New York Mobile Food Vendor Permits

Carts and food trucks in New York City need both a personal vendor license and a permit for the unit. We help you navigate the mobile food vendor requirements.

Operating a food cart or truck in New York City requires a mobile food vendor license held by the individual and a separate permit for the unit itself, both administered with the Department of Health, and the unit permits are limited in number. Gerald Franklin Agency and Warren Kalyan help you understand the requirements, prepare the applications, and coordinate the inspection so you can operate.

How We Help

What We Handle

Guidance on the mobile food vendor license and the unit permit
Preparation of the applications with the Department of Health
Coordination of the cart or truck inspection
Direction on the food protection certificate required
Help understanding the limits on unit permits
A single point of contact through the process

Details

How Mobile Vending Works

Vendor license

The individual operating the unit holds a mobile food vendor license.

Unit permit

The cart or truck itself needs a separate permit, and these are limited.

Inspection

The unit is inspected as part of permitting.

Certificate

A food protection certificate is part of operating.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to run a food cart in New York City?

Both a mobile food vendor license for the operator and a permit for the unit. We help you navigate both with the Department of Health.

Why are unit permits hard to get?

The city limits the number of unit permits, which makes them scarce. We help you understand the current landscape and your options.

Is the cart inspected?

Yes. The unit is inspected as part of permitting. We help you prepare for it.

Do I need a food protection certificate?

Yes, a food protection certificate is part of operating a mobile food unit. We guide you through it.

New York Services

Explore More New York Licensing and Permitting

Gerald Franklin Agency and Warren Kalyan handle the full range of New York regulatory licensing and permitting, from the State Liquor Authority to New York City health, building, and operating approvals.

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Ready to Get Started in New York?

Tell us about your business and location. We will confirm exactly what you need and manage the filing to approval.