Food Truck Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

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

Updated 2026-03-12 10 stops $800–$1,400 est. 3-6 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 time/temperature control for safety (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. Available online from multiple providers.

    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 when applying for the medallion.

    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. This license is intended to replace or supplement local permits. Vendors operating before this date should apply when DSHS opens the application process. Fee to be set by DSHS rulemaking.

    Official government source

    To be determined by DSHS (estimated similar to current state permit fees ~$258)Applications expected to open in early 2026

City of Houston / Harris County

4 stops

  1. Mobile Food Unit Medallion

    Required for all mobile food units operating within the City of Houston. Issued by the Houston Permitting Center on behalf of the Houston Health Department. As of September 1, 2025, fees align with the state DSHS risk-based fee model under Senate Bill 1008. Requires a commissary agreement and passing a health inspection.

    Official government source

    $709 initial (plan review ~$46, inspection ~$113, admin ~$13); ~$722 annual renewal3-5 weeks (application, commissary approval, scheduled inspection)

  2. Central Preparation Facility (Commissary) Agreement

    All mobile food units in Houston must operate from a licensed Central Preparation Facility (CPF) — an approved facility where food is prepared, stored, and the truck is serviced daily. You must submit a notarized commissary agreement with your permit application.

    Official government source

    No city fee (cost depends on commissary rental agreement)Arranged prior to permit application

  3. Houston Fire Department LP-Gas / Suppression System Inspection

    Required if your food truck uses LP-gas, has a commercial cooking hood, or fire suppression system. The Houston Fire Department must inspect and approve the setup before you can operate.

    Official government source

    $2251-2 weeks (scheduled separately)

  4. Houston Business Tax Registration (Occupation Tax)

    All businesses operating within Houston city limits must register and pay an annual occupation tax with the City Controller's Office.

    $50-$100/year depending on business structure1-2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $800–$1,400 · 3-6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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