A mobile food establishment can be either a truck or a trailer, either of which can be easily moved. A skirted truck or trailer that stays in one location would be considered a permanent food establishment.
New or remodeled mobile:
If you are buying or building a new mobile, or remodeling an existing mobile, you will need to submit a Mobile Food Establishment Plan Review with the appropriate fee. Along with the plan review application, a copy of the proposed menu, floor plans, and equipment list must be submitted. This paperwork should be submitted before a new mobile is purchased or built. Our goal is to ensure that your facility will be constructed to the standards required by the Idaho Food Code.
A mobile food establishment may be operated in conjunction with a commissary. A commissary is a place where food containers or supplies are stored, prepared, or packaged for transit, sale, or service at other locations. A commissary is usually a licensed food establishment or other commercial kitchen. A commissary can’t be a private home kitchen. A plan review application must be submitted for a new commissary. If you want to operate your mobile, and use an existing licensed food establishment as your commissary, complete the Shared Food Facility/Commissary Agreement form and submit it with your plan review application. If you are not required to submit a plan review application, submit the commissary form with your license application.
After your menu and construction plans are reviewed, and if everything appears to meet the requirements of the Idaho Food Code, we will approve the application. Once the mobile unit is built and/or purchased and ready to open, a Mobile Food Establishment License Application, along with the annual license fee, must be submitted. A pre-opening inspection will then be scheduled with the inspector. After the pre-opening inspection is passed, you will be allowed to open and your license will be issued. The license is valid for the calendar year and must be renewed every November for the following year.
Purchase of existing mobile:
If you are purchasing an existing mobile that is currently licensed in the state of Idaho, you will not need to submit a plan review application, unless you are going to remodel (see above). If the mobile has been licensed in Idaho in the past, but is not currently licensed, you may be required to submit a plan review.
You will need to submit a Mobile Food Establishment License Application, along with
the annual license fee, as the license from the previous owner is not transferable. A pre-opening inspection will then be scheduled with the inspector. After the pre-opening inspection is passed, you will be allowed to open and your license will be issued. The license is valid for the calendar year and must be renewed every November for the following year.
Also, depending on where you live or operate, you may be required to obtain a business license from the city or county. Contact your local county or city office.