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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in Michigan

To sell coffee in Michigan, 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.

83 counties in Michigan. 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 Michigan

In Michigan, retail food and mobile food unit licenses are issued by the Dept. of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) or a licensed local health department operating under MDARD authority.

Food & vending permits
MDARD, food establishment license applications (restaurants, mobile and transitory food units)
Sales tax permit
Sales Tax License, Michigan Treasury Online (MTO)
Sales tax rate
6% statewide sales tax rateThis is a single statewide rate with no county or city sales tax added on top.Michigan Treasury sales and use tax
Food safety cards
At least one certified food protection manager as the person in charge under Michigan Food Law; no separate statewide food handler card.

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 Michigan