Skip to main content

Food Truck Permit Requirements in El Paso, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 8 stops $400–$1,750 est. 3-5 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Texas

5 stops

  1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods in Texas. Prepared food sold by food trucks is taxable. Free to obtain from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

    Official government source for Texas Sales Tax Permit (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. Certified Food Manager Certification

    Texas requires each food establishment to employ at least one certified food protection manager (25 TAC 228.33(a), ANSI/ANAB-CFP accredited exam such as ServSafe). El Paso's local health department may impose stricter rules, including its own food manager registration or an on-site requirement - confirm with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health before opening.

    Official government source for Certified Food Manager Certification (opens in a new tab)

    $80-$150 (exam + course)1-2 days for course and exam

  3. Texas Food Handler Card

    All food employees (anyone working with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces) must complete a DSHS-accredited food handler training course within 30 days of employment (25 TAC 228.31; Health & Safety Code ch. 438). Cards/certificates are valid to the expiration date printed, or 2 years from issuance if none (25 TAC 229.178). Accredited online courses cost roughly $7-$15.

    Official government source for Texas Food Handler Card (opens in a new tab)

    $7-$15 per employee2-4 hours online

  4. Commercial Vehicle Registration

    Your food truck must be registered as a commercial vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Proof of registration is required at permit application.

    Official government source for Commercial Vehicle Registration (opens in a new tab)

    $50.75 base (vehicles up to 6,000 lbs) plus weight-based increases and county fees; heavy trucks can exceed $200/yearSame day at county tax office

  5. Texas Mobile Food Vendor License (DSHS)

    Since July 1, 2026, every mobile food vendor in Texas must hold an annual license from the Texas Department of State Health Services, with a separate license for each food vending vehicle (Health & Safety Code §437B.051, added by HB 2844, 89th Leg., 2025). Per DSHS, it replaces the licenses vendors previously needed from the local health department in each jurisdiction. DSHS assigns a type by food operations: Type I sells no TCS (time/temperature-controlled) food, e.g. prepackaged ice cream or snacks; Type II sells prepackaged TCS food needing limited handling or TCS food prepared to order, e.g. coffee trucks, snow cone and hot dog vendors; Type III prepares, cooks, holds and serves food from the vehicle, e.g. burger, BBQ and taco trucks. The application fee and the pre-licensing inspection fee are both due when you apply; DSHS amounts include the Texas Online fee (base fees: 25 TAC §226.4(e)). The license expires one year from the passed pre-licensing inspection. Additional fees may apply: routine inspection $400 (Type II) or $500 (Type III), and complaint/compliance inspection $300, $400 or $500 by type. Local fire codes, location restrictions and zoning still apply (§437B.101).

    Official government source for Texas Mobile Food Vendor License (DSHS) (opens in a new tab)

    $309–$1,376 due at application, by vendor type (Type I: $309, no pre-licensing inspection; Type II: $618 + $400 pre-licensing inspection; Type III: $876 + $500 pre-licensing inspection)Health inspection within 14 days of a complete application; license issued once the vehicle passes (HSC §437B.054)

City of El Paso / El Paso County

2 stops

  1. City of El Paso - No General Business License

    El Paso does not issue a general business license, so a food truck needs no citywide license. Since July 1, 2026, the health license for a food truck is the statewide DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License (see state requirements), which per DSHS replaced the licenses vendors previously needed from each local health department. Confirm with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health (One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Ave., (915) 212-6610) whether any local requirement still applies. The city's separate Vendor License (City Code ch. on vending) applies to selling merchandise in allowed areas and is handled at the same One Stop Shop if applicable.

    Official government source for City of El Paso - No General Business License (opens in a new tab)

    $0 (no general business license)None

  2. El Paso Fire Department Inspection

    Required if your food truck uses LP-gas, open flame cooking, or has a fire suppression system. The El Paso Fire Marshal must inspect and approve the setup.

    Official government source for El Paso Fire Department Inspection (opens in a new tab)

    Confirm current mobile-unit fire inspection fees with the El Paso Fire Marshal's Office1-2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,750 · 3-5 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides