Track every permit, inspection, and filing required before your first day of operation. Check items off as you complete them — progress saves in your browser.
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1 — Business Formation
Form LLC or business entity KY + OHKY: file with Kentucky SOS at sos.ky.gov ($40). OH: file at ohiosos.gov ($99). Register as a foreign LLC in the second state if operating both sides regularly.
Obtain EIN from IRS BothFree from IRS.gov — takes 5 minutes online. Required for bank accounts, payroll, and business licensing.
Open business bank account BothSeparate business account required to track revenue for AdSense qualification and tax purposes.
Kentucky Sales & Use Tax Permit KYFree from Kentucky DOR at revenue.ky.gov. Required before you collect sales tax on food sales in KY.
Ohio Transient Vendor's License OH$25 one-time from Ohio Dept. of Taxation at tax.ohio.gov. Required for multi-county sales tax collection.
2 — Truck Equipment & Setup
Dedicated handwashing sink installed & plumbed BothSeparate from 3-compartment sink. Hot and cold running water, soap dispenser, single-use towels. Required in both KY and OH.
3-compartment sink installed BothWash, rinse, sanitize. Drain boards required in Ohio. Measure capacity for the ware washing needs of your menu.
Fresh & wastewater tanks installed and sized correctly BothWastewater tank must be at least 15% larger than fresh water tank (KY and OH standard). Label both tanks clearly.
Hood ventilation & fire suppression system installed BothKY State Fire Marshal requires automatic suppression over cooking equipment. Hood must exhaust outside. Get UL 300 certification documentation.
Fire suppression system certified (KY Fire Marshal) KYMust be tagged and certified by a licensed technician. Bring certification document to your NKY Health inspection.
Mechanical refrigeration installed & tested BothRequired for full MFU/MFSO. Thermometers in all units. Test holding temps (below 41°F) before inspection.
Probe thermometer and cooler thermometers on hand BothMetal-stem probe thermometer for cooked food temps (calibrated). Thermometers inside all coolers and freezers.
2A-40BC fire extinguisher mounted and current BothMust be tagged within 12 months. Accessible from the serving area. Separate from the automatic hood suppression.
3 — Commissary
Commissary facility identified and visited in person BothVerify wastewater disposal point, potable water connection, cold storage, and access hours before signing anything. Read the commissary guide →
Commissary's health permit number verified with health dept. BothCall NKY Health (859-341-4151) or your OH health district to confirm the commissary's permit is current before you sign.
Commissary agreement signed by both parties BothUse NKY Health's standard form (KY) or a complete written agreement (OH). Keep two originals — one for you, one for the commissary.
4 — Health Permits & Licenses
KY Plan Review application submitted to NKY Health KYSubmit floor plan + $150 fee to Ted Talley at NKY Health. Required for new trucks. Allow 1–2 weeks for plan review.
KY MFU permit application submitted with commissary agreement KYSubmit application, commissary agreement, menu, and ~$150 fee to NKY Health. Call (859) 341-4151 to confirm current process.
KY pre-operation inspection passed KYTruck must be fully operational — all equipment connected and functioning. Bring commissary agreement, fire suppression cert, and menu.
KY MFU permit received and posted in truck KYPermit must be visible in the truck at all times during operation. Keep the original in a protective sleeve.
Ohio MFSO application mailed to Cincinnati Health Dept. OHMail floor plan, menu, commissary docs, and fee to: Mobile Food Licensing, 3845 William P Dooley Bypass, Cincinnati OH 45223.
Ohio pre-license inspection passed OHCincinnati Health Dept. inspects truck at their facility. All equipment must be operational. License issued after passing.
Ohio MFSO license received and posted in truck OHPost license visibly. Register for ezTrak renewal portal now — don't wait until February.
5 — Operations Readiness
ServSafe Food Manager certification obtained BothPerson-in-charge must hold food manager certification in both KY and OH. ServSafe is accepted. Valid 5 years.
Commercial general liability insurance obtained BothMinimum $1M per occurrence required for most events and private property agreements. Budget $400–$900/yr. Get a certificate of insurance (COI) ready to send to event organizers.
Temperature log system set up BothDaily log for cooler temps and cooked food temps. Required by health inspectors. A simple paper log works — keep 30 days on hand in the truck.
48-hr notice process understood for new KY counties KYBefore entering any KY county outside your NKY Health district, call that county's health dept. at least 48 hours in advance. Fayette adds a $25/location fee.
Registered for Ohio ezTrak renewal portal OHeztrak.cagis.org — register immediately upon receiving your MFSO. Ohio licenses expire March 1; late renewal = 25% penalty.
Progress is saved in your browser's local storage. Disclaimer: This checklist is a general guide — requirements vary by county. Always verify with your health department before applying. Not legal advice.