit.

There are four different classes of mobile food unit licenses, although only three are applicable to food trucks.

Name	Description	Requirements	Annual License Fees
Mobile Cook Unit Class D	Fully enclosed units that either prepare and cook food or distribute refrigerated food.	Mobile food unit application form Menu Approval for construction and operation of sewage system (if applicable) Approval for construction and operation of sewage system (if applicable) Water analysis results (if applicable) Servicing area license (if applicable)	$225
Home Delivery Class F	Delivery vehicles of packaged or frozen food, not including prepared foods designed for immediate consumption, such as pizzas.	Mobile food unit application form Menu	$150
Other Mobile Food Units Class F	Fully enclosed units that are limited to serving non-packaged foods that do not require refrigeration for safety foods and/or non-packaged foods that do not require refrigeration for safety foods.	Mobile food unit application form Menu	$150

 

All classes of mobile food units need to submit a mobile food unit application form and a copy of their menu. However, other requirements depend on your food preparation processes. For example, if you intend to connect to your own private sewage system, you need to get approvals for both construction and operation. You will also need to provide written results of laboratory analysis of water for bacteria, nitrates, and nitrites.

After submitting your requirements, the next step is to pass two DHHS inspections: the provisional license inspection and the full food license inspection.

The provisional license is a temporary license that the DHHS grants when you’ve passed all critical requirements but still need changes in areas like minor plumbing, signage, or septic documentation. It allows you to operate while these non-critical items are pending, and is valid for up to 90 days. You should use this time to make the adjustments that the DHHS requests.

Within your 90 days of operating with a provisional license, expect an unannounced food license inspection. This is the final inspection, and it evaluates your full compliance with New Hampshire safety standards. Passing this inspection will grant you a mobile food unit license, which is valid for one year.

Here’s an outline of all steps involved in the New Hampshire food truck licensing process:

1. If you intend to own a private sewage disposal system, get the appropriate approvals from the DHHS. These are the approval for construction of a sewage system and the approval for operation of a sewage system.
2. Submit your mobile food unit application packet online or via mail. Your packet should include:
   1. Mobile food unit application form
   2. Menu
   3. Approval for construction and operation of sewage system (if applicable)
   4. Approval for construction and operation of sewage system (if applicable)
   5. Water analysis results (if applicable)
3. Wait for the DHHS to process your application. Within two to three weeks, the DHHS will send an email to arrange a provisional licensing inspection.
4. Contact the licensing inspector within 7-10 days prior to your proposed opening date to schedule your provisional licensing inspection.
5. Should you pass the inspection, you will receive a provisional license, which grants you the right to operate temporarily within the next 90 days.
6. Complete any requirements requested by the DHHS.
7. Wait for the DHHS to conduct an unannounced food license inspection.

Mobile food unit application

Your mobile food unit application is a form listing all basic information about your food truck, including:

• Owner information
• Business information
• Mobile food unit classification
• Projected route
• Vehicle information

You can submit your application form online along with the rest of your application requirements, or mail a paper form to the DHHS Food Protection Bureau.

Proposed menu

Outlining your food truck menu helps the DHHS identify potential food safety risks specific to your operation. This information allows them to assess whether your floor plan can support safe food preparation and to recommend any necessary changes to your facilities, equipment, or procedures.

Septic documentation

Food trucks in New Hampshire rarely need to construct their own septic systems. Food trucks that do not prepare food generate no wastewater, while food trucks involved in food preparation usually connect to self-contained tanks, municipal sewers, licensed commissaries, or off-site disposal facilities.

However, should you intend to build your own private sewage disposal system, you need to get proper septic documentation, namely approval for construction of a sewage system and approval for operation of a sewage system.

To get septic documentation, you need to submit an application packet containing your site plan, design drawings, and supporting calculations to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES). If your plans meet the DES’ standards, you should expect to receive approval for construction within 15 to 20 business days.

Once approved, you can install your septic system. Then, you should arrange a final inspection with the DES, which will evaluate your system’s compliance with all state requirements. Passing the final inspection will earn you approval to operate your septic system.

Water analysis results

If you are using a private septic system and not municipal water or any other public water system, you also need to include written laboratory results analyzing the quality of your water. These laboratory analyses test your water for nitrates, nitrites, and bacteria like total coliform and E. coli. You can get water analysis results from DES-approved laboratories or your local health department.

Servicing area license

If you are operating from a separate service area, such as a base of operations or a food truck commissary, your application packet needs to include a copy of the food license of that servicing area. This ensures that all your workspaces meet state standards of food safety.

6. Certified food protection manager

New Hampshire law requires all food establishments that handle TCS (time- or temperature-controlled for safety) foods to hire at least one certified food protection manager (CFPM) to oversee daily operations. CFPM credentials confirm an employee’s deep knowledge of supervisory food safety practices, including the creation, implementation, and maintenance of food safety policies.

To obtain CFPM certification, you must pass a CFPM exam from an organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board. Some CFPM programs will also provide a course before your exam, while others offer the exam alone. The cost of the program ranges between $55 to $200, depending on the depth of inclusions.

Self-inspecting jurisdiction requirements

Most of the above requirements apply statewide. However, fifteen jurisdictions in New Hampshire are self-inspecting, meaning they operate under their own food safety standards and independently approve licenses, overriding the state’s requirements for food services.

