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Interior of a compact food truck kitchen with two workers in red shirts and black aprons. The person in the foreground, wearing a backward black cap, cooks on a flat-top grill surrounded by utensils and ingredients. In the background, another worker prepares food at a counter. Stainless steel surfaces, shelves with supplies, and overhead ventilation create a busy, organized cooking environment.

Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles

Apply for a Permit and Inspection of Your Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle

Learn More Request an Inspection

Virginia Requirements for Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles

The Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) is dedicated to ensuring fire safety and compliance for all residents, workers and visitors in Virginia.

As part of this commitment, the SFMO oversees the inspection and permitting of mobile food preparation vehicles operating in the state.
  • Mobile food preparation vehicles equipped with appliances using open flames or producing smoke or grease-laden vapors must adhere to this section's requirements for an inspection to obtain a permit.
  • The enforcing agent for mobile food preparation vehicle permits is the appointed fire official for the Virginia locality where the vehicle is registered for personal property tax.
  • If no local fire official exists, the SFMO will serve as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
  • An annual permit is $200 for inspection service performed by the SFMO. 

How to Get Your Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Inspected

  1. Review and complete the Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Checklist

    Download Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Checklist
     
  2. Review and complete the Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Contract including the Authorization to Perform Service section.

    Download Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Contract

  3. Contact statefiremarshal@vdfp.virginia.gov for information about how to schedule your inspection.
Before completing these forms, it's recommended you review the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code website.

* Please note in event of a failed inspection: All items reported will need to be resolved before another inspection can be performed.

Contact Us

For more details or assistance regarding Mobile Food Cart Preparation Vehicles Permits, please contact the State Fire Marshal Office at statefiremarshal@vdfp.virginia.gov or 804-371-0220.