Food Truck Permit Requirements in El Paso, TX

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

Updated 2026-03-12 9 stops $400–$900 est. 3-5 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 sold by food trucks is taxable. Free to obtain from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. Certified Food Manager Certification

    El Paso requires at least one on-site employee to hold a valid Food Manager License (ANSI-accredited, e.g., ServSafe). Required by local ordinance and state food safety rules.

    Official government source

    $80-$150 (exam + course)1-2 days for course and exam

  3. Texas Food Handler Card

    All food employees must complete a DSHS-accredited food handler training program within 60 days of employment.

    Official government source

    $7-$15 per person2-4 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 at permit application.

    Official government source

    $50-$200 depending on vehicle weightSame day at county tax office

  5. Texas H.B. 2844 Statewide Mobile Food Vendor License (effective July 1, 2026)

    Beginning July 1, 2026, all mobile food vendors in Texas must hold a single statewide license issued by DSHS, which will replace or supplement local El Paso permits. Vendors should apply once DSHS opens the application process.

    Official government source

    To be determined by DSHS rulemaking (estimated ~$258)Applications expected to open in early 2026

City of El Paso / El Paso County

3 stops

  1. El Paso City Health Permit — Mobile Food Unit

    Required for all mobile food units operating within El Paso city limits. Issued by the City of El Paso Public Health Department. Applications and fees are submitted at the One Stop Shop (OSS), 811 Texas Avenue. Must comply with El Paso's food-establishment ordinance (Code of Ordinances Chapter 9.12) and Texas Health & Safety Code Ch. 437/438, and pass a health inspection. Requires proof of vehicle insurance and state business registration.

    Official government source

    $258/year (aligned with DSHS flat fee as of September 1, 2025; contact OSS at (915) 212-6610 for latest schedule)2-4 weeks (inspection required)

  2. El Paso City Business License

    General business license required for all businesses operating in El Paso. Issued by the City of El Paso Planning and Inspections Department.

    Official government source

    Varies by business type; contact (915) 212-01041-2 weeks

  3. El Paso Fire Department Inspection

    Required if your food truck uses LP-gas, open flame cooking, or has a fire suppression system. The El Paso Fire Marshal must inspect and approve the setup.

    Official government source

    $100-$200 (varies based on equipment)1-2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$900 · 3-5 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides