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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in Pennsylvania

To sell coffee in Pennsylvania, 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.

67 counties in Pennsylvania. 31 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 Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the Dept. of Agriculture issues Retail Food Facility Licenses for most of the state; Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties run their own health departments for local licensing.

Food & vending permits
PA Dept. of Agriculture, retail food facility licensing (including mobile food units)
Sales tax permit
Sales, use, and hotel occupancy tax license, PA Dept. of Revenue via myPATH
Sales tax rate
6% state base rateTypical combined range: 6%-8%Counties, cities, and special or transit districts add local sales tax on top, so your combined rate depends on your exact address.Pennsylvania Revenue sales/use tax rates
Food safety cards
At least one ANSI-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager per licensed food facility.

Typical license fees

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture licenses retail food facilities statewide for $82 per year, covering all facility types from fixed cafes to mobile units and temporary stands. Seven counties with accredited local health departments issue licenses locally at their own fee rates.

Most food businesses
$82 a year

A one-time plan review fee of $85 applies to new facilities or substantial remodels under PDA jurisdiction. Facilities in Allegheny, Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware, Bucks, Erie, or Montgomery counties must apply to their county health department, which may charge different fees. Pennsylvania sales tax registration is free via myPATH at pa.gov.

Fee schedule, last verified July 14, 2026.

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 Pennsylvania