Food Truck Permits & Licenses in Shreveport, LA

Required for all LLCs; file online or by mail with Commercial Division

Mandatory for all newly formed LLCs

Required annually for all active LLCs to maintain good standing

Food trucks selling prepared food are retail dealers; collect 4.45% state sales tax (+ local)

Required specifically for food trucks/restaurants; separate from general sales tax permit

Food trucks classified as "Mobile Food Establishments"; plan review required pre-opening

ANSI-accredited course required (ServSafe, etc.); at least one certified manager per shift

File locally in parish of domicile; optional state registration for broader protection

All food trucks selling taxable goods (e.g., prepared food) must register for a sales tax permit. Sales tax rate varies by parish (typically 8.25%–10.75%). Registration is done via the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP).

Not universally mandated by Louisiana state law, but frequently required by city or parish health departments and event contracts. Strongly recommended due to risk exposure.

Required under Louisiana's Financial Responsibility Law (La. R.S. 32:801–912). Must carry minimum liability coverage: $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Applies to all commercial vehicles, including food trucks.

The Louisiana Department of Health requires a surety bond as part of the Mobile Food Vendor permit process. The bond ensures compliance with food safety regulations. Exact amount varies by jurisdiction and inspector discretion. See LDH Food Truck Guidelines.

Not legally required by Louisiana state law, but strongly recommended for food businesses due to risk of illness or injury claims. Often bundled with general liability coverage.

Not required for food trucks in Louisiana. More common in service professions (e.g., consultants, caterers with event contracts). Optional for risk mitigation.

Mandatory if the food truck holds an alcohol sales permit under ATC regulations. Required under La. R.S. 9:13101–13107. General liability policies typically exclude alcohol-related incidents without this endorsement.

Required for all LLCs, including food trucks, to file federal taxes, hire employees, and open business bank accounts. Even single-member LLCs with no employees may need an EIN if they operate as a corporation or have excise tax obligations.

Federal law requires registration with TTB if alcohol is sold. Food trucks selling alcohol must obtain a Federal Basic Permit and may be required to post a bond. This is in addition to Louisiana state alcohol licensing.

All commercial food facilities, including mobile food units like food trucks, must register with the FDA. Registration must be renewed during the period October 1–December 31 of each even-numbered year. Failure to register may result in detention of food shipments or enforcement action.

Employers with employees must comply with OSHA safety standards, including providing a safe workplace, reporting work-related injuries, and maintaining OSHA Form 300 logs if required (businesses with 10+ employees or in certain industries). Food truck operators must address hazards such as burns, slips, electrical safety, and ventilation.

Under Title III of the ADA, all public-facing businesses must ensure customers with disabilities have equal access. For food trucks, this may include accessible ordering counters, clear pathways, and staff trained to assist disabled patrons. Full structural compliance may be limited by mobile nature, but reasonable accommodations are required.

All U.S. employers must complete and retain Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and authorization to work. E-Verify is not federally mandated for all employers but may be required by state law or federal contracts.

FLSA sets federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours), recordkeeping, and youth employment standards. Applies to most food truck employees. Some tip credit provisions may apply if serving alcohol or food with tipping.

FMLA requires covered employers to provide eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. Most small food trucks will not meet the 50-employee threshold, making this conditionally applicable.

All businesses, including food trucks, must ensure advertising is truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Applies to menus, social media, signage, and promotions. For example, claiming "organic" or "locally sourced" without proof may trigger FTC enforcement.

EPA regulates emissions from diesel engines under the Clean Air Act. Food trucks with diesel engines must comply with applicable emission standards. Modifications or tampering with emission controls (e.g., exhaust systems) are prohibited. Compliance is typically ensured through proper maintenance and engine certification.

Required for all mobile food vendors in Louisiana, including food trucks. Ensures compliance with food safety, sanitation, and equipment standards. Must be renewed annually.

All Louisiana LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State to maintain active status. The report can be filed online and includes business address, registered agent, and management structure. This applies to all LLCs, regardless of industry.

Food trucks selling taxable goods must collect and remit sales tax. Louisiana sales tax is 4.45% state rate plus local rates (varies by parish). File Form R-5021 (Sales/Purchases Report) monthly unless designated as quarterly by the Department.

EIN itself does not require renewal, but businesses with employees must file employment tax returns. Form 941 (quarterly) due by the 31st day after end of each quarter. Form 940 (FUTA) due January 31 annually. Form 944 (annual alternative) due January 31 if IRS notifies you to use it.

