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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in California

To sell coffee in California, you work with your county health department for food and mobile vending permits, then add a business license and state tax registration. Pick your county below for the department that handles your area and the steps to open.

58 counties in California. 37 have a detailed permit page below. For any other county, check your ZIP and we will point you to the right health department.

Statewide rules in California

In California, food and mobile vending permits are issued by your county environmental health department under the California Retail Food Code (CalCode).

Food & vending permits
County environmental health, find your county office (CalCode)
Sales tax permit
Seller's permit, CA Dept. of Tax & Fee Administration
Sales tax rate
7.25% state base rateTypical combined range: 7.25%-10.75%Counties, cities, and special or transit districts add local sales tax on top, so your combined rate depends on your exact address.California CDTFA rate lookup
Food safety cards
California Food Handler Card for staff, plus a Certified Food Protection Manager for at least one supervisor.

Official links, last verified July 14, 2026. Requirements vary by city and change over time.
Confirm the current steps and fees before you apply.

Counties with a detailed permit guide in California