Boston Food Truck Permit (City) + Hawker & Peddler License (state): Boston restaurant guide
Boston Office of Small Business (Food Truck Program) / MA Division of Standards
What it is
The City's annual permit to operate a food truck in Boston, issued after you hold the ISD health permit, the BFD fire permit, a Business Certificate, liability insurance, a business plan and a written commissary agreement. Each worker who handles money also needs a state Hawker and Peddler license.
When a restaurant needs it
Operating a food truck or mobile unit in Boston, on public lottery sites or private property.
How to apply
Apply online through the Food Truck Program's online application, in person at the Office of Small Business (43 Hawkins St.) or by email to foodtrucks@boston.gov; pick up the permit at Public Works, City Hall Room 714. Get the Hawker and Peddler license from the Division of Standards (1 Federal St., Suite 730) with a police Certificate of Character.
Documents you’ll need
- Food Truck Permit Application
- ISD Health permit for the truck
- BFD fire permit for the truck
- Hawker and Peddler license
- Business Certificate
- Certificate of Liability Insurance
- Business plan
- Signed commissary agreement (you report to the commissary twice a day)
Good to know
Public sites (23 of them) are awarded by an annual lottery (2026's was April 7); new vendors can apply on a rolling basis and get sites as they open. Private sites need the property owner's permission.
Official source
Boston — how to get a food truck permit · Boston — how to get a Hawker and Peddler license
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.