Food Truck License NJ: All Permits and Requirements to Start a Food Truck in New Jersey

Running a food truck in New Jersey is an exciting and profitable venture. On average, a food truck in the state generates approximately $380,584 in annual revenue, making New Jersey one of the higher-earning states in the US food truck industry. With a strong food culture, busy urban centers, and popular shore destinations, there’s no shortage of opportunities to attract hungry customers.

But before you start taking orders, you need to take care of the legal side of your business. New Jersey has strict regulations to keep food businesses safe and fair—without the proper licenses and permits, you risk fines or even being shut down. 

1. Business registration certificate

Before you do anything else, start by officially registering your food truck business with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. This step makes your business legal and allows you to pay taxes, which is mandatory before you can apply for any other permits. Be prepared to provide key details like your business name, business address, and phone number.

You’ll also need to get an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. This is a unique ID number that acts like a Social Security number for your business, which is important if you plan to hire staff. 

Once everything is in order, submit your paperwork online through the New Jersey government website or in person at a Division of Revenue office.

2. Food truck vendor license

Every food truck needs a vendor license, but the application process depends on where you plan to operate. Cities and towns set their own rules, and some places limit how many trucks can operate at once.

In Jersey City, for example, vendor licenses are capped, meaning you may need to wait for an open slot. Newark has designated food truck zones, and you may have to submit a bid to secure a spot. Smaller towns along the shore, like Point Pleasant, often require additional seasonal permits.

If you plan to move between cities, you’ll need a vendor license for each one. This is something to factor into your business plan, especially if you’re hoping to operate in high-traffic areas like outside sports arenas or near college campuses. You can often check the application process and requirements online by visiting the official website of the town or city where you plan to operate. 

Most municipal clerk’s offices post vendor license forms, fee schedules, and application instructions on their sites. If the information isn’t available online, give them a call or visit in person to make sure you have everything you need.

3. Mobile food vendor permit

This permit ensures that your food truck is up to health and safety standards. Your local health department will inspect your truck’s kitchen, storage areas, and sanitation setup. If you have refrigeration, they will make sure it keeps food at the right temperature. If you’re using propane, they will check that it’s stored properly.

This inspection is similar to what a restaurant goes through, and you need to pass before you can legally serve customers. Health officials want to see that you have a dedicated handwashing station, clean food prep surfaces, and safe food storage.

To get started, reach out to your county’s health department either online or by phone. Most counties allow you to download forms and review requirements through their official websites, making the application process more accessible. Be proactive and double-check timelines, fees, and documentation so you’re not caught off guard.

4. Fire safety permit

No matter what your food truck idea is, if your food truck uses grills, fryers, or propane tanks, a fire safety permit is required. Fire officials will inspect your truck to ensure it meets New Jersey’s fire safety codes. They will check that you have fire extinguishers rated for grease fires, a working fire suppression system, and properly stored propane tanks.

Some cities require you to take a fire safety training course before granting a permit. This is especially important if you’re cooking with open flames or deep fryers, where the risk of fire is higher.

To apply and inquire for further information, reach out to your local fire marshal’s office, and they’ll be able to help you through the process.

5. Health department permit

Food safety is taken very seriously in New Jersey, so you must obtain a health department permit (sometimes multiple permits) before serving customers. This differs from the mobile food vendor permit because it specifically approves your food-handling procedures.

A health inspector will visit your truck and look for proper food storage, safe cooking practices, and employee hygiene standards. If you’re preparing raw meats, they will check that you have separate cutting boards and prep areas to prevent cross-contamination. If you’re selling pre-packaged food, they will make sure it’s labeled correctly. If your truck passes inspection, you’ll receive your health permit, which must be renewed annually. 

In addition to the standard health department permit, New Jersey regulates several other types of food and health-related operations. For instance, if you plan to bottle beverages, run a frozen dessert line, or operate under cottage food regulations, you’ll need specific permits like the frozen desserts manufacturer license, cottage food operator permit, or non-alcoholic beverage bottling plant license. These are managed by the New Jersey Department of Health. 

For a complete list of available permits and certifications, visit the NJ DOH Public Health Food Protection Program page.

6. Commissary agreement

Some New Jersey towns require food trucks to have a licensed commercial kitchen as a home base. This means you need to either own a licensed kitchen or rent space in a commissary kitchen, where you can store ingredients, prep food, and clean equipment.

If you don’t have your own space, you’ll need a commissary agreement, which is a contract showing that you’re renting space in a certified kitchen. Many food truck operators use shared commercial kitchens to meet this requirement.

For example, running a donut truck in Montclair might involve renting overnight space at a commercial kitchen to prepare dough before heading out for the day. You might rent overnight space in a commercial kitchen to prep your dough before hitting the road.

7. Parking and zoning permits

Not every street in New Jersey allows food trucks, and some cities have strict zoning rules. Depending on where you plan to park, you may need a parking permit or approval from the local zoning board. Some towns have designated food truck lots where you can operate legally, while others require you to get approval for each location. In areas like Asbury Park, there are restrictions on where food trucks can park near the beach.

Before setting up shop, check with the zoning office to make sure you’re legally allowed to operate in your desired location.

8. County-specific permits

If you’re planning to grow your food truck business across multiple counties in New Jersey, don’t overlook local health department requirements. While your state health permit covers the basics, many counties apply additional regulations. Bergen, for example, requires a separate county-level health permit, even if you’ve already been approved by the state.

To avoid delays or violations, contact each county’s health department before setting up shop. Doing this early allows you to stay ahead of any local requirements and helps keep your business running without interruption.

9. Sales tax certificate of authority

New Jersey requires food trucks to collect and remit sales tax on prepared food. To do that legally, you need a sales tax certificate of authority from the NJ Division of Taxation.

A mac and cheese truck operating in Trenton, for instance, would need to charge New Jersey’s 6.625% sales tax on every sale. You can apply for this certificate through the New Jersey Division of Taxation.

Renewals to remember for your food truck licenses in New Jersey

To keep your food truck business running, you’ll need to stay on top of renewal dates for various permits. Some require annual renewal, while others are only needed once unless your business structure changes. Check out the breakdown of the key permits and their renewal frequency below.

Take action and get your food truck rolling

Starting a food truck in New Jersey takes dedication, but with the right permits and a solid business plan, you can turn your culinary passion into a thriving business. As Roy Choi, the creator of the renowned gourmet Korean-Mexican taco truck Kogi, once said, “Food trucks have a story behind them, and that story is just as important as the food they serve.”

Managing your licenses, keeping up with renewals, and adhering to labor laws are just one part of running a successful operation. Efficiently managing your scheduling and workforce is just as important, and tools like 7shifts can help food truck owners keep their teams organized and operations running smoothly. With the correct setup, you’ll be ready to serve customers, grow your business, and make your mark in New Jersey’s vibrant food scene.