Oakland County, MI Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- State Authority
- MCL 289.1101 (Michigan Food Law)
- County Issuer
- Oakland County Health Division
- MFE Commissary Rule
- Return every 24 hours
- STFU State Fee
- $159 license
- STFU Plan Review
- $197 (initial)
- STFU Inspection Fee
- $90/year
- Signage Letters
- ≥3 in. high, ≥3/8 in. wide
- STFU Notice
- 4 days advance to local HD
- OCHD Phone
- 248-424-7191
- Unlicensed Penalty
- 90 days / $2,500 (MCL 289.5101)
Summary
Mobile food vendors operating anywhere in Oakland County must hold a Michigan Food Law license issued by the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) - either a Mobile Food Establishment (MFE) license or a Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU) license. State fee for STFU is $159 plus a $197 plan-review fee and a $90 annual inspection fee. MFEs must return to a licensed commissary every 24 hours and display business name/address in 3-inch lettering on each side of the truck.
The name and address of the business operating a mobile food establishment shall be affixed to each side of the exterior of the vehicle in letters not less than 3 inches high and 3/8 of an inch wide and shall be in contrast to the vehicle background color.
Full Breakdown
). OCHD enforces the 2013 FDA Food Code as adopted by Michigan. 4117); license issued by the local health jurisdiction where the commissary is located. (2) Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU) - a state-wide license that does not require a 24-hour commissary return; STFU holder must submit notice of intent to operate to each local health department at least 4 days before serving food. 6135, every MFE must affix business name and address to each side of the exterior in letters at least 3 inches high and 3/8 inch wide, contrasting the vehicle background; two state-issued decals must be affixed at licensing.
State license fees set by MDARD: MFE about $80-$150 plus local plan review; STFU $159 license + $197 plan review (first time) + $90 annual inspection fee. OCHD additionally charges its own plan-review fee schedule effective October 1, 2025. com / 248-424-7191. As of February 9, 2026 OCHD transitioned applications to Accela Citizen Access. In addition to the state/county food license, each Oakland city/township may require a separate vending permit, zoning approval, business license, and proof of insurance (see vending-zones).
Violations & Fines
Operating without a Michigan Food Law license is a misdemeanor under MCL 289.5101 - up to 90 days and $2,500 fine; injunctive relief and embargo of food product available. OCHD can suspend or revoke a license for failure to correct critical violations (improper temperature, no handwash, contaminated equipment) within 10 days. Civil infraction tickets typically run $200-$1,000 for first municipal vending violations (no permit, wrong zone). Health Division embargo / 'cease operation' orders are immediate for sewage, water, or temperature violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need to run a food truck in Oakland County?
Where do I apply for the OCHD food license?
Do I have to display my business name on the truck?
What if I operate without a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland County
Compare Oakland County to another location·View the Michigan food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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