Mobile Food Unit and Vendor Health Licenses

Steps to Get your Health License

1. Licenses
   • Arlington County Business License
   • Vendor’s License and Vendor's Tag (Peddler License sticker)
     • Vendor's License: Issued by the Licensing Office of the Police Department
     • Vendor's Tag (Peddler License Sticker): Issued by the Commissioner of Revenue
2. Certified Food Protection Manager Card
   • Get a Certified Food Protection Manager card for at least one staff member who will work in the mobile unit.
3. Base of Operation Agreement
   • Ask your base of operation to complete the Base of Operation Agreement and upload their health license and most recent inspection report.
   • Note: If completed online, you will get a copy via email.

   Base of Operation Agreement

4. Plan Review Application
   • Mobile units that are new, remodeling, or changing owner, must complete the Plan Review Application(PDF, 631KB) to submit with their Health License Application.
5. Health License Application
   • Complete the Health License Application and upload the required attachments:
     • Base of Operation Agreement
     • Base of Operation Health License
     • Base of Operation's most recent health inspection report
     • Mobile Unit's Business License
     • Picture of Peddler License sticker (see example(JPG, 275KB))
     • Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate
     • Plan Review Form (if new, remodeling, or changing owner)

     Health License Application

6. Fees
   • $40 for renewals
   • $80 for mobiles that are new, remodeling, or changing owner (includes $40 license fee and $40 plan review fee)
   • Payment methods: Credit card (phone or in-person), or check or money order payable to Treasurer, Arlington County (mail or in-person).
7. Inspection
   • After submitting your application, contact Environmental Health to schedule a joint health and fire inspection.
     • All mobile units need a health inspection.
     • Mobile units need a fire inspection if they cook or re-heat food (produce grease-laden vapors), or use propane tanks or generators.
       • Fire inspection fee: $175, payable onsite (credit/debit/eCheck)
   • Review the Mobile Food Unit License Checklist(PDF, 196KB) and Fire Prevention Requirements before your inspection to make sure you have everything you need to pass.

Alternative to Online Application

Mail, email, or bring a complete health license application package to the Environmental Health Program:

• Mobile Food Unit License Application (PDF)(PDF, 3MB)
• Base of Operation Agreement (PDF)(PDF, 123KB) 

Mobile Food Unit Licenses are valid from July 1 to June 30 of the next year

Fire Prevention Requirements

Ensure fire safety equipment is available and stored in your mobile unit according to Fire Prevention Office regulations:

• Hood suppression system and extinguisher(s) that are up to date with testing/inspections
• 2A-10BC extinguisher
• Class K extinguisher if you have a deep fat fryer  
• Wheel chocks (wedges to prevent accidental movement)
• Explosive gas detector (follow manufacturer instructions for proper installation)
• No Smoking signs where propane is stored and used
• Propane tanks and storage cabinets should be labeled PROPANE in 3” red letters on a contrasting background
• Propane tanks need to be properly secured

Fire inspection fee: $175, payable onsite (credit/debit/eCheck)

For fire safety questions, please call the Fire Prevention Office at 703-228-4644.

Certified Food Protection Manager 

The Virginia Department of Health and Arlington County Public Health Division recognize Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification programs accredited by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). Visit CFP’s website for information about their accreditation process, or get a list of accredited programs from the American National Standards Institute. 

Mobile Vending Zones

Mobile Vending Zones are created for food trucks in which they are exclusively allowed to vend during set hours. However, mobile vending is not limited to these zones. For more information on vending, please see the Arlington County Code.

Rosslyn Vending Zone Hours: 10am – 2pm, Monday – Friday

Court House Vending Zone Hours: 10am – 2pm, Monday – Friday

Clarendon Vending Zone Hours: 10pm – 2am, Friday – Sunday

Download more information about Mobile Vending Zones

Event Requirements

Review Event Requirements for Mobile Food Units(PDF, 1MB) if you are a mobile food unit interested in participating in an event, or you would like to have a vendor at your event.