Food Truck Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 10 stops $800–$1,400 est. 3-6 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. 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. Proof of registration is required when applying for the medallion.

    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 Houston / Harris County

4 stops

  1. Mobile Food Unit Medallion

    Houston historically permitted mobile food units through the Houston Health Department's Mobile Food Unit Medallion (commissary agreement and inspection required). Beginning July 1, 2026, Texas HB 2844 requires all mobile food vendors to be licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services under a single statewide license replacing per-city health permits; confirm with the Houston Health Department (houstonconsumer.org) and DSHS which requirements apply to your unit. Houston Fire Department LP-gas permitting still applies locally.

    Official government source

    Per the city page: $258.00 permit + $112.57 inspection + $33.56 admin (≈$404); note the statewide DSHS mobile food vendor license (HB 2844, effective July 1, 2026) now governs mobile-food licensing — verify current requirements3-5 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. City of Houston — No Business Occupation Tax Registration

    Houston does not impose a general annual occupation tax or business tax registration on businesses, and there is no such registration with the City Controller's Office. State-level obligations (Texas sales tax permit via the Comptroller, franchise tax for entities) and activity-specific city permits are the actual requirements.

    Official government source

    None1-2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $800–$1,400 · 3-6 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