At least one employee (typically the manager) must hold a valid Louisiana Food Handler’s Permit. Certification is valid for two years. Training covers safe food handling, cross-contamination, and temperature control. Offered through LDH-approved providers.

Required for all mobile food units in Louisiana. Issued after passing health inspection. Must be renewed annually. Includes compliance with mobile food unit design, equipment, and sanitation standards per Louisiana Retail Food Code.

Mobile food units are inspected biannually by LDH or delegated local health authority. Inspection covers food storage, equipment sanitation, water supply, waste disposal, and employee hygiene. Results are documented and must be available upon request.

All mobile food units using fire, flammable gases, or cooking equipment must pass fire safety inspection. Covers fire extinguishers, fuel line integrity, ventilation, and emergency shutoffs. Inspection conducted by State Fire Marshal or local authority.

Most parishes require a local business license or occupational license. For example, New Orleans requires a Business License from the Office of Business Affairs. Renewal is typically annual. Fees and deadlines vary by jurisdiction.

Employers must display DOL posters including the Federal Minimum Wage, EEO, OSHA Safety, and Family and Medical Leave Act. Available free online. Must be visible in employee work areas.

LLCs taxed as corporations must file Form CIFT-7200. Most LLCs pass income to owners and do not pay entity-level income tax, but must still register if collecting state taxes. Registration via LaTAP.

Required if the food truck employs staff. Registration through LaTAP. Employers must withhold Louisiana income tax from employee wages.

Employers must register with the Louisiana Workforce Commission. New employers pay 2.7% on first $7,700 of each employee's wages annually. Filed quarterly via Form UI-2.

Applies to corporations and certain LLCs with capital exceeding $200,000 employed in Louisiana. Most pass-through LLCs are exempt, but must file Form CIFT-7200 if liable. Due annually.

Most parishes and cities require a local business license or privilege tax. Examples: New Orleans Commercial Activities Tax, Baton Rouge Business License. Contact local clerk for requirements. Food trucks may need additional mobile vendor permits.

Specific to businesses selling food and beverages in New Orleans. Must register with the City of New Orleans Department of Finance. Filed monthly or quarterly depending on volume.

Applies to the purchase of the food truck itself. Paid one-time upon registration with OMV. Not an ongoing tax, but a registration prerequisite.

Requires designated vending zones compliance; commissary agreement mandatory. Specific to mobile food vendors.

Prohibited in residential zones; 100-ft buffer from restaurants. Ordinance Sec. 98-302.

Requires plan review, inspections, and certified food manager. Specific to food service.

LP gas systems must be inspected. Code reference: NFPA 58/1.

Requires proof of state health permit and liability insurance.

Annual inspection required for propane and suppression systems.

Requires sink setup, refrigeration, and waste disposal compliance.

Designated stand-by location required; zoning restrictions apply. Code Sec. 19:3601.

Suppression system certification required.

Requires vending location approval; no street vending without permit.

LDH Retail Food Permit prerequisite.

Mandatory for all employers with one or more employees, full- or part-time. Sole proprietors with no employees are exempt but may elect coverage. Enforced under La. R.S. 23:1031–1318.

Food trucks with 11 or more employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries) and post summary Form 300A each year. Most food service businesses are exempt if under 10 employees, but not automatically.

Employers must withhold Louisiana income tax from employee wages and file Form R-5400 (Employer’s Withholding Tax Return). Frequency based on deposit schedule assigned by LDR.

Self-employed individuals (including LLC owners) must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more. Includes income and self-employment tax. Use Form 1040-ES.

Louisiana residents and businesses with net income must make quarterly estimated tax payments using Form IT-540ES. Applies to LLC owners reporting business income on personal returns unless the LLC is taxed as a corporation.

Keep business tax records for at least 3 years from filing date. Employment tax records must be kept for 4 years. Louisiana follows federal guidelines. Includes receipts, bank statements, invoices, and tax returns.

The Louisiana Mobile Food Establishment Permit must be clearly displayed inside the food truck where it is visible to inspectors and customers. Failure to display may result in citation during inspection.

Mobile food units must use an approved commissary for food storage, cleaning, and waste disposal. LDH must approve the facility. Agreement must be submitted with permit application.

All propane tanks must be DOT-approved and registered with the Fire Marshal. Inspection required every 3–5 years, but registration is annual.

Mobile food units must be registered with OMV. Trailers used for food service require titling and registration. Some parishes require additional local permits.

Mobile units must have a certified waste water holding tank. Disposal must be at approved facilities. Records of disposal must be available during inspections.