Start a Food Truck in South Dakota
A step-by-step guide to opening a food truck in South Dakota.
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.
- In South Dakota the Department of Health licenses mobile food service. It reviews your layout plan and questionnaire, makes an on-site inspection, and issues the license when the requirements are met. Contact the Office of Health Protection at 605-773-4945 for the packet.
- Mobile food establishments operate from a commissary or other fixed food service establishment, unless the unit has approved utensil washing and storage on board.
- Cities add their own permits. Sioux Falls, for example, has a peddler and mobile food license.
Official and local sources
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.