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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in Illinois

To sell coffee in Illinois, 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.

102 counties in Illinois. 20 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 Illinois

In Illinois, retail and mobile food permits are issued by your local health department under the Illinois Food Code, enforced with the Illinois Dept. of Public Health.

Food & vending permits
IDPH, retail & mobile food (issued by local health depts)
Sales tax permit
Certificate of Registration, MyTax Illinois (IDOR)
Sales tax rate
6.25% state base rateTypical combined range: 6.25%-11%Counties, cities, and special or transit districts add local sales tax on top, so your combined rate depends on your exact address.Illinois DOR sales tax rates
Food safety cards
Food Handler training for staff and at least one Food Service Sanitation Manager (FSSMC) on the team.

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 Illinois