Food Truck Permit Requirements in San Antonio, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (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

   ~$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 employee·2-4 hours online

   $7-$15 per employee

   2-4 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/year·Same day at county tax office

   $50.75 base (vehicles up to 6,000 lbs) plus weight-based increases and county fees; heavy trucks can exceed $200/year

   Same 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

   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

1. Statewide DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License (replaces SAMHD permit)

   Beginning July 1, 2026, House Bill 2844 requires all mobile food vendors to be licensed with the Texas Department of State Health Services to operate a food vending vehicle anywhere in Texas — one statewide license replaces the per-jurisdiction health permits SAMHD previously issued. See DSHS 'Mobile Food Vendors' for application and fees; SAMHD continues local inspections/enforcement roles. Non-health city rules (fire, location restrictions) may still apply locally.

   Official government source

   Per the DSHS statewide mobile food vendor license fee schedule (dshs.texas.gov); the former SAMHD tiers ($100/$200/$258) no longer apply as of July 1, 2026·2-4 weeks (inspections Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment)

   Per the DSHS statewide mobile food vendor license fee schedule (dshs.texas.gov); the former SAMHD tiers ($100/$200/$258) no longer apply as of July 1, 2026

   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

   Per the SAFD fire permit fee schedule; contact the SAFD Fire Marshal's Office to confirm the current mobile-vending/LP-gas permit fee·2-3 weeks

   Per the SAFD fire permit fee schedule; contact the SAFD Fire Marshal's Office to confirm the current mobile-vending/LP-gas permit fee

   2-3 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

   $13 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)·Same day (in-person) or 1-2 weeks (by mail)

   $13 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)

   Same day (in-person) or 1-2 weeks (by mail)

Official Sources

• City of San Antonio - Mobile Food Vending
• Texas DSHS - Retail Food Establishments
• Texas Comptroller - Sales Tax Permit
• Texas H.B. 2844 - Mobile Food Vendor Statewide License

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