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Vending Business License — Class A (food) + Mobile Site Permit: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

DLCP — Business Licensing Division (Vending)

What it is

The DLCP license to vend food from a truck, trailer or cart on DC public space, plus a Mobile Site Permit for the vehicle. Employees who vend need a vendor badge.

When a restaurant needs it

If you add a food truck or cart to your restaurant business.

How to apply

Apply in the DC Business Licensing Portal (BOSS) under 'Street Vending Business' after collecting the DC Health inspection certificate, CFPM certificate, Clean Hands certificate and vehicle registration.

Documents you’ll need

DC Health mobile food vending unit inspection certificate
Certified Food Protection Manager certificate
Certificate of Clean Hands
Vehicle registration with current tags (mobile site permit)
Owner authorization letter if you don't own the vehicle

Fee

License (all classes) $99 for 2 years; Mobile Site Permit $300 for 2 years; Sidewalk Site Permit $150 for 2 years (DDOT approval needed); employee badge $55; Mobile Roadway Vending location lottery $225/month

Processing time

Varies

Renewal

Every 2 years

Who files

Owner or authorized agent in BOSS; each vending employee gets their own badge.

Good to know

Mobile roadway vendors either feed parking meters at legal spaces or win a designated MRV spot in the monthly lottery, and may not vend within 200 feet of a designated MRV location. The Vending Handbook's fee amounts are out of date; use the vending page.

Official source

DLCP: vending licenses · DLCP Vending Handbook

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.