PermitDuePermitDue

Permits for a Food Truck in Denver, Colorado

A food truck in Denver, Colorado needs 9 permits including city/county business license, colorado business entity registration (secretary of state), unemployment insurance registration, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.

We found 9 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.

9 permits found

For a Food Truck in Denver, CO

Business License (2)Employment (2)Health & Safety (3)Tax (2)

Business License

City/County Business License
City/County Licensing Department·CO (state-level)
Business License

Most Colorado cities and counties require a general business license or tax registration. Denver requires a business license for all businesses operating within city limits. Requirements and fees vary by municipality.

$0 - $3 (varies by city)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Operating without a business license may result in fines and penalties from the municipality. ($1 - $10)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Colorado Business Entity Registration (Secretary of State)
Colorado Secretary of State·CO (state-level)
Business License

LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities must register with the Colorado Secretary of State. Required before obtaining most other business licenses. Annual report filing required to maintain good standing.

$1 - $3 (filing fee varies by entity type; LLC $50, Corp $50)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to file annual reports results in delinquency and eventual administrative dissolution. Operating as an unregistered entity voids liability protection. ($0 - $5)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Employment

Unemployment Insurance Registration
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment·CO (state-level)
Employment

Colorado employers must register with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and pay state unemployment insurance (SUTA) tax. New employer rate is 1.7% on the first $23,800 per employee (2026). Registration is completed through the CDLE Employer Services portal.

$0 - $0 (Registration is free. New employer rate: 1.7% on first $23,800 per employee.)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register or pay UI tax results in penalties and interest. Willful failure is a criminal offense. ($1 - $50)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation, Dept. of Labor and Employment·CO (state-level)
Employment

Colorado requires workers' compensation insurance for all employers with one or more employees. Must be obtained from a licensed insurance carrier, Pinnacol Assurance (quasi-state insurer), or through self-insurance. Regulated by the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation.

$5 - $50 (Annual premium varies by industry classification and payroll. Restaurant/bar: $1.50–$3.50 per $100 of payroll.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Operating without workers' compensation is a criminal offense. Penalties include fines of $500 per day uninsured, plus the employer is liable for all claim costs. CDLE may issue stop-work orders. ($5 - $500)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Health & Safety

Certified Food Protection Manager Certification
ANSI-CFP Accredited Certification Bodies·CO (state-level)
Health & Safety

Colorado requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per retail food establishment. Must pass an ANSI-CFP accredited exam (ServSafe, National Registry, etc.). Some local jurisdictions require this; statewide requirement under the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules.

$1 - $2 (flat fee)
Renewal: Varies
Processing: ~1 days
Failure to maintain a CFPM may result in health code violations during inspections and potential permit suspension. ($1 - $10)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Mobile Food Unit Permit
Colorado CDPHE / County Health Departments·CO (state-level)
Health & Safety

Required for operating a mobile food unit (food truck, cart, or trailer) in Colorado. Issued by county or city health departments after plan review and inspection.

$1 - $10 (varies by county/city and food preparation type)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~30 days
Operating a food truck without required permits can result in fines, confiscation of goods, and forced closure. ($3 - $50)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Retail Food Establishment License
County/District Public Health Agency·CO (state-level)
Health & Safety

Required for any establishment preparing, serving, or selling food in Colorado. Licensed and inspected by the county or district public health agency. Covers food safety, sanitation, and facility standards under the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules and Regulations (6 CCR 1010-2).

$2 - $8 (varies by county and establishment type/size)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~30 days
Operating without a valid food establishment license may result in closure orders, fines, and enforcement actions from the local health department. ($3 - $50)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Tax

Colorado Sales Tax License
Colorado Department of Revenue·CO (state-level)
Tax

Required for all businesses making retail sales of tangible personal property or taxable services in Colorado. State sales tax rate is 2.9% plus applicable local rates. Must be obtained before opening. The license is free but must be renewed periodically. Applied for through the Colorado Department of Revenue.

$0 - $1 (Free state license (some local jurisdictions charge a fee). State rate: 2.9% + local.)
Renewal: Every 2 years
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to collect or remit sales tax results in penalties of 10% per month (up to 50% of tax due) plus interest. ($0 - $100)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Colorado Withholding Tax Registration
Colorado Department of Revenue / Taxation·CO (state-level)
Tax

Employers in Colorado must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration required before first payroll.

$0 - $0 (no registration fee)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register for withholding can result in penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. ($1 - $50)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Don't forget these deadlines

Save this checklist to your dashboard. We'll email you before each permit expires so you never get hit with a late penalty.

From $12/month

Total penalty exposure

$13 – $825

if you skip or miss these permits

Based on published penalty schedules. Your actual fines may differ depending on your city or county.

Save this checklist & get help filing

Save this checklist

Get this full permit list in your inbox. Handy when you're actually filling out applications.

Prove you're compliant. Share it with anyone.

Your compliance packet is a one-page proof that every permit is current. Send it to your landlord, insurer, or lender.

Riverside Bar & Grill

Austin, TX

94%
Liquor LicenseActive
Business LicenseActive
Health PermitActive
Fire Safety InspectionExpiring Soon
Sign PermitApplied
Verified by PermitDue — as of March 15, 2026
permitdue.com/packet/a3f8...

Who asks for this?

Landlords
Insurers
Lenders
Franchise HQs
Get your compliance packet

Check another location

Related permit checklists

Related Articles

Food Truck Permits: Every License You Need to Start
Food trucks need more permits than most people expect: health, fire, vehicle, parking, and commissary agreements. Here's the full list before you hit the road.
What Permits Do You Need to Run a Food Truck?
A food truck needs more than a kitchen on wheels. Here's every permit you need, from health department to fire extinguisher inspection, before you serve a single taco.
Food Truck Permits by State: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Food truck permit costs and requirements are different in every state. Here's a side-by-side comparison of California, Texas, Florida, and New York so you know what you're getting into.