Frequently Asked Questions

Operating a food truck in Poway requires a City-issued solicitor’s license for the business and a solicitor’s ID card for each employee who works in the vehicle. Each applicant will be required to pass a background check. A City of Poway business certificate is not required when you have a Poway solicitor’s license. If operating a food truck in a City park or facility with an approved permit issued from the Community Services Department, only a business certificate is required along with insurance that meets the City’s standards. Adherence with the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health is also required. The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health administers a mobile food facility inspection program with a grading system. For more information about this program visit their Environmental Health - Mobile Food Program website

Complete Application: Applications for solicitor’s license and/or ID cards can be accessed from the Business Certificates & Regulatory Licenses webpage. Application Process: Applicants will undergo a Sheriff's background check and live scan process. Customer Service will contact Applicant to schedule an appointment once paperwork has cleared. Day of Appointment: Applicants will be scheduled to finalize solicitor's license and/or ID cards at City Hall, 13325 Civic Center Drive.

Solicitor’s licenses and solicitor’s ID cards cost $50 each for the first two years (this cost includes fingerprinting) and $20 to renew every two years thereafter. Solicitor’s licenses are also subject to a mandated state fee of $4.