New Licensing Rules for Mobile Food Vendors in Texas: What You Need to Know

Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce  |  June 2026

If you run a food truck, taco trailer, push cart, or any kind of mobile food operation in Texas, there are big changes coming your way. Starting July 1, 2026, a new state law (House Bill2844) changes how mobile food vendors get licensed. Instead of dealing with different city and county permits, you will now need one state license from the Texas Department of State Health Services(DSHS) to operate anywhere in Texas.

This is a significant shift, and the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce wants to make sure our community’s vendedores have the information they need to stay in business and stay compliant.

What’s Changing

Under the old system, mobile food vendors had to register with their local health department, whether that was the city of Waco, McLennan County, or wherever you operated. If you wanted to sell in multiple cities, you might need multiple permits.

HB 2844 replaces all of that with a single statewide license issued by DSHS. One license, valid anywhere in Texas. Local authorities can no longer prohibit a licensed mobile food vendor from operating in their area, as long as you comply with other local laws like fire codes and zoning.

DSHS will also take over enforcement related to Health and Safety Code 437B, which governs mobile food vendors specifically.

Three License Types — Which One Are You?

Every mobile food vendor falls into one of three types based on what kind of food you prepare and serve. Your type determines your fees and inspection requirements.

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Type I

Prepackaged food only (ice cream, snacks, drinks)

$309 - Application Fee

N/A - Inspection Fee

Type II

Limited prep — reheat, thaw, cold hold (coffee trucks, hot dogs, snow cones)

$618 - Application Fee

$400 - Inspection Fee

Type III

Full cooking on the vehicle (taco trucks, BBQ, burger trucks)

$876 - Application Fee

$500 - Inspection Fee

Application fees include a Texas Online processing fee. The pre-licensing inspection fee is a one-time payment due when you submit your application. Both fees are due at the time of application.

What You Need to Do

The DSHS online application is available now through their Online Licensing Services portal.

www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments/permits-retail-food-establishments/mobile-food-vendors

Here’s the process:

1. Figure out your license type (Type I, II, or III) based on the food you serve.

2. Submit your application online and pay both the application fee and pre-licensing inspection fee.

3. After DSHS processes your application, you’ll get a letter to schedule your pre-licensing inspection.

4. Pass the inspection. Your license is valid for one year from that date.

Already Have a Local License?

If you already hold a mobile food vendor or mobile food unit license from a local health department in Texas, you can keep operating while your state application is being processed. You just need to:

• Show proof of your current local license when you apply through DSHS.
• Submit the application and pay the fees.
• Print out your application summary and payment receipt.
• Keep both documents on your food vending vehicle at all times.

If you do NOT currently hold any license in Texas, you cannot operate until your pre-licensing inspection is completed. DSHS says they will prioritize these applications.

What to Bring to Your Pre-Licensing Inspection

Make sure you have the following ready:

• Driver’s license or CDL
• Employee health policy
• Proof of insurance and TxDOT information
• Your menu (all items you plan to sell)
• Food allergen poster
• Itinerary of where you operate
• Food manager and food handler certifications (if you handle TCS foods)
• Central preparation facility or servicing area documentation (if applicable)

Your vehicle needs to be fully operational at the time of inspection — that means running without external electrical or water hookups, with working handwashing and warewashing facilities, refrigeration, and wastewater disposal.

One License, But Local Rules Still Apply

The new state license means no city or county can block you from operating if you’re properly licensed. That’s abig deal for vendors who work across multiple areas. But you still need to follow local fire codes, zoning restrictions, and location rules wherever you set up. The license covers food safety, it doesn’t override everything else.

Why This Matters for Our Community

Mobile food vending is the backbone of entrepreneurship in the Hispanic community. Taco trucks, paleta carts, aguas fresca trailers, these are real businesses that support real families. Do not jeopardize your ability to earn income by being out of compliance. Take the steps now to get all your permits and information completed before July 1.

Key Resources

DSHS Mobile Food Vendor page: dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments/mobile-food-vendors

Online Licensing Services: vo.ras.dshs.state.tx.us (search for mobile food vendor application)

Questions or complaints: MobileFoodVendor@dshs.texas.gov

Phone:512-406-2644

The Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is here to help our vendors navigate these changes. If you have questions or need help with the application process, reach out to us. Don’t wait, get your application in now so you can keep serving our community without interruption.

Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Advocating for Hispanic-owned businesses and small businesses in the Heart of Texas

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