Service overview
If you want to run a mobile retail food business, you need a Food Establishment Retail, Non-permanent Location License. This includes:
- Food trucks.
- Movable stands.
- Carts.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT)
- Commercial Activity License
- Plan review and License Eligibility Report issued by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Tax compliance
You must be current on all City taxes.
Where and when
Online
Use the eCLIPSE system.
In person
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Office closes at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
A nonrefundable application fee of $20 is applied toward the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due when your application is approved.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect a fee of $20.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
Renewal requirements
This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
To renew your license, you must:
- Be current on all City taxes.
- Have an Annual License Eligibility Report issued by the Philadelphia Department of Health.
- Have a valid email address.
Related content
- Get a Food Establishment Retail, Permanent Location License
- Apply for a plan review for a mobile food business
- File and pay Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT)
- Get a Commercial Activity License
- Get a Food Establishment Retail, Permanent Location License
- Apply for a plan review for a mobile food business
- File and pay Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT)
- Get a Commercial Activity License