Food Truck Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

$400 -- $1000 3-6 weeks 8 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Nashville / Davidson County Requirements

4 requirements
1

Metro Nashville Mobile Food Establishment Permit

Required for all food trucks operating in Nashville-Davidson County. Issued by the Metro Public Health Department of Nashville and Davidson County. Class II (limited cooking) or Class III (full cooking) permits are required depending on your menu; Class III requires a full commissary agreement.

$200-$350/year depending on permit class2-4 weeks after application, inspection, and commissary verification
Official government source
2

Metro Nashville Business Tax License

Required for all businesses operating within Metro Nashville-Davidson County. Issued by the Metro Nashville Finance Department. Fee is based on gross revenue; most food trucks pay in the lower tier.

$15-$100/year based on gross revenue1-2 weeks
Official government source
3

Commissary Agreement

All mobile food vendors in Nashville must operate from an approved commissary — a licensed commercial kitchen for food storage, prep, and vehicle cleaning. You must provide a signed commissary agreement to Metro Public Health as part of your permit application.

Varies (typically $200-$600/month to rent commissary space)Arrange before permit application
Official government source
4

Metro Nashville Zoning Permit for Vending Locations

Required to operate at specific vending locations within Davidson County. Issued by the Metro Nashville Planning Department. Zoning restrictions vary by district; some areas require property owner consent and zoning approval before vending.

$50-$150 per location1-3 weeks
Official government source

Tennessee State Requirements

3 requirements
1

Tennessee Sales Tax Certificate

Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Tennessee. Issued by the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Food truck sales of prepared food are subject to Tennessee sales tax.

FreeImmediate (online registration)
Official government source
2

Tennessee Secretary of State Business Registration

Required to register your business entity (LLC, corporation, or partnership) in Tennessee. Sole proprietors may operate under a DBA. Filing fees vary by entity type.

$50-$300 depending on entity type1-2 weeks (online filing)
Official government source
3

Tennessee Department of Agriculture Food Handler Requirements

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture oversees food safety standards for mobile food units. Food employees must complete food handler training; at least one manager must hold a valid food protection manager certification.

$15-$150 per person depending on certification level1-5 days for course and exam
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online)
Official government source

Official Sources

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