Permits
Coffee and cart permits in Maryland
To sell coffee in Maryland, 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.
24 counties in Maryland. 15 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 Maryland
In Maryland, county health departments issue food service facility licenses under state regulation (COMAR 10.15.03), overseen by the Maryland Dept. of Health Office of Food Protection; a reciprocity license covers mobile operators across counties.
- Food & vending permits
- Maryland Dept. of Health, Office of Food ProtectionFind your Maryland local health department
- Sales tax rate
- 6% statewide sales tax rateThis is a single statewide rate with no county or city sales tax added on top.Maryland Comptroller sales and use tax
- Food safety cards
- At least one ANSI-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager per establishment under COMAR 10.15.03.
Official links, last verified July 14, 2026. Requirements vary by city and change over time.
Confirm the current steps and fees before you apply.