Classes: A = 25+ seats and $50k+ revenue; B = <=24 seats and $50k+ revenue; C = hot drinks/prepackaged/events only. Fees under R.I. Gen. Laws Ch. 21-27 / RI Food Code. Checks payable to General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island.
Apply via RIDOH Mobile Food Service application; call 401-222-2749 to schedule the required inspection (allow ~2 weeks). Renewals done online at healthri.mylicense.com. City of Providence also requires a local mobile food establishment permit.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| caterer | $280/yr | State-run licensing (RI Dept of Health; no county-level dept). "Industrial Caterer/Food Vending Machine Commissary: Annual Registration" $280. RIDOH also directs caterers to a caterer/commissary license. |
| commissary/central kitchen | $280/yr | Covered by the "Industrial Caterer/Food Vending Machine Commissary" annual registration ($280). |
| market/grocery with deli | $120 (1-2 registers) / $240 (3-5) / $510 (6+) | "Retail Market" annual registration tiered by number of cash registers. |
| food processing/wholesale | $120 retail / $300 wholesale | "Food Processor Retail" $120; "Food Processor Wholesale" $300 annual registration. Cottage Food and Farm Home Food Manufacture $65 each. |
| pushcart/limited operation | $100/yr | "Retail Food Peddler: Annual Registration" $100. |
| temporary/seasonal/special-event | — | Temporary food services apply via the "Mobile Food Service" application selecting "Temporary Event." Mobile Food Service annual registration is $100; prorated initial fees available. |