Food Truck Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA
Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Seattle, King County, Washington.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Seattle / King County Requirements
4 requirementsKing County Public Health Mobile Food Unit Permit
Required for all mobile food units operating in King County, including Seattle. Issued by Public Health — Seattle & King County based on food risk level (Category 1–4). Higher-risk operations (full cooking) require Category 3 or 4 permits at higher fee tiers.
Seattle Business License Tax Certificate
Required for all businesses operating within Seattle city limits. Issued by the City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services department. Must be renewed annually.
Commissary Agreement
Mobile food units in Seattle/King County must operate from an approved commissary — a licensed commercial kitchen for food prep, storage, and cleaning. You must submit a signed commissary agreement with your health permit application.
Seattle Fire Department Inspection
Required if your food truck uses propane, open flame cooking, or grease-producing equipment. The Seattle Fire Department inspects for fire suppression systems and safe fuel storage.
Washington State Requirements
3 requirementsWashington State Business License
Required for all businesses operating in Washington State. Issued by the Department of Revenue (DOR) via the Business Licensing Service (BLS). Covers state B&O tax registration, sales tax account, and other state endorsements.
Food Worker Card
All food workers in Washington State must obtain a Food Worker Card by completing an accredited food safety training course. Issued by the local health department and valid for 2 years.
WA Dept of Agriculture Food Processor License
Required if your food truck sells packaged or processed foods to the public. Issued by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Not required if all food is prepared and sold directly from the truck without packaging.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.
Official Sources
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