Food Truck Permit Requirements in Dallas, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 9 stops $500–$1,100 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

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Texas

5 stops

  1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods in Texas. Prepared food is taxable. 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

  5. Texas Mobile Food Vendor License (DSHS - HSC Chapter 437B, HB 2844)

    Since July 1, 2026, anyone operating a mobile food vendor / food vending vehicle in Texas must hold a statewide license issued by DSHS (Health & Safety Code ch. 437B, 'Mobile Food Vendor Regulatory Consistency Act', HB 2844, 89th Leg. 2025). The statewide license replaces the former patchwork of separate local health-department permits. DSHS assigns Type I (prepackaged, non-TCS), Type II (limited TCS handling), or Type III (full food preparation) based on operations. Vendors must still comply with food safety rules, including food manager certification under ch. 438.

    Official government source

    Type I: $309 application; Type II: $618 + $400 pre-licensing inspection; Type III: $876 + $500 pre-licensing inspection (per DSHS, 2026)Applications expected to open in early 2026

City of Dallas / Dallas County

3 stops

  1. Texas DSHS Statewide Mobile Food Vendor Permit (replaced county permit July 1, 2026)

    As of July 1, 2026, under Texas HB 2844 (2025), mobile food unit permits are issued statewide by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) -- city and county mobile food permits are no longer issued and prior local permits are not valid. Dallas County Health and Human Services states that operators must now obtain the DSHS permit through DSHS Online Licensing Services.

    Official government source

    DSHS statewide mobile food vendor fees (2026): Type I $309 application; Type II $618 application + $400 pre-licensing inspection; Type III $876 application + $500 pre-licensing inspection2-4 weeks (appointment required; inspections Tue-Fri 8:30am-4:00pm)

  2. Texas DSHS Statewide Mobile Food Vendor Permit (replaced City of Dallas MFU permit July 1, 2026)

    As of July 1, 2026, under Texas HB 2844 (2025), mobile food unit permits are issued statewide by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) -- city and county mobile food permits are no longer issued and prior local permits are not valid. Dallas County Health and Human Services states that operators must now obtain the DSHS permit through DSHS Online Licensing Services.

    Official government source

    DSHS statewide mobile food vendor fees (2026): Type I $309 application; Type II $618 application + $400 pre-licensing inspection; Type III $876 application + $500 pre-licensing inspection2-3 weeks

  3. Dallas Parks Mobile Food Truck Concession Permit

    Operating a food truck in or adjacent to Dallas city parks requires separate permission from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department (concession permit), in addition to the statewide DSHS mobile food vendor permit that replaced city/county health permits on July 1, 2026. Contact the Park and Recreation reservation office for current terms and fees.

    Official government source

    Varies by park location and event -- confirm with Dallas Park and Recreation2-4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,100 · 3-5 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

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