District of Columbia Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits Rules (2026)

DC's food truck permitting is coordinated through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP, formerly DCRA's business licensing) and DC Health. Required credentials include a Mobile Roadway Vendor (MRV) Basic Business License, a DC Health Mobile Food Unit permit after a food establishment inspection, a Certified Food Protection Manager credential, a DC Clean Hands certificate confirming no outstanding DC tax debt over $100, a Certificate of Occupancy for the commissary, and a Certificate of Resale registration with the Office of Tax and Revenue. General liability insurance of at least $1 million is required. Fees include the MRV license (roughly $355 biennial), DC Health mobile food permit (around $400 annually), plus commissary agreement costs. Propane-fired units must pass a fire marshal inspection from DC Fire and EMS. Under DC Code 47-2884 and DCMR Title 24 Chapter 5, all mobile food businesses must be serviced by a DC Health-approved commissary for potable water refill, wastewater disposal, and overnight storage; home kitchens and parking on the street overnight are prohibited. Vendors must display a Vending Site Permit and their DLCP license visibly on the vehicle. Renewal inspections occur annually with DC Health, and vendors must maintain cold holding, hot holding, and handwashing compliance.