Food Truck Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

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

3 stops

  1. Texas DSHS Statewide Mobile Food Vendor Permit (TCPH permit never covered Fort Worth)

    As of July 1, 2026, under Texas HB 2844 (2025), mobile food vendors must be licensed statewide by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), not by local governments. The City of Fort Worth states: if you operate in Fort Worth, you obtain your permit from DSHS, not from the City. Apply 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 (inspection required)

  2. Fort Worth Mobile Vendor Certificate of Occupancy

    Health permitting for mobile food vendors moved to the Texas DSHS statewide permit on July 1, 2026 (HB 2844) -- the City of Fort Worth no longer permits mobile food vendors. Location/zoning rules for vending on private property may still apply within Fort Worth; confirm any current vendor certificate of occupancy or zoning requirement with Fort Worth Development Services at 817-392-2222 before committing to a fixed vending site.

    Official government source

    City health permit: none (DSHS statewide permit applies); any zoning/vendor-CO requirement -- confirm with Development Services2-4 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

    $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)Same 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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