Food Truck Permit Requirements in San Antonio, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a food truck in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.

Updated 2026-03-12 9 stops $400–$900 est. 3-5 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. 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. This will replace or supplement local San Antonio permits. Vendors should apply once DSHS opens applications.

    Official government source

    To be determined by DSHS rulemaking (estimated ~$258)Applications expected to open in early 2026

City of San Antonio / Bexar County

3 stops

  1. San Antonio Mobile Food Establishment Permit

    Required for all mobile food vendors operating within San Antonio city limits. Issued by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD). Permit tier is based on the type of food handled: non-potentially hazardous pre-packaged food, packaged potentially hazardous food, or openly handled potentially hazardous food (e.g., hot meals). Inspections are by appointment, call (210) 207-0135. Must use an approved licensed commissary.

    Official government source

    $103 (non-potentially hazardous pre-packaged food), $206 (packaged potentially hazardous), or $309/year (openly handled/hot meals)2-4 weeks (inspections Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment)

  2. San Antonio Fire Department Permit

    Required if your food truck uses propane, open flame cooking, or grease-producing appliances. The San Antonio Fire Department must inspect and approve your fire suppression system and LP-gas setup.

    Official government source

    $300 plus 3% processing surcharge2-3 weeks

  3. Bexar County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

    If operating under any name other than your legal name, you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Bexar County Clerk. This is not a city business license, but is commonly required for bank accounts and business operations.

    Official government source

    $9 plus $0.50 per additional owner; $7 for a certified copySame day (in-person) or 1-2 weeks (by mail)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$900 · 3-5 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