Mobile Food Establishment License
Required for food trucks, food carts, and other mobile food units operating in Wisconsin. The state license covers the vehicle; you may also need municipal permits for each city or village where you operate.
How to Get a Mobile Food Establishment License in Wisconsin
| Issuing Body | WI DATCP |
| Initial Fee | $175 |
| Exam Required | No |
| Application | Apply online → |
License Lookup & Verification
Verify a mobile food establishment license holder's credentials through the Wisconsin DSPS online license lookup tool.
Verify a License →Frequently Asked Questions — Mobile Food Establishment License
How do I start a food truck business in Wisconsin?
You need a DATCP Mobile Food Establishment license ($175/year), local permits from each municipality where you operate, a seller's permit from DOR, a certified food manager on staff, and your food truck must pass DATCP's vehicle inspection. Total startup licensing costs typically run $500-$1,500.
Do I need separate permits for each city my food truck operates in?
Yes. The DATCP license covers the vehicle statewide for health/safety purposes, but each municipality can require its own mobile vendor permit, which may include location restrictions, operating hour limits, and additional fees ranging from $50-$500 per city.
What are the requirements for a food truck in Wisconsin?
Your food truck must have adequate refrigeration, a three-compartment sink (or approved alternative), handwashing station, proper ventilation, fire suppression, potable water supply, and wastewater containment. DATCP inspects the vehicle before licensing.
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