Food Truck Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.

Updated 2026-03-12 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. 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

    At least one person on-site must hold a Certified Food Manager certification from an ANSI-accredited program (e.g., ServSafe) when handling TCS foods.

    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.

    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, replacing or supplementing existing local permits including the Tarrant County permit. 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 Fort Worth / Tarrant County

3 stops

  1. Tarrant County Public Health Mobile Food Unit Permit

    Required for mobile food units operating in Fort Worth and unincorporated Tarrant County. Issued by Tarrant County Public Health Environmental Health Division. Must operate out of a licensed commissary (Central Preparation Facility) and report there daily. The permit is valid countywide within Tarrant County jurisdiction. Contact (817) 248-6299 to apply.

    Official government source

    $258/year (aligns with state DSHS risk-based fee structure effective September 1, 2025)2-4 weeks (inspection required)

  2. Fort Worth Mobile Vendor Certificate of Occupancy

    Required for any vendor that occupies a specific location on a parcel or lot for more than one hour. Issued by Fort Worth Development Services. Must include proof of valid vehicle registration, motor vehicle operator's license, proof of vehicle liability insurance, and Texas sales tax permit. The vendor certificate of occupancy sticker must be displayed on the upper left rear of the unit.

    Official government source

    Varies; contact Fort Worth Development Services at (817) 392-72552-4 weeks

  3. Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate — Tarrant County

    If operating under a business name other than your legal name, you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Tarrant County Clerk. Required to open a business bank account and commonly requested when applying for other permits.

    Official government source

    $22 filing feeSame day (in-person) or 3-5 business days (by mail)

Terminus

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

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