Mobile Food Vending License
The Mobile Food Vending License is issued to an individual who will prepare and/or serve food from a permitted mobile food vending unit (truck or pushcart). The license is issued by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) as a photo ID badge. There are no waiting lists to apply for the Mobile Food Vending License.
This license is required prior to applying for a Mobile Food Vending Permit (inspection decal), which is issued for the food vending unit (truck or pushcart) that will be operated. There are waiting lists to apply for a Mobile Unit Permit unless you plan to operate a Restricted Area Food Vending Permit.
An application for a new license must be submitted in person by the applicant; none will be accepted by mail or by a representative of the applicant. All applicants must register and pay for a mobile food vending food protection course at the time they apply for a license. Successful completion of the food protection course is required to obtain a mobile food vending license.
Mobile Food Vendors can apply for a Full Term (FT) license, which is valid for two years unless suspended or revoked by the Commissioner.
The information on this page is designed to explain the application, regulatory compliance, and inspection requirements associated with a Mobile Food Vending License. This information encompasses only health-related aspects of the regulatory requirements of a mobile food vending license, and business users should be aware that reading the documents attached and below will be necessary to properly understand the various provisions of DOHMH regulations.
All applicants for a Mobile Food Vending License must pass the Food Protection Course for Mobile Food Vendors before they are issued a license. Applicants for the license will be required to register and pay for the course at the same time they apply for a license. You will receive your license in the mail in about a week after passing the final exam. You may not begin working on a mobile food vending unit until you receive your license.
You must provide proof of home address when you apply for this license. You may provide one of the following if it has your name on it:
- Valid driver's license or non-driver's photo identification
- Recent bank statement, credit card statement, or utility bill (dated within 90 days of the application date)
- Valid/current lease
If you do not have acceptable proof of your home address, you must submit a completed affidavit of home address form with your license application.
You will need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer ID.
List of Fees.
- $50.00: Full-term (2 year) license fee (debit or credit card, check or money order). License Code H05
- There is no fee for an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Services or the surviving spouse or domestic partner of such veteran.
- $53.00: Fee for Mobile Food Vendor Food Protection Course (debit or credit card, certified check, government check or money order). Payment for the course must be submitted separately from the payment for the license application or any violations of the Health Code or Administrative Code.
- Payment for Health Code or Administrative Code Violation(s), if any (debit or credit card, certified check or money order only made payable to the Environmental Control Board). Payment for any violations must be submitted separately from the payment for the license application and the Food Protection Course.
List of accepted payment methods.
- Personal Check (made payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene - in person only)
- Certified Check (made payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene - in person only)
- Government Check (made payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene - in person only)
- Money Order (made payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene - in person only)
- American Express (online and in person)
- Discover (online and in person)
- MasterCard (online and in person)
- Visa (online and in person)
You will attend the Mobile Vending Food Protection Course at the NYC Health Academy. After you pass the final exam, your photo will be taken for your license. You will receive your license in the mail within 1 week. Applicants that have not received the license in the mail within three weeks of passing the exam can call 311 for assistance.
You cannot begin vending or working on a mobile food cart or truck until you receive your license in the mail.
The Health Department's easy-to-follow compliance guide can help mobile food vendors avoid violations and keep customers safe from foodborne illnesses. Download What Mobile Food Vendors Should Know (PDF).
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All mobile food vendors must obey the regulations regarding vending on restricted streets.
This license does not satisfy the regulatory requirements of other City and State Agencies. It is the vendor's responsibility to apply for all other permits, licenses, and authorizations required by other City and State Agencies.
Complete an Application for Mobile Food Vending License and required additional forms, in accordance with the instructions provided.
You must make an appointment with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to submit your license application. To schedule an appointment, either email LicensingAppointments@dca.nyc.gov or call 212-436-0441. A DCWP Licensing Center representative will respond to your request within two business days.
- You must wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth at all times while you are in the Licensing Center.
- You must arrive alone for your appointment.
- Please be prompt and bring with you all the needed paperwork. If you arrive late or your application is incomplete, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
You may renew your permit in person at the DCWP Citywide Licensing Center. If you send someone to renew for you, they must present an Authority to Act on your behalf.
Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, email LicensingAppointments@dca.nyc.gov or call 212-436-0441. You may submit your documents in Manhattan or Queens.
- You must wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth at all times while you are in the Licensing Center.
- You must arrive alone for your appointment.
- Please be prompt and bring with you all needed paperwork. If you arrive late or your application is incomplete, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
You will receive a renewal packet in the mail approximately 90 days before your license expiration date. Please read the packet carefully before submitting your application. This specific package includes:
- a summary of any changes to the renewal process
- the renewal application form
- the renewal checklist of all required supporting documents and information
- NYC Health Department forms and a Clearance Request form
You may submit your renewal application by mail. The completed renewal application form, supporting documentation (copies only), and fee (payable by check or money order only made payable to NYC DOHMH), if required, can be mailed to:
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
42 Broadway, Licensing Division
New York, NY 10004
If you have not received your renewal application packet, you may request a copy by sending an email to MFVLicenseHelp@health.nyc.gov or you can call 311.
If you are updating your mailing address with your license/permit renewal application at this time and you also have a MFV license/permit which will have to be renewed at another time, write the permit Record ID (Permit #) number next to the Record ID on the license renewal notice. The Licensing Center will then update your address for BOTH records.
You can follow up on the status of your application by sending an email to MFVLicenseHelp@health.nyc.gov. Please allow # weeks for processing before inquiring.