PermitDuePermitDue

Permits for a Food Truck in Cambridge, Massachusetts

A food truck in Cambridge, Massachusetts needs 8 permits including city/town business certificate (dba), unemployment insurance registration, workers' compensation insurance, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.

We found 8 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.

8 permits found

For a Food Truck in Cambridge, MA

Business License (1)Employment (2)Health & Safety (3)Tax (2)

Business License

City/Town Business Certificate (DBA)
Local City or Town Clerk's Office·MA (state-level)
Business License

Massachusetts requires any person or entity conducting business under a name other than their legal name to file a Business Certificate (DBA) with the city or town clerk. Filing is required within 15 days of commencing business.

$0 - $1 (Filing fee varies by municipality. Typical range $20–$75.)
Renewal: Varies
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to file a business certificate may result in inability to enforce contracts and fines under MGL c.110 §5. ($1 - $3)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Employment

Unemployment Insurance Registration
Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA)·MA (state-level)
Employment

Massachusetts employers must register with the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) and pay state unemployment insurance tax. New employer rate is approximately 1.45%–14.37% depending on industry. Taxable wage base is $15,000 per employee.

$0 - $0 (Registration is free. Tax rate varies by employer experience.)
Renewal: Varies
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register or pay unemployment tax may result in penalties, interest, and legal action. ($1 - $50)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA)·MA (state-level)
Employment

Massachusetts requires all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees. No minimum employee threshold — even one employee triggers the requirement. Coverage purchased from private insurers or the state Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau.

$5 - $50 (Annual premium varies by industry, payroll, and experience. Restaurant/bar typically $1.50–$3.00 per $100 payroll.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Operating without workers' comp is a criminal offense. Fine of $100/day uninsured. Stop-work orders may be issued. ($1 - $500)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Health & Safety

Food Establishment Permit
Local Board of Health·MA (state-level)
Health & Safety

Required for all food service establishments in Massachusetts. Issued by the local Board of Health after passing a health inspection. Covers food handling, storage, preparation, and service. Must have at least one certified food protection manager (ServSafe or equivalent) on staff.

$1 - $5 (Fees vary by municipality and establishment size. Typical range $100–$500 annually.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~14 days
Operating without a food permit may result in closure orders, fines, and criminal penalties under 105 CMR 590. ($1 - $10)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Food Protection Manager Certification
ANSI-accredited certification bodies (e.g., ServSafe)·MA (state-level)
Health & Safety

Massachusetts requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Certification obtained by passing an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe. Valid for 5 years per 105 CMR 590.

$1 - $2 (Exam fee $80–$100. Bundled course + exam packages $150–$200.)
Renewal: Varies
Processing: ~1 days
Failure to have a certified manager may result in health department citations during inspections. ($1 - $5)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Mobile Food Vendor Permit
Local Board of Health·MA (state-level)
Health & Safety

Required for food trucks and mobile food units operating in Massachusetts. Issued by the local Board of Health in each municipality where the truck operates. Must meet commissary requirements and pass inspections.

$1 - $5 (Fees vary by municipality. Boston charges $100–$350 depending on zone.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~30 days
Operating without a permit may result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and cease-and-desist orders. ($1 - $10)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Tax

Massachusetts Sales Tax Registration
Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR)·MA (state-level)
Tax

Required for all businesses making retail sales of tangible personal property or taxable services. Massachusetts sales tax rate is 6.25%. Registration is free through MassTaxConnect. Meals tax of 6.25% applies to restaurant sales, with an optional additional 0.75% local option meals tax.

$0 - $0 (Free to obtain and renew.)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to collect or remit sales tax results in penalties of 1% per month (up to 25%) plus interest. ($0 - $100)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Massachusetts Withholding Tax Registration
Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR)·MA (state-level)
Tax

All Massachusetts employers must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration completed through MassTaxConnect.

$0 - $0 (Free to register.)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to withhold or remit income tax results in penalties and interest. Responsible persons may be held personally liable. ($0 - $100)
Apply Renew 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

$6 – $778

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.

Need help with the filing process?

Apply for your permits

View all 7 permits above

Filing guides

Partner services

Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend services we'd use ourselves.

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.