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How to get a food truck permit

Last updated:

There are three ways to apply for a food truck permit.

Step
1

Before you get started online

Before you can apply for a food truck permit you need:

Step
2

Complete your application

After you get all of your documents together, you can register and complete an application online:

Food truck online application

There is a $500 annual application fee. Please make your check payable to the City of Boston.

Step
3

Find a location

Start looking for a location once you submit your application. There are three types of locations:

  • Public locations: You can apply for these spots through a lottery system.
  • Private locations: You need permission from the property owner.

Each type of location has its own rules and licensing.

Please give us two weeks to approve your permit. You can pick up your permit at Public Works:

1 City Hall Square, Room 714

Boston City Hall, Boston, MA 02201

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

When your food truck permit is approved, we'll let you know when we hold the next public site lottery.

Step
1

Before you get started in person

Before you can apply for a food truck permit you need:

Step
2

Complete your application

Fill out the food truck application once you have all your documents.

Food Truck application

There is a $500 annual application fee. Please make your check payable to the City of Boston.

Step
3

Give us your application

Bring your application, documents, and payment to:

Mayor's Office of Economic Development
Food Truck Coordinator
26 Court Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA
02108
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Step
4

Find a location

Start looking for a location once you submit your application. There are three types of locations:

  • Public locations: You can apply for these spots through a lottery system.
  • Private locations: You need permission from the property owner.

Each type of location has its own rules and licensing.

Please give us two weeks to approve your permit. You can pick up your permit at Public Works:

1 City Hall Square, Room 714
Boston City Hall, Boston, MA 02201
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

When your food truck permit is approved, we'll let you know when we hold the next public site lottery.

Step
1

Before you get started by email

Before you can apply for a food truck permit you need:

Step
2

Complete your application

Fill out the food truck application once you have all your documents.

Food Truck application

There is a $500 annual application fee. Please make your check payable to the City of Boston.

Step
3

Email us your information

Email your application and documents to foodtrucks@boston.gov. You'll still need to mail or bring your check to:

Mayor's Office of Economic Development
Food Truck Coordinator
26 Court Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA
02108
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Step
4

Find a location

Start looking for a location once you submit your application. There are three types of locations:

  • Public locations: You can apply for these spots through a lottery system.
  • Private locations: You need permission from the property owner.

Each type of location has its own rules and licensing.

Please give us two weeks to approve your permit. You can pick up your permit at Public Works:

1 City Hall Square, Room 714
Boston City Hall, Boston, MA 02201
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

When your food truck permit is approved, we'll let you know when we hold the next public site lottery.

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