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Food Truck Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 9 stops $600–$2,000 est. 3-6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections
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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 - under 25 TAC 228.33(a), at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility must be a certified food protection manager who passed an accredited (ANSI/ANAB-CFP) exam such as ServSafe, Prometric, or National Registry (authorized by Health & Safety Code 437.0076; see also 25 TAC 229.177(b)). State rules do not require the CFM to be on-site at all hours - a person in charge must be present - but a city ordinance may require a CFM on-site at all times, so check the local health department.

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

    ~$35-$150 depending on provider (exam-only vs course + exam)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 when applying for the medallion.

    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 Houston / Harris County

3 stops

  1. Central Preparation Facility (Commissary) Agreement

    Houston mobile food units operate from a Central Preparation Facility (CPF) — an approved facility where food is prepared and stored and the truck reports daily for supplies, cleaning and servicing. Since July 1, 2026, City of Houston medallions are no longer valid and operators need the DSHS mobile food vendor license; the City continues inspections under State authority. Confirm with DSHS how your CPF agreement is documented in the state application.

    Official government source for Central Preparation Facility (Commissary) Agreement (opens in a new tab)

    No city fee (cost depends on commissary rental agreement)Arranged prior to permit application

  2. Houston Fire Department LP-Gas / Suppression System Inspection

    Required if your food truck uses LP-gas, has a commercial cooking hood, or fire suppression system. The Houston Fire Department must inspect and approve the setup before you can operate.

    Official government source for Houston Fire Department LP-Gas / Suppression System Inspection (opens in a new tab)

    $2251-2 weeks (scheduled separately)

  3. City of Houston — No Business Occupation Tax Registration

    Houston does not impose a general annual occupation tax or business tax registration on businesses, and there is no such registration with the City Controller's Office. State-level obligations (Texas sales tax permit via the Comptroller, franchise tax for entities) and activity-specific city permits are the actual requirements.

    Official government source for City of Houston — No Business Occupation Tax Registration (opens in a new tab)

    None1-2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$2,000 · 3-6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

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