Food Truck Permit Requirements in Birmingham, AL
Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Birmingham / Jefferson County Requirements
3 requirementsJefferson County / City of Birmingham — Mobile Food Unit Permit
All food trucks operating in Birmingham must obtain a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit from the local health department (Jefferson County or City of Birmingham Environmental Health). The truck undergoes an inspection before the permit is issued. Annual renewal required.
City of Birmingham License and Revenue Division — Business License
Birmingham requires an Occupational License for all businesses operating within city limits. License fees are based on gross revenues. The License and Revenue Division processes applications. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.
Commissary Agreement
Most jurisdictions require mobile food units to operate from an approved commissary — a licensed commercial kitchen for food prep, storage, and cleaning. A signed commissary agreement must be submitted with the permit application.
Alabama State Requirements
2 requirementsAlabama Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License
Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Alabama. Alabama's state sales tax rate is 4%. Local city and county sales taxes are additional and can be significant (total rates range from 5–10%). Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue via My Alabama Taxes (MAT).
Alabama Department of Public Health — Food Safety Certification
Alabama requires that food establishments have at least one employee with a food handler card, and managers are strongly encouraged to obtain a certified food protection manager certification from an ANSI-accredited provider.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
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