DC Health Mobile Food Vending Unit Inspection Certificate: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide
DC Health — Division of Food
What it is
DC Health inspects the truck/cart and issues the health certificate DLCP requires for a Class A vending license. Units must meet 25-A DCMR Chapters 25, 26 and 37 (water tanks, waste water, mobile structures) and operate from an approved depot/commissary.
When a restaurant needs it
Before applying for the vending license, and every six months after that.
How to apply
Submit the Mobile Vending application (DC Health 'Mobile Vending Application Submission' link on the mobile vending page), with the depot/commissary owner's signature, then bring the unit for inspection.
Documents you’ll need
- Mobile vending application
- Depot/commissary agreement signed by the kitchen owner (your own restaurant can be the depot)
- Unit plans/photos (sinks, water tanks, refrigeration, generator)
- CFPM certificate
- FEMS propane/open-flame permit if applicable
Good to know
Propane on the truck needs a FEMS LP-gas permit ($100 for 200 lb or less). The six-month certificate cycle is the item owners forget most often.
Official source
DC Health: mobile food vending · DC Health fee list
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.