Hartford, CT Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Licenses required
- Food service + mobile vendor
- Issuing agencies
- Health & Human Svcs + Dev. Svcs
- License expiration
- June 30 annually
- Inspections
- Any time truck is operating
Summary
Hartford food trucks must hold two separate permits at once, a food service license from Health and Human Services and a mobile vendor license from Development Services, renewed every June 30.
Food truck licensees, workers, and agents offering hot or cold food items or beverages to the public must obtain both, a food service license from the Department of Health and Human Services and a mobile vendor license from the Department of Development Services. Failure to obtain and maintain both a food service license and mobile vendor license shall constitute an unlicensed Food Truck. Unless sooner revoked, licenses shall be valid for one year, on a pro-rated basis and shall expire on June thirtieth after the date of issuance.
Full Breakdown
Hartford Municipal Code § 27-121 requires food truck licensees, workers and agents offering hot or cold food or beverages to obtain both a food service license from the Department of Health and Human Services and a mobile vendor license from the Department of Development Services; missing either makes the truck an unlicensed Food Truck. Licenses run on a pro-rated one-year basis and expire June 30 regardless of issue date. Operators must also display a city-issued badge (§ 27-123) and mark the vehicle (§ 27-122), and trucks are subject to inspection by the City at any time they operate (§ 27-126).
Violations & Fines
Operating without both required licenses makes the truck an unlicensed Food Truck, subject to citation and license suspension or revocation for repeat violations (§ 27-121; § 27-44 procedures apply by cross-reference).
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits does a Hartford food truck need?
When do Hartford food truck licenses expire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hartford
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