How to start a food truck in West Virginia

Steps to open a food truck in West Virginia

1. Call the health department first. Start with the office that issues your permit (see above). Ask whether they review build plans before construction, what the inspection covers, and whether you need a commissary.
2. Price the truck and the build. Get written quotes, then add permits, insurance and a cash reserve in the startup cost calculator.
3. Register the business. File your business name and structure with the state, then get a free EIN from the IRS.
4. Set up sales tax. Register with the state revenue department to collect sales tax before your first sale. Food truck sales are often taxable; the department's page explains what applies.
5. Line up a commissary if your health department requires one, and get the agreement in writing.
6. Apply for the mobile food permit and schedule the unit inspection. Expect a fire safety check if you use propane or a hood.
7. Get local licenses. Cities and counties often have their own vending license and rules about where you can park and for how long.
8. Insure the truck and the business before your first event. Event organizers often ask for a certificate of insurance.
9. Price the menu so food cost lands where you want it, using the menu pricing calculator.

Local rules matter as much as state rules

Even where the state issues the permit, the city decides where you can park, how close you can be to restaurants, and whether you need a separate vending license. Call the city clerk or business license office in each place you plan to sell, and ask event organizers what they require before you book.

Food safety rules in West Virginia, like most states, are built on the FDA Food Code, with local changes. Your health department can tell you which version applies and what your inspector checks.