NOTE: Updated October 3, 2025. We're continually updating information/resources in this post as we receive updates. If anything is missing or incorrect, please let us know.

Got a food truck or thinking of starting one in Oklahoma? A recent update to the state's mobile food vendor rules (goes into effect November 1, 2025) makes it easier to operate across city and county lines. Here's a breakdown of the most important changes and regulations you need to follow to keep your business rolling.

Statewide License Recognition

The biggest change is how your health license is recognized across Oklahoma:

• One License for the State: If you have an Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) food establishment license, you can operate in any local jurisdiction in the state.
• Local Recognition Required: Local authorities must recognize your OSDH license. While they can issue their own permit, the fee for this local permit can be no more than their administrative cost to issue it.
• Tulsa/Oklahoma County Exception: If you operate in Tulsa County or Oklahoma County, you need to get a food establishment license from one of the licensing local authorities in those counties. The good news? That county license will be recognized by OSDH and all other local authorities statewide.

Where Can You Operate?

The rules are clearer now on where you can park and serve:

• Standard Zoning: With the property owner's permission, you can operate in any zoning district where traditional food service establishments are allowed.
• Residential Areas: You can operate in a residential zoning district with the permission of a resident for up to twelve (12) days per year.
• State Parks: Planning on serving food in a State Park? You'll need an approved contract or lease agreement with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission.

Health, Safety, and Waste Requirements

Maintaining a clean and safe operation is always key. Here are the specific requirements:

• Temporary Mass Gatherings: For large, temporary events (like festivals), you must provide ten (10) days’ notice to the OSDH and local authorities before serving food.
• Customer Waste: You are required to provide visible waste receptacles for all customers.
• Cleanup Radius: At the end of operation, you must remove and dispose of all refuse within a twenty-five-foot radius of your truck.

Important Exemptions: Handwashing and Commissaries

Some long-standing requirements have a bit more flexibility now for certain types of vendors:

No Handwashing Sink Required If:

Your mobile food unit will not be required to have a handwashing sink if all of the following conditions are met:

1. Only pre-packaged food is served.
2. No food is prepared on site.
3. No open food is sold.

No Commissary Required If:

You are not required to associate with a commissary (a central prep or storage kitchen) if you carry the necessary equipment to comply with all applicable health and safety regulations on your truck. This offers a lot more flexibility for self-sufficient mobile operations.

Enforcement

Finally, if OSDH initiates any enforcement proceedings against a licensed food establishment, they will follow the procedures outlined in the Oklahoma Administrative Code and the Oklahoma Administrative Proceedings Act.

These changes streamline the licensing process and clarify operational rules, making it easier for Oklahoma's food truck scene to thrive!

Questions?

OSDH licensing and regulatory questions can be directed to the Consumer Health Service division via the following:

Oklahoma State Department of Health
Consumer Health Service
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406

Phone: (405) 426-8250
Fax: (405) 900-7557
Email: CHSLicensing@health.ok.gov

Local authorities will need to be contacted directly for final decisions they make regarding issuing applicable permits, licenses, and fees.