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Food Truck Permit Requirements in San Antonio, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 8 stops $400–$1,800 est. 3-5 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.

    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 San Antonio / Bexar County

2 stops

  1. San Antonio Fire Department Permit

    Required if your food truck uses propane, open flame cooking, or grease-producing appliances. The San Antonio Fire Department must inspect and approve your fire suppression system and LP-gas setup. Per SAMHD, a fire inspection is required yearly for the DSHS mobile vending license.

    Official government source for San Antonio Fire Department Permit (opens in a new tab)

    Per the SAFD fire permit fee schedule; contact the SAFD Fire Marshal's Office to confirm the current mobile-vending/LP-gas permit fee2-3 weeks

  2. Bexar County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

    If operating under any name other than your legal name, you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Bexar County Clerk. This is not a city business license, but is commonly required for bank accounts and business operations.

    Official government source for Bexar County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate (opens in a new tab)

    $13 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)Same day (in-person) or 1-2 weeks (by mail)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,800 · 3-5 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

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