Permits for a Food Truck in Duluth, Minnesota

All business entities (LLCs, corporations, partnerships) must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Sole proprietorships operating under a different name must file a Certificate of Assumed Name. Annual renewal required for LLCs and corporations.

Employers paying covered wages in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Registration is free.

Minnesota law requires all employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance or obtain approval for self-insurance from the Department of Commerce. No minimum employee threshold. Coverage obtained through private insurers.

Required for any establishment preparing or serving food in Minnesota. Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or delegated local health department. Covers food safety, sanitation, and facility standards. Includes a mandatory $50 statewide hospitality fee.

Minnesota requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) at each food establishment. The CFPM must pass an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe. Required under the Minnesota Food Code. Certification is valid for 5 years.

Required for food trucks and mobile food units operating more than 10 days per year in Minnesota. Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Requires a pre-licensing plan review. Units operating 10 or fewer days may use a Special Event Food Stand License instead. Revisions effective August 1, 2025 updated MDA food licensing requirements.

Required for installing or modifying business signs in Minnesota. Administered by the local municipality's planning/zoning department. Regulates sign size, height, illumination, setbacks, and type per the local sign ordinance. Outdoor advertising along state highways regulated by MnDOT.

Businesses making taxable sales in Minnesota must register for a Minnesota Tax ID Number and a Sales and Use Tax account with the Department of Revenue. State sales tax rate is 6.875% plus local rates. Registration is free.

Employers paying wages in Minnesota must register with the Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding. Required in addition to sales tax registration. Minnesota has a progressive state income tax (5.35%–9.85%).

Verifies that a business location complies with local zoning ordinances (commercial, industrial, mixed-use). Required before opening any new business or changing use of an existing space. Issued by local planning/zoning authority. Conditional Use Permits (CUP) may be required for certain uses such as bars or auto repair.