Start a Food Truck in Phoenix, AZ
A step-by-step guide to opening a food truck around Phoenix, AZ.
Information last reviewed 2026-11-09.
1. Write down your concept and numbers
Decide what you will sell, who will buy it and what each plate costs you. A short menu you can cook fast is the best start for a truck.
2. Set up your business
Form a business entity (many owners choose an LLC), get a federal tax ID (EIN) and open a business bank account.
3. Choose and equip your truck
Buy or lease a truck, trailer or cart and have it fitted with the cooking, refrigeration, hand-washing and fire-safety equipment your local health department requires.
4. Get your permits and licenses
Rules differ by state, county and city, so check the details for your area below.
- Arizona law requires a mobile food unit to hold a license from the Arizona Department of Health Services (A.R.S. 36-1761). In practice you apply through the county health department where your commissary is located, your home county.
- A license from your home county is recognized across the state. For each other county where you operate you need a permit, renewed every year.
- You need a commissary agreement. Counties such as Maricopa also ask for your menu, a route sheet and photos of the unit.
- Units that use propane, open flame or fryers usually need a fire inspection from the city or county fire department.
- Cities can also require their own business license, for example in Tucson.
Official and local sources
- Arizona Administrative Code R9-8-110, Mobile Food Units
- Mohave County mobile food guidelines (example county page)
Rules and fees change. Confirm with the agency before you apply.
5. Arrange a commissary and insurance
Many areas require a licensed commissary kitchen for prep, water and waste. Get general liability and commercial auto insurance before you operate.
6. Plan where you will sell
Look at breweries, markets, offices, festivals and events. Add your stops to a schedule so customers can find you.
7. Sign up for EasyEats
EasyEats is the point of sale built for food trucks. Take orders and card payments from one tablet, let customers order ahead, and post your locations so people can find you.
Curious who is already out there? See food trucks near Phoenix, AZ. Permit rules for the rest of Arizona are in the Arizona guide.