Mobile Food Vendor License FAQs

The application says that I need to provide pictures of my mobile food unit and towing vehicle. What should be in the picture?
We request that you provide color photographs that show the side and entire back end of both the mobile food unit and towing vehicle (if applicable). Make sure that the license plates are also displayed and legible.

I want to participate as a vendor at an event this weekend. Am I able to get my Mesa Mobile Food Vendor license the same day that I submit the application?
No, the average processing time for a Mesa Mobile Food Vendor license is between 2 - 4 weeks. 

However, you may still be able to participate in the event if all the following are true: 1) the event is a Mesa-licensed Special Event or a Mesa Parks approved event, 2) your name is included on the event organizer’s vendor list filed with us, 3) you haven’t attended more than 4 events within the current calendar year, and 4) you have proof of a passed fire inspection performed by an Arizona municipality within the immediate last 12 month period.

I only want to sell at private functions in Mesa. Do I still need a mobile food vendor license? 
Yes, all mobile food units operating in Mesa, no matter if it’s on public or private property, will need a license. You can find the list of operation exemptions in Title 5, Chapter 4 of the Mesa City Code.

My mobile food unit has valid vehicle registration in another state. Can I use that registration in Arizona?
No, vehicles that will be used for commercial purposes in Arizona must also have valid vehicle registration issued by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. 

I operate a food trailer that is towed by another vehicle. Do I need to provide commercial registration for both?
Proof of commercial vehicle registration is only required for the mobile food unit. However, proof of regular registration for the towing vehicle, if applicable, will also need to be provided. Visit the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website for more information on vehicle registration.

 Can I still apply for a license if my mobile food unit is registered to someone else?
The mobile food vendor license will only be issued to the owner of the mobile food unit. The ownership of the mobile food unit is determined by vehicle registration.

Do I need to provide insurance to get a Mesa Mobile Food Vendor License?
Yes, proof of valid vehicle insurance for the mobile food unit and its towing vehicle (if applicable) will be required.  If you plan on operating your mobile food unit at a city-sponsored event or on city/public property, then separate commercial liability insurance for your business, with City of Mesa added as an additionally insured party, will also be required.

 My mobile food unit is a trailer, and I use a truck to tow it. Do I have to provide insurance for both?
Yes, proof of valid vehicle insurance will be required for both the trailer and towing vehicle. The VINs for each should be displayed on the insurance policy.

 I have vehicle insurance for my mobile food unit. What other type of insurance do I need to operate at a Mesa-sponsored event or on city/public property?
A certificate of liability insurance (COI) for your business with the City of Mesa listed as an additionally insured party must be filed with the Mesa Licensing office. The COI must have the company listed as the insured organization, each occurrence must be at least $1,000,000 and General Aggregate must be at least $2,000,000, and the “City of Mesa, its officers, agents, staff, and elected officials” must be included in the description of operations or the certificate holder sections.

How often does my mobile food unit need a fire inspection?
Your mobile food unit should be inspected at least once every 12 months. A copy of the “passed” inspection must be submitted along with a new or renewal Mesa mobile food vendor license application.

 Can I get the fire inspection done for my mobile food unit anywhere?
The Mesa Licensing office will only accept “passed” inspections performed by any Arizona municipality’s (city, town, county) fire department within the immediately preceding 12-month period.

 Will Mesa do my annual fire inspection?
Yes, you can schedule a fire inspection appointment with the Mesa Fire Prevention Department by calling 480-644-2622. Make sure to have your Mesa Mobile Food Vendor application or license number handy.

The Arizona city’s fire department that performed my annual inspection gave me an Arizona Fire Marshal’s Association “Mobile Food Unit Inspection” form as proof of my passed annual inspection.  Will the Mesa Licensing office accept this?
Yes, but only if the form is fully completed by that city’s inspector and their business card is attached.  All inspections will be verified by Mesa Fire Prevention.

 I only sell ice cream and cold drinks. Do I still need a fire inspection?
Only vehicles that contain cooking equipment that produces smoke or grease-laden vapors for the purpose of preparing and serving food to the public need a fire inspection.

Do I need a Maricopa County permit to operate?
Most mobile food businesses and vendors whose operations include food sales for immediate public consumption must have a valid permit to operate. Find out more information on the county’s website. 

Where can I get my Maricopa permit to operate?
Apply with the Maricopa County Environmental Services in person at 1645 East Roosevelt St., Phoenix AZ 85006 or using their online permit application portal.

My permit to operate is issued under a different business name than what’s on my mobile food unit’s vehicle registration. Is that ok?
No, both Maricopa County Environmental Services and Mesa require the names listed on the permit to operate and the mobile food unit’s vehicle registration to be the same.

 Can I use a permit to operate that was issued by another county or state?
No, any mobile food vendor operating within Maricopa County must have a permit issued by that same county.

 I’m waiting for the county to inspect my mobile food unit before they will issue my permit to operate.  Can I still apply for my Mesa mobile food vendor license?
Your valid permit to operate must be provided to the Mesa Licensing office at the time of application submittal.

Where can I operate my mobile food unit in Mesa?
Please contact the Mesa Zoning office at 480-644-2385 for more information on where it is permissible to sell within Mesa. If you already have a specific location in mind, please have the exact physical address and/or cross streets ready.

 I’m organizing an event and want to make sure the food truck vendors signed up are properly licensed in Mesa. Where can I find a list of licensed food truck vendors?
View the most current-current list of Mesa licensed mobile food vendors(PDF, 104KB).

What do I have to display in my mobile food unit while operating in Mesa?
The following documents should be displayed: a valid Mesa Mobile Food Vendor License, Maricopa County Permit to Operate, Annual Fire Inspection, Arizona TPT License.

Is there anything else that should be in my mobile food unit while operating in Mesa?
Yes, you should also have the following documents on hand to provide to city, state, and county officials upon request:  a valid driver’s license, Arizona vehicle registration and insurance for the mobile food unit, and proof of a “passed” annual Fire inspection.

I plan on participating as a vendor at Mesa events and selling occasionally in Mesa-owned parks. What do I need to do?
When participating in Mesa events, you’ll need to make sure that you have a valid Mesa Mobile Food Vendor license, Arizona TPT license, Maricopa County Permit to Operate, proof of a recently passed fire inspection, and that you are included on the event organizer’s vendor list.

If the event organizer is the City of Mesa, then proof of liability insurance with the City added as an additionally insured party must also be on file with the Mesa Licensing office. Prior permission from the Mesa Parks & Recreation department must be obtained before attempting to operate at Mesa-owned parks and facilities.

I’m planning to organize an event in Mesa. What’s next?
Start by visiting the Special Events webpage to determine if any licenses or permits will be needed for your planned event. Contact the Special Events team at 480-644-3500 for more information or assistance.