Permits
Coffee and cart permits in Washington, D.C.
To sell coffee in Washington, D.C., 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.
1 counties in Washington, D.C.. 1 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 Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., food establishments and mobile vendors are licensed by DC Health's Division of Food, alongside a Basic Business License and tax registration.
- Food & vending permits
- DC Health, Division of Food (establishment & mobile vending)
- Sales tax permit
- Register your business & taxes, MyTax.DC.gov (OTR)
- Sales tax rate
- 6% statewide sales tax rateThis is a single statewide rate with no county or city sales tax added on top.DC OTR sales and use taxes
- Food safety cards
- A Certified Food Protection Manager is required; food handlers also need training.
Official links, last verified July 14, 2026. Requirements vary by city and change over time.
Confirm the current steps and fees before you apply.