Food Truck Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 9 stops $500–$1,200 est. 2-6 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

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Texas

4 stops

  1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods in Texas. Free to obtain from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

    Official government source

    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

    ~$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

    $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

    $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

City of Austin / Travis County

4 stops

  1. Mobile Food Unit Permit - Texas DSHS (formerly Austin Public Health)

    Austin has transitioned administration of its Mobile Food Vending Program to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Beginning July 1, 2026, food trucks operating in Austin obtain their mobile food unit permit from DSHS rather than Austin Public Health. The DSHS permit covers preparation and sale of food including TCS foods; commissary/central preparation facility requirements still apply. Contact DSHS at 512-406-2644 or Austin Public Health at 512-978-0300 for transition questions.

    Official government source

    $258 per unit (DSHS mobile food unit permit fee - application, renewal, or change of ownership)2-4 weeks after application submission and inspection

  2. Mobile Food Unit Permit - Texas DSHS (pre-packaged-only vendors included)

    Austin no longer issues its own restricted mobile vendor permits - mobile food vending permits for Austin are issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services beginning July 1, 2026. Vendors selling only pre-packaged foods still permit through DSHS.

    Official government source

    $258 per unit (DSHS mobile food unit permit fee)1-2 weeks

  3. Fire Department Inspection

    Required if your food truck uses propane, produces smoke, or has grease-laden vapor-producing appliances. Austin Fire Department must inspect and approve your setup.

    Official government source

    Confirm current AFD mobile vending inspection fee with the Austin Fire DepartmentScheduled as part of the permit inspection

  4. Right-of-Way Vending Permit

    Required if you plan to vend from a parking space, sidewalk, or street in the public right-of-way. Issued by Austin Transportation Department.

    Official government source

    Varies by location2-4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,200 · 2-6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

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