Renewal retail food mobile application - food truck or food cart

Changes coming to food licensing in Denver on June 8. Read here to learn more.

Note: All fabrication of the mobile unit must be complete before submitting application.

Temporary Mobile Food Truck Area of Operations Rules for Downtown Denver(PDF, 807KB)

Mobile Food Truck Map of Restricted Areas in Downtown Denver

Email application

Step 1.Before you apply

  • You can renew a license as early as 90 days before it expires. The Department will try to remind license holders of the approaching deadline to the email provided at application. Failure of a reminder does not excuse any applicable late penalty.

Step 2.Propane permit online application

  • Complete an online propane permit application. You will log in and click on "Fire". You will then click on "Apply for Operational Permits". From the list, select "Fire Prevention Flammable Operational Permit" and click on "Continue Application". You will go through the application. A copy of your registration, driver's license and current fire suppression inspection report will need to be attached to your fire permit application. You will receive an invoice via email to pay online. These documents will also walk you through the online process for the propane permit. How to apply for a propane permit English(PDF, 2MB), How to apply for a propane permit Spanish(PDF, 2MB) and New Process for propane permits(PDF, 157KB).
  • If you do not use propane, please email DFDMobiles@denvergov.org to obtain a propane exemption letter.
  • Do not pay until you receive an invoice for the annual $200 fee. The invoice will be sent to your email from info@denvergov.org. Once the payment has posted to your account you will be able to print, or screen shot your permit. You will need to have a copy with you while open for business.
  • For your permit invoice or exemption letter it may take 5-7 business days. Do not apply for the propane permit or exemption letter until you are ready to have the mobile unit inspected.

Step 3.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Important notes to keep in mind about your documents:
  • All materials must be digital files saved as a .pdf or .jpg. Do not include any other file types. The Department of Excise and Licenses cannot accept other file types.
  • Use numbers or letters but not characters such as symbols (/ ? < > \ : * | “ ^) or spaces that could cause complications.
    • For example:
      • Good filename: drivers-license-name-2022.pdf
      • Bad filename: last name/ id.pdf
  • In some cases, you might need to combine documents and upload them in a single .pdf. You can use a free, online tool to merge documents into a single file. 
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (such as a lease) must be included in the application.
  • All materials must be legible. 
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 4.Submit an application

To renew a retail food mobile business license, you will need to email EXLSubmit@denvergov.org your renewal request along with the paid propane permit or propane exemption letter and the mobile license renewal packet(PDF, 493KB) (see required documents below). Include the name of your food truck along with your business file number (BFN).  

Step 5.Pay required fees

License fee:
$125

Step 6.City application review and next steps

Once the packet is submitted and payment is processed, your packet will be reviewed by a representative of the Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). You will be contacted directly by DDPHE within 7-10 business days of submitting the packet to gather additional information or approve the renewal.

Step 7.Required Inspections

Starting January 1, 2023, all renewal applicants are no longer required to schedule and pass a fire safety inspection. A courtesy safety inspection can also be scheduled upon request. However, ALL mobile vendors are subject to random spot check inspections by Denver Fire Department personnel. Mobile vendors should be familiar with and follow the Denver Fire Department food truck inspection checklist(PDF, 155KB) or Denver Fire Department food truck inspection checklist Spanish(PDF, 163KB), to ensure safety and compliance. You will need to contact the Denver Fire Department (DFD) via email at dfdmobiles@denvergov.org to either waive or schedule your in-person fire safety inspection. An annual flammable permit sticker will then be mailed out to you.

Step 8.License issuance

Once the unit has been approved remotely by DDPHE, a license will be issued for the mobile unit by Excise and Licenses via email within 5 business days.

Mail application

Step 1.Before you apply

  • You can renew a license as early as 90 days before it expires. The Department will try to remind license holders of the approaching deadline to the email provided at application. Failure of a reminder does not excuse any applicable late penalty.

Step 2.Propane permit online application

  • Complete an online propane permit application. You will log in and click on "Fire". You will then click on "Apply for Operational Permits". From the list, select "Fire Prevention Flammable Operational Permit" and click on "Continue Application". You will go through the application. A copy of your registration, driver's license and current fire suppression inspection report will need to be attached to your fire permit application. You will receive an invoice via email to pay online. These documents will also walk you through the online process for the propane permit. How to apply for a propane permit English(PDF, 2MB), How to apply for a propane permit Spanish(PDF, 2MB) and New Process for propane permits(PDF, 157KB).
  • If you do not use propane, please email DFDMobiles@denvergov.org to obtain a propane exemption letter.
  • Do not pay until you receive an invoice for the annual $200 fee. The invoice will be sent to your email from info@denvergov.org. Once the payment has posted to your account you will be able to print, or screen shot your permit. You will need to have a copy with you while open for business.  
  • For your permit invoice or exemption letter it may take 5-7 business days. Do not apply for the propane permit or exemption letter until you are ready to have the mobile unit inspected.

Step 3.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Remember:  
  • All materials must be printed and legible. 
  • Do not use staples in the documents.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (like a lease) must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 4.Submit an application

Applicants can mail their application with fees to:
City and County of Denver
Department of Excise and Licenses
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 206
Denver, CO 80202
  • Make checks payable to: Manager of Finance
  • Include a current email address in case the Department needs to reach out with questions.
  • If renewing, include your business file number.
For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.

Step 5.Pay required fees

License fee:
$125

Step 6.City application review and next steps

Once the packet is submitted and payment is processed, your packet will be reviewed by a representative of the Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). You will be contacted directly by DDPHE within 7-10 business days of submitting the packet to gather additional information or approve the renewal.

Step 7.Required Inspections

Starting January 1, 2023, all renewal applicants are no longer required to schedule and pass a fire safety inspection. A courtesy safety inspection can also be scheduled upon request. However, ALL mobile vendors are subject to random spot check inspections by Denver Fire Department personnel. Mobile vendors should be familiar with and follow the Denver Fire Department food truck inspection checklist(PDF, 155KB) or Denver Fire Department food truck inspection checklist Spanish(PDF, 163KB), to ensure safety and compliance. You will need to contact the Denver Fire Department (DFD) via email at dfdmobiles@denvergov.org to either waive or schedule your in-person fire safety inspection. An annual flammable permit sticker will then be mailed out to you.

Step 8.License issuance

Once the unit has been approved remotely by DDPHE, a license will be issued for the mobile unit by Excise and Licenses via email within 5 business days.

Apply in person

Step 1.Before you apply

  • You can renew a license as early as 90 days before it expires. The Department will try to remind license holders of the approaching deadline to the email provided at application. Failure of a reminder does not excuse any applicable late penalty.

Step 2.Propane permit online application

  • Complete an online propane permit application. You will log in and click on "Fire". You will then click on "Apply for Operational Permits". From the list, select "Fire Prevention Flammable Operational Permit" and click on "Continue Application". You will go through the application. A copy of your registration, driver's license and current fire suppression inspection report will need to be attached to your fire permit application. You will receive an invoice via email to pay online. These documents will also walk you through the online process for the propane permit. How to apply for a propane permit English(PDF, 2MB), How to apply for a propane permit Spanish(PDF, 2MB) and New Process for propane permits(PDF, 157KB).
  • If you do not use propane, please email DFDMobiles@denvergov.org to obtain a propane exemption letter.
  • Do not pay until you receive an invoice for the annual $200 fee. The invoice will be sent to your email from info@denvergov.org. Once the payment has posted to your account you will be able to print, or screen shot your permit. You will need to have a copy with you while open for business.
  • For your permit invoice or exemption letter it may take 5-7 business days. Do not apply for the propane permit or exemption letter until you are ready to have the mobile unit inspected.

Step 3.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Remember:  
  • All materials must be printed and legible. 
  • Do not use staples in the documents.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (like a lease) must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 4.Submit an application

Applicants can come to the office to submit their documents in person. Customers seeking in-person customer service should make an appointment. To make an appointment, visit the appointments website. The Excise and Licenses office is at 201 W Colfax Ave., on the second floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Building. 
 
Customers can pay their fees after they receive an invoice. Visit the online payments process page for more information.
  • Make sure that you have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online. 
Applicants are encouraged to pay their fees online, but in-person payments are available. After receiving an invoice, customers can go to the Community Planning and Development cashier counter on the second floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Building. Cashiers are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
  • Cash, checks (payable to “Manager of Finance”), Visa, Mastercard, and Discover card are all accepted.
For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.
 

Step 5.Pay required fees

License fee:
$125

Step 6.City application review and next steps

Once the packet is submitted and payment is processed, your packet will be reviewed by a representative of the Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). You will be contacted directly by DDPHE within 7-10 business days of submitting the packet to gather additional information or approve the renewal.

Step 7.Required Inspections

Starting January 1, 2023, all renewal applicants are no longer required to schedule and pass a fire safety inspection. A courtesy safety inspection can also be scheduled upon request. However, ALL mobile vendors are subject to random spot check inspections by Denver Fire Department personnel. Mobile vendors should be familiar with and follow the Denver Fire Department food truck inspection checklist(PDF, 155KB) or Denver Fire Department food truck inspection checklist Spanish(PDF, 163KB), to ensure safety and compliance. You will need to contact the Denver Fire Department (DFD) via email at dfdmobiles@denvergov.org to either waive or schedule your in-person fire safety inspection. An annual flammable permit sticker will then be mailed out to you.

Step 8.License issuance

Once the unit has been approved remotely by DDPHE, a license will be issued for the mobile unit by Excise and Licenses via email within 5 business days.

If you have questions for either of these departments prior to your appointment, you may reach them at:

  • Department of Public Health and Environment - (720) 913-1311
  • Denver Fire Department - (720) 454-6692

Basic Requirements are as follows (contact the Denver Fire Department for applicable requirements):

  1. All food trucks and/or carts shall have an approved fire extinguisher that has been inspected on a yearly basis by a Denver Fire Department licensed fire extinguisher company or,
  2. Fire extinguishers bought from a retail store shall have the receipt showing the date of purchase. This extinguisher is good for one year only, or can be inspected on a yearly basis.
  3. Fire extinguisher shall be a minimum of 2A: 10BC Classification that is mounted to the vehicle in the appropriate bracket.
  4. All hood extinguishing systems shall be inspected every six months by a Denver Fire Department licensed inspection company.
  5. Any cooking or re-heating operations that produces grease laden vapors (Including but not limited to Frying of any type) will be required to have a Class I hood installed with an approved Fire Suppression System and a Class K fire extinguisher will also be required to be mounted to the vehicle in an appropriate Class K bracket.
  6. Any solid fuel cooking (including but not limited to wood or wood pellets) shall have a Class K rated fire extinguisher AND a minimum 2A: 10BC class Dry Chemical extinguisher that is mounted to the vehicle in an appropriate 2A: 10BC bracket.
  7. Propane tanks shall be mounted securely to truck or cart by metal strap and must be protected from vehicle impact. Bungee cords and fabric tie down straps are not acceptable to secure Propane tanks (contact the Denver Fire Department for applicable requirements).
  8. All propane lines must be installed in accordance with Denver Fire Department policy and NFPA requirements (contact the Denver Fire Department for applicable requirements).

Fire Code Inspections draw from the International Fire Code, Denver Fire Code Amendments and applicable NFPA codes.

  • For Questions and information regarding Retail Food Mobile inspections that are conducted by the Denver Fire Department, please call (720) 913-3474 and ask to speak to a Mobile Retail Food inspector.

License must be displayed

Excise and Licenses will email a professional license to all licensees. This license (or a clear picture of it) must always be displayed.

Requirement to keep contact information up to date

Email licenses@denvergov.org to notify the Department of any contact information changes (place of business, onsite manager, etc.). These updates must be submitted within 72 hours of the change. 

Requirement to renew annually

Licenses expire annually. It is unlawful to operate with an expired license. A renewal application must be filed before the license expires.

Municipal Code

Denver Revised Municipal Code

Definition 23-2 (23)

Requirements 23-50

Fees 32-106.54

Bulletins and news

Sign up for the latest Food Truck news and bulletins.

Denver food truck guides

Denver Food Truck Guide(PDF, 540KB)

Mobile Retail Food Vendor Fire Inspection List(PDF, 151KB)

DDPHE food truck website

Compliments or complaints

If you have a compliment, complaint or concern about a business in Denver, complete the form below. Email it to licenses@denvergov.org.  We will investigate any complaint about a business license issued for the City and County of Denver.

 

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