Vending Machine Permit

Required in some Wisconsin municipalities for placing and operating vending machines on commercial property or in public areas. Regulations vary — some cities require registration or licensing of vending machines, while others regulate them only through the general business license. Vending machines selling food must comply with DATCP food safety requirements.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$25–$150
annual per machine
Typical Timeline
1–2 weeks
From application to approval
Inspection Required
No
No inspection typically required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Vending Machine Permit Required?

  • Placing vending machines in public buildings or on public property
  • Food and beverage vending machines in commercial spaces (in some municipalities)
  • Amusement or arcade machines in commercial establishments

When Is a Vending Machine Permit NOT Required?

  • Vending machines in private offices for employee use only
  • Municipalities that don't regulate vending machines separately

Related Permits You May Also Need

General Business License
Required for operating most types of businesses within a Wisconsin municipality. The general business license (sometimes called a business registration or business tax certificate) ensures that the business complies with local zoning, building, fire, and health codes. Requirements and fees vary by municipality — not all Wisconsin cities require a general business license.
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Food Dealer License
Required for any establishment that prepares, serves, or sells food to the public in Wisconsin. Regulated under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 97 and DATCP (Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) rules. Restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, caterers, and food manufacturers all need a food dealer license. Municipal health departments conduct inspections; state licensing is through DATCP.
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Vending Machine Permit Fees by Municipality

Fee and processing time data for vending machine permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$751-2 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$601-2 weeksCurrent

Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.

Frequently Asked Questions — Vending Machine Permit

Do I need a permit for a vending machine in Wisconsin?

It depends on your municipality. Some Wisconsin cities require a vending machine permit or registration, while others do not regulate them separately from the general business license. Food vending machines must comply with DATCP food safety regulations regardless of local permit requirements.

Do vending machines need a food license in Wisconsin?

Vending machines that sell potentially hazardous foods (items requiring temperature control) must be operated under a DATCP food establishment license. Machines selling only pre-packaged, non-hazardous items like chips and candy typically do not require a food license, though local rules may vary.

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