How to apply for a Texas food truck license

Apply online through the DSHS Online Licensing System. DSHS recommends Chrome on a desktop or laptop, since not all phone browsers work (DSHS how-to). You can also apply by mail (DSHS guide).

Before you start, have these ready

• Proof of vehicle insurance for motorized or towed vehicles (trailers)
• Proof of any commercial vehicle licenses or permits Texas requires
• The driver's license of whoever drives the truck or tows the trailer
• Your menu of food and drinks
• An itinerary of all locations and times you plan to operate
• Your old city or county mobile food permit, if you had one for this vehicle
• Your business's 9-digit federal taxpayer ID and 11-digit Texas taxpayer ID

Attachments list from the DSHS how-to. If a bookkeeper or licensing firm applies for you, you also need their contact details and proof of the relationship.

Step by step

1. Sign in or register. New users get a temporary password by email. If your existing account is tied to hemp, environmental, cottage food or another firm's licenses, register a new account: one account per firm or owner. You can skip the Social Security number screen via the Main Menu.
2. Choose "Retail Food Program", then "Mobile Food Vendor Initial Application".
3. Function Suitability: a yes to any question means this isn't the right application.
4. Application Questions: the top two questions should not be answered the same way (yes/yes or no/no delays processing). A converted bus counts as a van, truck or trailer.
5. Name and organization: use ALL CAPS. Enter the ownership name exactly as the Comptroller has it. Don't pick "DBA" as the entity type; a DBA isn't an acceptable ownership type.
6. Addresses: main (business), primary (where you operate; no P.O. box; used to assign your inspection; organization name = your DBA or vehicle name) and mailing (renewal notices go here; P.O. box OK).
7. Select Attributes: pick your MFV type. This sets the fee.
8. Applicant information and the 11-digit Texas taxpayer ID.
9. Central preparation facility: optional on the form, but adding it can speed review.
10. Hours and itinerary: the inspector uses these to schedule you. You can type "SEE ITINERARY" or "SEE ATTACHMENTS" and upload a document instead.
11. Vehicle (truck, van, trailer, roadside) or Pushcart/Other details, and any previous license.
12. Attachments, then review the summary, swear the information is true, and pay.

All steps from the DSHS application how-to. Stuck? Call 512-834-6727 or email [email protected], and send a screenshot of any error.

After you apply

DSHS processes the application, then contacts you to schedule the pre-licensing inspection (DSHS). The law requires the inspection within 14 days of a complete application (HSC 437B.054), and an incomplete one can be denied (HSC 437B.053(e)). New vendors can't operate until they pass; DSHS prioritizes those inspections (DSHS). Get ready for the inspection.