Mobile Food Truck: Inspectional Services Department (ISD) Permits
The Mayor's Office, Public Works, Transportation, Inspectional Services, and Fire departments have developed a single application process for procuring Food Truck permits. In addition to the Food Truck Permit, Mobile Food Trucks must also secure permits ensuring the safety and health of the Food Truck, vendors, and customers prior to operating in the City of Boston.
Inspectional Services Department (ISD) Required Permit Application Documents for Mobile Food Vending Vehicle Permit
Submit verification of ISD Health Division inspection:
Copy of ISD Health Permit
ISD Inspector Signature on permit application
Getting a Health Permit for Vehicle Inspections
To obtain a Health Permit from Inspectional Services (ISD) every Mobile Food Truck must meet and pass a vehicle inspection. Before ISD performs a vehile inspection, the following materials and verification are needed by an ISD inspector to proceed.
Vendors must provide:
Sample food menu for the proposed Food Truck
Proof of service by a commissary kitchen (such as a lease agreement)
Proof of certified food protection
Use of Premise Permit
Completed Health Permit Application (may already be submitted if vendor did plan review)
Health Permit Fee $100.00 (may already be paid if vendor did plan review)
Scheduling an Inspection
You must have a completed a Health Division permit application and provide the required supporting documents and licenses at the time of your inspections. Inspections are done at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue. You can schedule an appointment by calling Thomas Coffill at 617-961-3219.
Inspection Hours: 8AM - 9:30 AM Monday through Friday
For New Food Trucks - Schedule a Plan Review prior to build out of a truck
ISD encourages vendors interested in constructing new food trucks to schedule a vehicle plan review with the Health Division. The following information is needed:
Equipment plans & specifications
Completed Health Permit Application
Health Permit fee payment $100.00
Plan Review (For Existing Trucks Previously Inspected by ISD)
Plan reviews are required for any updates or changes to existing vehicles. The following information is needed:
Equipment plans & specifications
Re-review fee payment $75.00
Scheduling a Plan Review
New mobile food units must submit plans for approval by the Health Division before you obtain a Health Permit. Plans are reviewed by appointment only. Plan reviews are done at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue. You can schedule an appointment by calling Thomas Coffill at 617-961-3219.
Applications, Forms & Additional Information
Mobile Food Establishment Plan Review Form
Mobile Food Vehicle Health Permit Application
Use of Premise Permit Application
Certified Food Protection Manager
Additional Questions?
Please contact ISD's Division of Health Inspections at 617-635-5326.
