Start a Food Truck in Washington
A step-by-step guide to opening a food truck in Washington.
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.
- Washington has no single state-issued food truck health permit. Local health jurisdictions, mostly county health departments, permit mobile food units under the state Retail Food Code.
- The state Department of Labor and Industries inspects food trucks and trailers. Snohomish County, for example, will not permit a unit that L&I has not approved.
- A unit already permitted in one jurisdiction can get a permit in another with its most recent inspection report, and the other health authority cannot ask for much more (RCW 43.20.148).
- Local fire approval, business licenses and parking rules also apply and differ from city to city.
Official and local sources
- Washington L&I: vendor information packet (PDF)
- Snohomish Health District: mobile food units
- MRSC: regulating food trucks
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.
Food truck associations
- Washington State Food Truck Association: a member services organization for Washington mobile food vendors, with advocacy, start-up guidance and managed vending locations.