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.

Verified 2026-08-27 9 stops $400–$900 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 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

    Texas requires each food establishment to employ at least one certified food protection manager (25 TAC 228.33(a), ANSI/ANAB-CFP accredited exam such as ServSafe). El Paso's local health department may impose stricter rules, including its own food manager registration or an on-site requirement - confirm with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health before opening.

    Official government source

    $80-$150 (exam + course)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. Proof of registration is required at permit application.

    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 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. City of El Paso - No General Business License (health permit is the operating credential)

    El Paso does not issue a general business license, so a food truck needs no citywide license. The required city credential is the Mobile Food Establishment permit from the Department of Public Health Food Inspection Program (One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Ave., (915) 212-6610). The city's separate Vendor License (City Code ch. on vending) applies to selling merchandise in allowed areas and is handled at the same One Stop Shop if applicable.

    Official government source

    $0 general license; mobile food establishment permit fees per the Food Inspection Program fee schedule1-2 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

    Confirm current mobile-unit fire inspection fees with the El Paso Fire Marshal's Office1-2 weeks

Terminus

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

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