What Kind of License to Drive a Food Truck?

Good news: Most food trucks only need your regular driver's license. The bad news is that there are exceptions, and they can catch you off guard if you're not careful.

Operators who buy a food truck and spend weeks getting it set up can discover they need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) they don't have, which means months of delays and extra costs that could have been avoided.

Understanding what actually matters is essential before making a purchase.

The Weight Rule (And Why It Matters)

Everything comes down to your truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR. That number tells you the maximum total weight your vehicle can handle — truck, equipment, food, water, fuel, everything combined.

You'll find it on a sticker inside the driver's door or on your vehicle's title. Don't guess. Don't estimate. Check the actual number.

Under 26,000 pounds? Your regular Class D license works fine. This covers probably 95% of food trucks out there — your standard taco trucks, burger trucks, ice cream trucks, most of what you see on the street.

26,000 pounds or more? You'll need a CDL. This usually means you're dealing with a massive catering truck, something with industrial kitchen equipment, or a heavily modified vehicle.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets the federal baseline at 26,000 pounds. States can add their own rules on top of that, and some do.

Most food trucks fall in that 12,000 to 18,000 pound range, which means a regular license works fine. However, operators who add extra equipment, upgrade their generators, or install bigger water tanks can suddenly find themselves pushing the weight limit.

When You Actually Need a CDL

The 26,000-pound threshold isn't arbitrary. That's when the feds consider your vehicle "commercial" enough to require special training and testing.

You'll see this with massive catering trucks that show up at corporate events, food trucks loaded with commercial-grade equipment like multiple ovens and large refrigeration units, box trucks that someone converted into a food truck (which weren't designed for this purpose and are often heavier), and trucks that got modified with extra generators, water systems, or storage.

Getting a CDL isn't quick. You'll need to pass written tests, do a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control maneuvers, road test), get a medical certification, pass a background check, and pay the fees. The FMCSA has the full breakdown of what's involved, including the Commercial Learner's Permit process.

Before you hand over money for a food truck, open the driver's door and look for that GVWR sticker. If it's not there, check the title. If you can't find it, ask the seller. Don't buy until you know.

People can assume their truck is under the limit, only to find out later they were wrong. By then, they're already committed, and getting a CDL takes time they might not have.

State Rules Can Be Tricky

The 26,000-pound rule is federal, but states add their own requirements on top of federal rules.

California throws a curveball. If your truck is over 10,000 pounds, you might need a commercial Class C license. It's not a full CDL, but it's still extra paperwork and a written test. The California DMV has the specifics, and you should check before you commit to a truck.

New York is mostly straightforward — regular license works for most food trucks. But if you're over 18,000 pounds, you'll need commercial plates. The New York DMV spells it all out.

Texas follows the standard federal rules. Under 26,000 pounds? Regular license. Over? CDL. The Texas DPS has everything you need.

Florida is usually fine with a regular license, but converted vehicles can get complicated. The Florida DHSMV can clarify if you're unsure.

For other states, the AAMVA directory links to every state's official DMV site. Don't rely on third-party sites or forums — go straight to the source.

Pick up the phone and call your state's DMV. Ask specifically about food trucks and weight requirements. The person on the phone might not know everything, but they can point you to the right department. A 10-minute call now beats finding out you need a CDL after you've already bought the truck.

What If You're Pulling a Trailer?

Trailers change the math. You're not just looking at the trailer's weight — you're looking at the combined weight of your truck plus the trailer.

Here's how it usually breaks down: trailers under 10,000 pounds typically work with a regular license in most states. Trailers 10,000+ pounds might require a commercial license or special endorsement, which varies by state. If the combined weight of your truck and trailer exceeds 26,000 pounds, a CDL is required with no exceptions.

Some states want a special endorsement for pulling heavy trailers, even if you don't need a full CDL. The FMCSA CDL Manual covers all of this, but honestly, your state DMV will give you the clearest answer for your specific situation.

Age Requirements

You need to be at least 18 to drive a commercial vehicle in most states, even if it's under the CDL threshold. Some states let 16- and 17-year-olds drive with restrictions, but those rules are usually for personal vehicles, not commercial ones.

For food trucks, plan on being 18 or older. Some cities also have age requirements for food truck business permits, so check your local health department or business licensing office too.

Insurance Will Have Its Own Rules

Here's something that trips people up: Your insurance company can have stricter requirements than the state.

Insurers can require drivers to be 21 or even 25, even though the state only requires 18. They might want a clean driving record with no DUIs or major accidents, a commercial driver training certificate even without a CDL, or a certain number of years behind the wheel.

Call your insurance company before you buy the truck. Ask them specifically about their driver requirements for food trucks. Getting denied coverage because of driver qualifications is a nightmare — you've got a truck you can't legally operate, and you're stuck.

The FMCSA insurance requirements cover commercial vehicles, but food trucks often have different needs, so your insurer's rules matter more.

Special Endorsements (Probably Not Needed, But Good to Know)

Even without a full CDL, you might need special endorsements for certain situations:

H Endorsement is for hazardous materials. Most food trucks don't need this, but if you're hauling large propane tanks or certain industrial cleaning chemicals, you might. The FMCSA explains when this applies.

P, S, and T Endorsements are for passenger vehicles, school buses, and multiple trailers. You won't need these for a food truck.

The FMCSA endorsements page has the full list, but honestly, most food truck owners never deal with any of this.

International Driver's Licenses

If you have an international driver's license, the rules get complicated. Some states accept them for 30 to 90 days, then you need a state license. Others won't accept them for commercial vehicles at all.

The U.S. Department of State has general info, but you'll need to check your state's DMV for commercial vehicle specifics.

Bottom line: If you're running a food truck long-term, you'll need a state-issued license. Plan for that.

What You Should Do Before Buying

Most food truck owners are fine with a regular license. But don't assume — verify.

Before you buy, check the GVWR on the door sticker or title. The NHTSA has info about weight ratings if you want to understand the system better. Call your state DMV and get it straight from the source. The AAMVA directory links to every state's official DMV site.

Call your insurance company and ask about their driver requirements for food trucks. The FMCSA insurance page covers commercial vehicles, but your insurer's rules are what actually matter. Think about modifications because adding a bigger generator or extra equipment can push you over weight limits. The FMCSA registration page explains how modifications affect vehicle classification.

The worst-case scenario? You buy a truck, spend weeks getting it ready, and then discover you need a CDL you don't have. That's months of delays and thousands in extra costs.

One last thing: Even if you don't need a CDL, food trucks drive differently than cars. They're heavier, they handle differently, and they feel weird when they're loaded. Get some practice in an empty parking lot before your first service. Consider a defensive driving course if you're not used to larger vehicles.

Ready to find a spot for your food truck? Check out available food truck locations on FoodTruckLease to get started.