Idaho Food Truck Permits Law: Statewide Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Authorizing statute: Idaho Code 39-1602
Food code rules: IDAPA 16.02.19
License issuer: Public health districts
Plan submission: 30 days pre-opening

Full Breakdown

Idaho Code Section 39-1602 authorizes the Department of Health and Welfare to adopt food safety rules, and IDAPA 16.02.19 (the Idaho Food Code) implements the FDA Food Code statewide for restaurants and mobile food units. Mobile food units must obtain a license from the regional public health district, submit plans at least thirty days before opening under Idaho Food Code 8-302.11, and pass inspections. Cottage food producers operate under separate non-TCS designation rules. Cities and counties may zone where food trucks operate, but cannot impose food safety standards that conflict with the state code.

Violations & Penalties

Operating without a public health district license or violating the Idaho Food Code may result in cease-and-desist orders, civil penalties, embargo of food, and license revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who licenses food trucks in Idaho?

Idaho's seven regional public health districts issue mobile food unit licenses and conduct inspections under uniform Idaho Food Code rules adopted at IDAPA 16.02.19.

Can a city impose stricter food safety rules on food trucks?

No. The Idaho Food Code is uniform statewide for food safety, although cities and counties retain zoning authority over where mobile food units may operate.

Idaho Food Code Mobile Food Unit Statewide Standards