Denver food truck permits: checklist & costs
What a food truck needs to operate in Denver, CO — the approvals, who issues them, typical fees and how often they renew.
Estimated first-year permitting
$425–$580
Since 1 Jan 2026, Colorado HB25-1295 (in effect since January 2026) requires other CO jurisdictions to accept your licence within 14 business days.
Permit checklist
1. Mobile Food Vendor License
Denver Excise & Licenses · $150.00 · renews every year
2. Propane Permit
Denver Fire Department · $200.00 · renews every year
3. Business Registration Filing
Colorado Secretary of State · $50.00 · renews every year
4. Periodic Report
Colorado Secretary of State · $25.00 · renews every year
5. Commissary Agreement
Denver Public Health · fee varies · renews every year
Things to know in Denver
- · Mobile Food Vendor Licence: $150 application plus roughly $100-$500/yr — about $580 first year, ~$425 average, renewals $300-$500.
- · Business registration: $50 filing plus $25 per year periodic report.
- · Fire Department propane permit is $200/yr; a commissary is required.
- · HB25-1295, in effect since January 2026, requires reciprocal acceptance of licences across Colorado jurisdictions within 14 business days.
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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