Mobile Food Vendor License

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Mesa City Council adopted into law Mesa City Code Title 5, Chapter 4 “Mobile Food Vendors” on May 17, 2021, to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by establishing reasonable regulations of mobile food units and mobile food vendors and their employees, agents, and independent contractors, requiring compliance with minimum safety and security standards as well as health and sanitation rules, and to promote the safe and orderly operations of mobile food vendors in Mesa.

The mobile food vendor license is intended for food vendors that prepare and/or sell fresh food, beverages, or convections for immediate consumption from a mobile unit that is self-contained, readily movable, and motorized. Mobile Food Unit Examples(PDF, 321KB)

All mobile food vendors that wish to operate within Mesa city limits must first obtain the Mesa Mobile Food Vendor license. This includes mobile food vendors that plan to operate at city-sponsored events and special events four (4) or more times per calendar year, or at private, invite-only catered functions.  

Plan Ahead!  The average processing time for mobile food vendor applications is between two to four weeks.

Are you an event organizer looking for a licensed mobile food vendor? See current list of Mesa licensed mobile food vendors

Apply for new license

Step 1.Gather documents and information

For each mobile food unit and towing vehicle:

  • Current commercial registration and vehicle insurance
  • Fire inspection conducted within the last 12 months
  • Maricopa County permit to operate
  • Valid Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT)  License
  • Color photographs
  • Valid driver’s license for all individuals with 10% or more ownership

Step 2.Determine if you have any additional requirements

Based on the type of business, you may need to provide additional information.

For corporations, LLC, and partnerships
Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, Partnership Agreement (whichever is applicable)

For sole proprietors and joint ventures
Completed Mesa Licensing Eligibility Form(PDF, 396KB)

For mobile food units operating on city property or at city-sponsored events
Certificate of Liability Insurance with the City of Mesa listed as an additional insured

Step 3.Be prepared

E-payment via banking account or credit/debit card (+2.37% service fee) will be due upon application submission. All fees paid are non-refundable.

  • $10.00 Application Fee
  • $25.00 Background Investigation Fee (per person)

 $100 Licensing Fee will be payable at the time of application approval

Step 4.Apply

Online application portal (DIMES)

Make sure to keep an eye on your email inbox for important notifications regarding the status of your application.


Need help? Visit the DIMES How To Guides

Renew license

Step 1.Gather documents and information

The renewal application must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the current license expiration date.

For each mobile food unit and towing vehicle:

  • Current commercial registration and vehicle insurance
  • Fire inspection conducted within the last 12 months
  • Maricopa County permit to operate
  • Valid Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT)  License
  • Color photographs
  • Valid driver’s license for all individuals with 10% or more ownership

Step 2.Determine if you have any additional requirements

For corporations, LLC, and partnerships
Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, Partnership Agreement (whichever is applicable)

For sole proprietors and joint ventures
Licensing Eligibility Form(PDF, 396KB)

For mobile food units operating on city property or at city-sponsored events
Certificate of Liability Insurance with the City of Mesa listed as an additional insured

Step 3.Be prepared

E-payment via banking account or credit/debit card (+2.37% service fee) will be due upon application submission. All fees paid are non-refundable.

  • $100 Annual Renewal Fee

Step 4.Renew

Online portal (DIMES)

Make sure to keep an eye on your email inbox for important notifications regarding the status of your application.

Need help? Visit the DIMES How to Guides

Contact Us

Phone

480-644-2316

Email

licensing.info@mesaaz.gov

Location

55 N. Center St.
Mesa, AZ
85201
View Map

Related Information

Paper Application(PDF, 1MB)

 

Mobile Food Unit Change Form(PDF, 117KB)

 

Mobile Food Supplemental Questionnaire(PDF, 154KB)

 

Licensing Eligibility Form(PDF, 396KB)

 

Disclosure / Representation Authorization Form(PDF, 31KB)

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