What a Texas food truck permit costs in 2026.

1. IType I — $309, no inspection

   For vendors handling only non-TCS (non–temperature-controlled) foods — prepackaged snacks, whole produce, and similar low-risk items. Application fee $309. No pre-licensing inspection and no routine inspection fee. Total first-year cost: $309.

2. IIType II — $1,018 first year

   For limited preparation of temperature-controlled foods — think coffee, simple hot items, reheating. Application fee $618 plus a $400 pre-licensing inspection = $1,018 to start. A $400 routine inspection fee applies each following year.

3. IIIType III — $1,376 first year

   For full food preparation — the category most food trucks and trailers fall into. Application fee $876 plus a $500 pre-licensing inspection = $1,376 to start. A $500 routine inspection fee applies each following year.

4. ✓Valid one year, statewide

   Your DSHS Mobile Food Vendor license expires one year from the date of your successfully completed pre-licensing inspection. Applications open through the DSHS Online Licensing Services; both the application and inspection fees are due at submission, and you keep the application summary on your vehicle at all times.

Fees per the Texas DSHS Mobile Food Vendor fee schedule, effective July 1, 2026. DSHS sets and may adjust these amounts — confirm current fees at dshs.texas.gov before you apply.

1. 01Food handler cards — typically $7–$15 each

   Every employee who handles food must hold a current Texas food handler card, usually within 30 days of hire. Low cost, but one per person and each on its own renewal date.

2. 02Food manager certification — typically $100–$150

   At least one certified food manager is required. The certificate is good for several years and carries a certificate number and expiration.

3. 03Liability insurance — varies

   General and product liability is required by nearly every Texas event, market, and venue — many also require they be named as additional insured. Annual cost depends on your coverage and operation.

4. 04Commissary / central preparation facility — varies

   Many operations must work from a licensed commissary or central preparation facility for prep, water, and waste. A variance may be available from DSHS in some cases.

5. 05Sales & use tax permit — free

   You must collect Texas sales tax on most items. The Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Texas Comptroller is free to obtain.

6. 06City fire & LP-gas / propane permits — per city, varies

   The statewide license does not cover local fire and propane requirements. These are issued per city and priced locally.

7. 07Running booths or tents instead? Temporary permits

   For temporary, non-mobile setups, DSHS Temporary Food Establishment permits are $52 for a single event (up to 14 days) or $200 for a multiple-event permit valid two years. Apply at least 30 days before the event.

DSHS fees ($52 / $200) are official. Food handler, food manager, insurance, and commissary figures are typical market ranges, not set fees — your actual cost will vary by provider and operation.

1. QHow much does a food truck permit cost in Texas in 2026?

   The statewide DSHS Mobile Food Vendor license ranges from $309 to $1,376 in the first year. Type I (non-TCS) is $309 with no inspection. Type II (limited preparation) is $618 plus a $400 pre-licensing inspection, or $1,018 first year. Type III (full preparation, most food trucks) is $876 plus a $500 pre-licensing inspection, or $1,376 first year. Fees are set by Texas DSHS and effective July 1, 2026.

2. QWhat are the DSHS Type I, II, and III food truck fees?

   Type I: $309 application, no inspection. Type II: $618 application plus $400 pre-licensing inspection, and a $400 routine inspection each following year. Type III: $876 application plus $500 pre-licensing inspection, and a $500 routine inspection each following year. Your type is based on how much temperature-controlled food you prepare.

3. QIs the Texas food truck permit statewide now?

   Yes. Under HB 2844, effective July 1, 2026, the DSHS Mobile Food Vendor license is valid statewide, and local governments can no longer issue duplicate mobile food health permits. The same license is honored in every Texas city.

4. QHow long is the DSHS Mobile Food Vendor license valid?

   One year from the date of your successfully completed pre-licensing inspection. Type II and Type III vendors also pay a routine inspection fee ($400 and $500 respectively) in following years.

5. QDo I still need a separate city health permit for my food truck?

   No. The statewide DSHS license replaces local mobile food health permits. Cities may still require fire, propane or LP-gas, and location or right-of-way permits, but not a duplicate health permit.

6. QWhat is the total cost to start a food truck in Texas?

   Beyond the DSHS license ($309–$1,376), budget for food handler cards (about $7–$15 each), food manager certification (about $100–$150), liability insurance, a commissary or central preparation facility if required, and any city fire and propane permits. The Texas sales tax permit is free.