Renewal and changes

How long the license lasts

The law says a license expires on the first anniversary of issuance (HSC 437B.055). DSHS issues the license after you pass the pre-licensing inspection, good for one year from the inspection date (DSHS) (DSHS news).

Renewing

• DSHS must send you an expiration notice before the license expires. Notices go to the mailing address on your application (HSC 437B.056) (DSHS how-to).
• Send your renewal application before the expiration date.
• You can keep operating while your renewal is pending (HSC 437B.056(b)).
• DSHS charges the year's routine inspection fee when it renews (HSC 437B.058(c)).

DSHS hasn't yet published a separate renewal how-to; the first state licenses date from mid-2026, so the first renewals come due from mid-2027. Watch the DSHS MFV page.

Replacing a vehicle

Selling a licensed vehicle and replacing it doesn't void your license. Send DSHS the application information for the new vehicle and have it inspected; that inspection must happen within 14 calendar days (HSC 437B.057).

Selling the business

Licenses aren't transferable. A buyer of your food truck business must apply for and get their own license before operating (HSC 437B.057).

Changing your menu

If new food might change your type, notify DSHS; it may inspect and reclassify you (HSC 437B.152).

Keeping your license

• Display your license and inspection certificate where the public can see them (HSC 437B.103).
• Share where you'll be operating, on social media, your website or directly with DSHS (HSC 437B.154).
• DSHS can deny, suspend or revoke a license for violations, fraud, or three or more citations in 12 months. You have 14 days after notice to request a hearing (HSC 437B.202–.203).