Mobile Vending Permits

To operate a mobile vending unit in Portsmouth, you must have a license from the Portsmouth Health Department. There are 2 types of mobile permits offered. Regardless of which permit is applied for, all equipment must be manufactured by a licensed manufacturer and NSF or equivalent certified with the required hand sinks. No aftermarket alterations or home-built equipment shall be permitted.

Please use caution when purchasing/restoring mobile units. Previously licensed units may not meet current requirements and not all manufactured mobile units meet the above requirements.

Permit Types

Seasonal Mobile Pushcart Food Service Permit

Includes hot dog carts, crepe carts, lemonade stands and ice cream carts, etc.

Permits offered for this type of mobile unit run from April 15 – October 15 and must operate out of a Portsmouth licensed commissary that passes inspection. The unit must be serviced at the commissary every day of operation.
There are 7 locations on City property from which a pushcart can operate. The cart must meet size specifications. To operate in one of these locations there are additional insurance and local Hawkers and Peddlers license requirements. For further information, please visit the City Clerk’s webpage for the Vending Information Pamphlet

Mobile Food Service Permit

Includes Canteen Trucks, Food Trucks, Food Trailers, and Ice Cream trucks

Permits offered for this type of mobile unit are year-round and renewed each July.
These units must operate out of a licensed commissary that passes inspection and must be serviced at that commissary every day of operation.
Examples to assist in determining if a unit fits into this category:

Mobile Canteen Truck

This is the standard canteen truck that has a mobile route and generally visits businesses and job sites.

Mobile Food Truck

These are mobile kitchens with a side-opening service area.

* See additional information below regarding available vending spaces.

Mobile Food Trailers

These are enclosed mobile kitchens that are towed.

They must remain mobile (on wheels, removed from property routinely).

* These vehicles may be permitted in special situations but are not permitted on City sidewalks, or parking spaces.

Additional Information

Vending from parking spaces is not allowed. However, there may be a parking space available for Mobile Food Truck vendors to bid on. For more information please visit the Finance Department webpage for Bids and Proposals
For temporary event information visit Temporary Event Food Permit webpage

Please contact the Portsmouth Health Department at (603) 610-4187 or 610-7238 for additional information if you are considering applying for a permit to operate a mobile food service unit in the City of Portsmouth.