City of Tulsa

Mobile Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Guide

Starting a mobile food business is an exciting venture, but navigating the legal and logistical requirements can be challenging. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, having a clear plan is essential to success. Crafting a solid business plan, obtaining the proper permits and securing the necessary licenses are critical components of ensuring your mobile food business runs smoothly.

To assist you, the City of Tulsa have created this guide that outlines the necessary steps and contacts to help you launch and manage your mobile food business all while ensuring you are compliant with local regulations. Follow this guide to make the process easier and more efficient.

Step 1 – It's the Law

Review the City of Tulsa Mobile Vendor ordinance to understand the requirements in becoming a mobile food vendor in the City of Tulsa.

Read the Ordinance

Step 2 – Getting Started

These things are crucial to accomplishing other steps, so get them in motion now.

Register Your Business (LLC, Sole Proprietorship, etc.) (For instructions, see here:
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Obtain an Oklahoma Sales Tax Permit

Step 3 – Check Health Department Rules

Next, you will need to comply with all applicable local health department regulations.

The Tulsa Health Department (THD) requires all food service establishments in Tulsa County, including mobile food vendors, to have a license that needs to be renewed annually.

Learn more at Tulsa Health Department Mobile Food Vending or call (918) 595-4300.

Step 4 – Getting Your City of Tulsa Mobile Vendor License

City of Tulsa requires a Mobile Vendor License. Please visit the City of Tulsa Finance Business Licensing for a downloadable application.

Step 5 – Check Additional Permits & Find Important Contacts

Additional City permits for outdoor sellers may be required and reading up on these departments and their services will help guide you:

City of Tulsa Development Services | Online
(918) 596-9456

City of Tulsa Planning and Zoning | Online

Special Events Permits | Online
(918) 576-5636
(918) 596-7526

Important Contacts:

City of Tulsa
License and Collections
175 E 2nd St., Suite 255
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 596-7640

Tulsa Health Department Mobile
Food Vendor License
(918) 595-4300

Oklahoma Secretary of State – Business Filing Department
421 N.W. 13th, Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK, 73103
(405) 522-2520

City of Tulsa Economic Development:
Small Business and Entrepreneurs
Economic Development Specialist
(918) 576-5571

Business Services Liaison
(918) 694-4196

City of Tulsa Citizen Advocate

(918) 576-5177

Step 6 – Three Important Checklists

Remember to look through the following checklists to make sure you are on the right track. These checklists are NOT all inclusive, so please call if you have any questions.