Nashville, TN — Food truck permit
Nashville layers two permits: a Metro Public Health mobile food permit (health, commissary, inspections) and — if you want to vend in the Downtown Core public right-of-way — a separate NDOT Mobile Food Vendor permit at $55 every two months, restricted to posted zones and hours. Tennessee requires a notarized commissary agreement and a TDH-approved food safety certificate before you apply.
Permits are modest; commissary rent and insurance dominate. Downtown vending adds the NDOT permit (~$330/yr).
Licenses
| License | Who needs it | Fee | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
Metro Public Health mobile food permit | Every food truck operating in Davidson County. | Varies Annual; pay online via the Food Protection & Public Facilities portal (2.3% card fee). Confirm current amount with the division. | 1 year |
NDOT Mobile Food Vendor permit (Downtown Core) | Trucks vending in authorized Downtown Core zones. Must be displayed on the truck. | $55 Per two months. Required only to vend in the public right-of-way downtown — not for private property or events. | 2 months |
Tennessee State Fire Marshal permit + inspection | Trucks with cooking equipment (grills, propane, deep fryers). Includes an on-site unit inspection. | $300 | Annual |
Business license (Metro Clerk + TN Dept of Revenue) | All operators. Also register for TN sales tax via TNTAP. | Varies Metro business license + state business tax registration | Annual |
Requirements
- Notarized commissary agreement
Tennessee law requires a signed, notarized agreement with an approved commissary for food prep, storage, and vehicle servicing (including wastewater) before the permit is issued. Submit it with the application.
- TDH-approved food safety certification
Complete a Food Protection Manager Certification or an approved Food Handler course (Tennessee Department of Health) BEFORE applying for the mobile food vending permit.
- Permanently enclosed unit with a service window
Metro requires the unit to be a permanently enclosed truck/trailer with a service window; it must meet health and safety codes.
- ePermits application packet
Apply at epermits.nashville.gov with your menu, photos of the truck, the commissary agreement, fire and health inspection approvals, a wastewater disposal plan, and your driver's license.
- General liability insurance
Required; commercial coverage. Carry proof on the truck.
Realistic timeline
| Phase | Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Business + certification setup | Week 1–3 | Metro business license, TN Dept of Revenue registration, TNTAP sales tax, and the TDH food safety certificate. Stall: Applying for the health permit before the food safety certificate is done — it's a prerequisite. |
| Commissary | Week 2–5 | Sign and notarize a commissary agreement covering prep, storage, and wastewater servicing. Stall: Submitting an un-notarized agreement, or one that doesn't cover wastewater servicing. |
| Inspections (health + fire) | Week 3–8 | Pass the Metro Public Health inspection and the State Fire Marshal / Nashville Fire inspection for cooking equipment. |
| Permit issuance (+ NDOT if downtown) | Week 4–10 | Get the Metro health permit; add the NDOT Mobile Food Vendor permit if you'll vend in the Downtown Core. |
Common rejection / stall reasons
- Assuming one permit covers downtown vending
The Metro health permit lets you operate; vending in the Downtown Core public right-of-way needs the separate NDOT permit, restricted to posted zones and hours (10am–2pm and 6pm–3am).
- Commissary agreement not notarized
Tennessee requires a signed AND notarized commissary agreement before the permit is issued.
- Improper wastewater disposal
Dumping wastewater outside Metro's guidelines leads to fines or permit issues — a top first-timer mistake.
- Violating downtown location rules
Maintain a 6-foot pedestrian path, stay 200 ft / one block from school entrances during school hours, and avoid hydrants, intersections, exits, and restaurants without written permission. No parking in alleys.
- Letting a permit lapse
Missing one license or a renewal (the NDOT permit renews every two months) can mean fines or a shutdown.
Official sources
Contacts
- hubNashville
- 311 or (615) 862-5000
- Apply online
- epermits.nashville.gov
- Health permits
- Metro Public Health — Food Protection & Public Facilities Division
FAQ
- Do I need the NDOT permit if I only do private events and breweries?
- No. The NDOT Mobile Food Vendor permit ($55 every two months) is specifically for vending in the Downtown Core public right-of-way. If you operate on private property or at events, you need the Metro Public Health permit, fire, business, and commissary — but not the NDOT downtown permit.
- What are the downtown vending hours and zones?
- Under Nashville's Mobile Food Vendor program, vending is allowed only in authorized Downtown Core zones at posted times: 10am–2pm and 6pm–3am. You must keep a 6-foot pedestrian path and stay clear of school entrances (during school hours), hydrants, intersections, and exits.
- What food safety certificate does Nashville require?
- A Food Protection Manager Certification or an approved Food Handler course recognized by the Tennessee Department of Health — completed BEFORE you apply for the mobile food vending permit.
- Is a commissary required in Nashville?
- Yes. Tennessee law requires a signed and notarized commissary agreement (for prep, storage, and vehicle/wastewater servicing) submitted with your application before the permit is issued.