Requirements for self-inspecting jurisdictions are similar to statewide requirements. However, you would need to get approval from the local government rather than the DHHS. Associated fees also vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local government for more details on each requirement.

Jurisdiction	Requirements
Bedford	Health department food check Floor plan review Food license Food service inspection form
Berlin	Food truck license
Claremont	Food truck license
Concord	Food service license Peddler license
Derry	Food service license
Dover	Food service license Peddler license
Exeter	Mobile food establishment license Floor plan
Keene	Food license
Manchester	Mobile food establishment license Commissary agreement (if applicable)
Merrimack	Food establishment plan review Food establishment license HACCP plan (if applicable) Finish schedule (if applicable) Pest control plan
Nashua	Mobile food service license Hawkers and peddlers permit Fire safety inspection Commissary agreement (if applicable)
Plaistow	Food service establishment license Plans and specifications Commissary license Water testing laboratory results (if not using a public water source)
Portsmouth	Mobile food service permit
Rochester	Food license Hawkers and peddlers license Commissary agreement
Salem	Food service license Plan review Commissary license

License renewal schedule for food trucks in New Hampshire

Keep in mind that obtaining licenses isn’t usually a one-and-done task. Through time, both your business and the state’s regulations will inevitably evolve. For this reason, the government requires regular renewals for most food truck licenses, permits, and requirements.

To maintain uninterrupted operations, it’s essential to stay on top of renewal timelines. Taking a proactive approach to license renewal tasks helps you avoid fines, forced closures, or other legal complications.

Requirement	Issuer	Renewal schedule	Notes
Business registration	Secretary of State	Annually	Requires submission of annual report
Business name registration	Secretary of State	Every five years	Costs $50
Mobile food unit license	Department of Health and Human Services	Annually	Costs $225 for mobile cook units, $150 for home delivery trucks, and $150 for other types of mobile food units
Floor plan review application	Department of Health and Human Services	Per change remodel, renovation, or construction	Costs $75
CFPM certification	Any ANSINAB-accredited CPFM exam provider	Every five years	Required for at least one staff member involved in daily operations

What to do if your mobile food unit license application is denied in New Hampshire?

Rejected applications typically receive notices from the DHHS within 30 days. These notices will include a reason behind the decision, including the laws or regulations violated. If the DHHS provides a valid reason for rejection, your only choice is to reapply. The DHHS allows applicants to resubmit their applications at any time as long as they’ve resolved the issues that led to the denial.

However, if you believe the reasons provided for the denial are not valid, you may file a formal appeal to the DHHS within 30 days of receiving your results. An appeal will lead to a hearing, where you can present your case, supporting evidence, witnesses, and other arguments.

What to do if your mobile food unit license is revoked in New Hampshire?

If New Hampshire revokes your mobile food unit license, you will receive a notice detailing the reasons behind the revocation. You are required to stop operating within 10 calendar days of receiving your revocation notice.

Should you disagree with the reasons behind the revocation, you have the right to request a hearing within 10 days of receiving your notice. During the hearing, you can challenge the decision and present evidence, witnesses, or corrective plans that support your argument.

However, if the hearing fails, you have no choice but to reapply. On reapplication, you are required to submit a corrective action plan that outlines how you will address past shortcomings, such as violations or deficiencies. While there is no fixed waiting period for reapplications, the DHHS will not acknowledge your submission unless you comply with all requirements.

Is New Hampshire a good place to start a food truck?

New Hampshire provides several conditions that support food truck success. Firstly, it offers a diverse range of market opportunities, including medium-sized urban hubs like Manchester, Nashua, and Concord, college towns like Hanover and Keene, and moderately popular tourist destinations in the Lakes Region, White Mountains, and Seacoast areas. Cities are well-connected by road, making it easy to travel across the state to access new markets.

For the most part, the licensing process is straightforward and flexible. The statewide food truck license gives food truck operators the freedom to operate within most markets across the state. However, this flexibility is made complicated by the fifteen self-inspecting jurisdictions. Should you choose to operate in at least one of these jurisdictions, you will need to take on the burden of additional paperwork.

Another challenge New Hampshire food truck operators face is the weather. New Hampshire experiences very harsh winters, which can force food trucks to operate seasonally or take on additional expenses, such as heating, utilities, and storage.

Overall, however, New Hampshire offers a promising environment for food truck owners. It is easy to find success as long as you sufficiently prepare for the few existing challenges, namely, weather and licensing in self-inspecting jurisdictions. Start by creating a food truck business plan. Thoroughly research all potential costs, markets, and challenges so you can get an accurate estimate of what it takes to run a profitable food truck.

Ramp it up

Remember: your food truck license is more than just a gateway to legal food truck operations. The process of obtaining one prepares you to protect the safety of your customers, your employees, your assets, and your food truck’s reputation. Though New Hampshire’s requirements might be rigorous, its standards and processes set you up for smooth operations.

As you take your food truck concept to the road, it helps to have the right tools in your collection. Leading workforce management platform 7shifts supports efficient food truck operations by automating day-to-day processes, including scheduling, communication, and employee engagement. By streamlining restaurant management, 7shifts empowers you to drive your business toward success.