Do You Need a Permit for a Vending Machine? Sellers Permit
Do you need a permit for a vending machine? Continue reading to know all the licenses and permits you’ll need to start a vending machine business.
Starting a vending machine business is enjoyable and fruitful, but we won’t deny that it involves a lot of hassle, also known as legal paperwork.
Although all types of businesses require paperwork, some people are confused when it comes to vending machines.
So do you need a permit for a vending machine?
Yes, you need a seller permit for Vending machine. The paperwork might differ according to your state and your machine’s products. However, you’ll most probably need permits and licenses on both federal and state levels.
In this article, we’ll answer your question in detail regarding vending machine permits and licenses, so jump in!
RELATED READ: Do You Need an LLC for Vending Machines Business?
Permits and Licenses for Vending Machines
Regarding paperwork, the government is divided into three categories, federal, state, and city/county.
Depending on your state, you might not need permits from all three. However, it’s best to stay enlightened with the information so that you don’t miss any details.
1. Federal Level
The federal regulations for starting a vending machine business are mainly concerned with the foods and beverages you’re offering. So, to begin with, you might need a Food/Beverage Service License for specific products in your machine.
You’ll also need to follow the FDA’s guidelines and rules regarding the types of food you’re selling and their packages. This is because most food-related businesses are subject to FDA regulations.
In addition to food regulations, you’ll need to ensure your vending machine follows the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) rules. In other words, you should make sure that your vending machine is easily accessible to disabled people and that they won’t face issues trying to use it.
We should probably emphasize that these permits and licenses are a must when starting any new business. The failure to meet any of these conditions might cause you to pay a fine and, in some extreme cases, to close your business.
2. State Level
The USA has 50 states, and each one has its own legal requirements when it comes to starting a vending machine business. We’ve made a list of the most famous states and their requirements.
California
If you plan to put a vending machine anywhere around California, you’ll need a Seller’s Permit. The permit will allow you to operate as many vending machines as you want. However, this depends on the price of the products you’re selling. If all of your products cost less than 15 cents, then you won’t need the permit.
Florida
Florida rules state that you must obtain a license before operating a vending machine. You’ll also need a Sales and Use Tax Direct Pay Permit.
New York
Before you operate a vending machine in New York, you’ll need to obtain a General Vendor License. This license will allow you to sell your products in any public place that doesn’t count as a store.
READ: Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Vending Machines? New York, Florida, etc
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, you’ll need a commissioner-issued license before operating a vending machine in a public place. When you get the license, you’ll get a label with a number written on it.
This is your license number, and you should stick this label on your machine.
Arizona
Starting a vending machine business in Arizona is a bit more challenging than in other states. This is because the federal government started fighting childhood obesity a few years ago and applied tight restrictions on people who sell food of low nutritional value.
So, if you put a vending machine there, you’ll probably need to fill it with water and healthy snacks.
It’s worth mentioning that the government in Arizona doesn’t issue a General Vending License. So the paperwork you’ll need depends entirely on the location of your machine and your products.
New Jersey
You don’t need a license or permit to operate a vending machine in New Jersey. However, if you sell products for 26 cents or more, you’ll be subject to taxes.
Washington
To operate a vending machine that sells snacks and beverages in Washington, you’ll need to obtain a license from Washington County Environmental Health. They’ll also need to inspect your machine and your products.
Texas
Before starting a coin-operated vending machine business in Texas, you’ll need to obtain three different licenses, Repair, Import, and General Business. You also might need a Registration Certificate and Occupation Tax Permit.
Colorado
Colorado rules state that any owner or operator of a vending machine should get a Sales Tax License. However, if you sell products for less than 15 cents, you won’t have to pay any taxes. Luckily, you can apply for this license online.
Michigan
Like Florida and Colorado, you’ll need a Sales Tax License before operating a vending machine in Michigan. You can apply for it through a phone call to the Department of Treasury, and you’ll probably get it after six weeks.
3. City/County Level
After getting all the required licenses and permits from your state, you’ll need to check with your county government for the rest of the regulations.
Some local health departments apply specific restrictions to food-related businesses, and some county governments require additional licenses.
Of course, the regulations vary depending on your vending machine’s place and products. So it’ll be better if you check before operating your machine.
To Wrap Up
Unlike what many people think, vending machine operators need to obtain multiple licenses and permits before they’re able to sell their products.
The paperwork is divided into three levels; you’ll need to check them all before putting a vending machine somewhere.
Generally, you should check the federal, state, and city/county requirements. And that’s all!
