Apply for a Mobile Vending Cart License

Step 1.Check your eligibility

This license is only for carts operating outside of the downtown area. If you want to operate downtown, you should Apply for a Downtown Vendor License.

You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020

• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Step 2.Gather your information

FOOD OR BEVERAGE SALES

If you're selling food and/or beverages, you'll need a food permit. Your permit will come from either the Kent County Health Department (616-632-6900) or the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (800-292-3939).

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We recommend reviewing the Mobile Vending Cart License Checklist for more details.

Step 3.Have your payment ready

There is a $334 license application fee for the first cart and $23 for each extra cart. Application fees are non-refundable.

Step 4.Complete the online application

We use a third party system called Citizen Access for business license applications. If this is your first time using this system, it's a good idea to learn How to Create a Citizen Access Account.

Your application might take some time. That's why we recommend that you gather all the required information first.

Apply in English

Step 5.We'll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes.

We'll call or email you to let you know that your license and vehicle decals are ready. You can either pick them up from the office or we'll mail it to you. Your license is valid through the season.

Make sure to keep a copy of the license with the cart operator. You should display your decals on each cart.

Step 6.Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.

Step 1.Check your eligibility

This license is only for carts operating outside of the downtown area. If you want to operate downtown, you should Apply for a Downtown Vendor License.

You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020

• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Step 2.Gather your information

FOOD OR BEVERAGE SALES

If you're selling food and/or beverages, you'll need a food permit. Your permit will come from either the Kent County Health Department (616-632-6900) or the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (800-292-3939).

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We recommend reviewing the Mobile Vending Cart License Checklist for more details.

Step 3.Have your payment ready

There is a $334 license application fee for the first cart and $23 for each extra cart. Application fees are non-refundable.

Mailed Payments

• Check
• Money order

In Person Payments

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

Step 4.Download and print the application

Fill out the PDF application and return it to us by mail or in person.

Download Application in English

Step 5.Mail or drop off your completed application

Make sure you have the appropriate payment ready. Refer to step 3 for accepted payment methods.

Step 6.We'll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes.

We'll call or email you to let you know that your license and vehicle decals are ready. You can either pick them up from the office or we'll mail it to you. Your license is valid through the season.

Make sure to keep a copy of the license with the cart operator. You should display your decals on each cart.

Step 7.Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.

Step 1.Make sure we're open

Our office hours are 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday. We are out of the office on public holidays.

Step 2.Call us for instructions

You can find our number in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you all the information you need to apply for your business license.

Step 1.Check your eligibility

This license is only for carts operating outside of the downtown area. If you want to operate downtown, you should Apply for a Downtown Vendor License.

You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020

• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Step 2.Gather your information

FOOD OR BEVERAGE SALES

If you're selling food and/or beverages, you'll need a food permit. Your permit will come from either the Kent County Health Department (616-632-6900) or the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (800-292-3939).

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We recommend reviewing the Mobile Vending Cart License Checklist for more details.

Step 3.Have your payment ready

There is a $334 license application fee for the first cart and $23 for each extra cart. Application fees are non-refundable. Here's a look at our accepted payment methods:

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard) 

Step 4.Visit our office to apply

Visit us on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Our address is in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you an application and answer all of your questions about the process. Make sure you have your payment ready. You can see our accepted payment methods in step 3 above.

Step 5.We'll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes.

We'll call or email you to let you know that your license and vehicle decals are ready. You can either pick them up from the office or we'll mail it to you. Your license is valid through the season.

Make sure to keep a copy of the license with the cart operator. You should display your decals on each cart.

Step 6.Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.