Boston food truck permits: checklist & costs
What a food truck needs to operate in Boston, MA — the approvals, who issues them, typical fees and how often they renew.
Estimated first-year permitting
$812 published base
Allow 2+ weeks; public sites are assigned by a seasonal lottery.
Permit checklist
1. Mobile Food Truck Permit
City of Boston · $500.00 · renews every year
2. Health Permit
Boston Inspectional Services · $100.00 · renews every year
3. Fire Safety Permit
Boston Fire Department · $150.00 · renews every year
4. State Food Service License
Massachusetts · $62.00 · renews every year
Things to know in Boston
- · Published base: $500 city permit + $100 health + $150 fire + $62 state license.
- · Public-space locations are awarded through a seasonal lottery, so a site is not guaranteed.
Costs are planning ranges compiled from published fee schedules — not quotes. Fees, categories and timelines change, so verify locally with the issuing agency before you budget or apply.
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