TX Food Truck License Guide is an independent guide run by Clearline Labs. We are not the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or any government agency, and we can't issue, speed up or guarantee a license. We are not an insurance agent or agency: we don't sell, solicit or negotiate insurance or give coverage advice. If we link to or refer you to a business, we may be paid a flat referral fee that does not depend on whether you buy anything.

DSHS pre-licensing inspection checklist

Type II and Type III vendors need a pre-licensing inspection before the license is issued; Type I doesn't (DSHS guide) (fees). DSHS can't issue a license if the vehicle fails (HSC 437B.054). The vehicle must be able to drive to the inspection and run without plugging into power or water, including sinks, refrigeration and wastewater (DSHS guide, p. 9).

Bring with you

Be ready to answer

"Bring" and "be ready" lists from the DSHS guide, p. 13.

The 28 items on the DSHS Food Vending Vehicle Inspection Checklist

1.Liquid waste tank at least 15% larger than the potable water tank, permanently installed, sloped to drain, labeled "wastewater"
2.Potable water from an approved source (private wells must be tested)
3.Hot and cold running water under pressure to all sinks
4.Handwash sink, conveniently located and accessible
5.Soap, paper towels, detergent and sanitizer
6.Three-compartment sink big enough for the largest equipment or utensil
7.Hot and cold holding equipment that keeps TCS food at safe temperatures
8.Food from an approved source
9.A servicing area for cleaning, supplies, water loading and sewage discharge
10.A certified food manager when TCS food is prepared
11.Central preparation or storage facility licensed (if required), latest inspection on hand
12.All conditions of the CPF/commissary exemption checklist met (if exempt)
13.Single-service articles provided and used
14.Potable water tank labeled "potable water", sloped to drain
15.Potable water inlet ¾ inch or less, labeled, usable only for water
16.Water pipes and tubing installed to plumbing and public health standards
17.Liquid waste connection a different size from the water connection, and labeled
18.Pest control in place; screens at least 16 mesh to the inch
19.Vehicle built of corrosion-resistant, durable materials
20.Easily cleanable, non-absorbent floors, walls and ceilings
21.Durable, easily cleanable counters and tables
22.Equipment installed to be easy to clean, in clean sound condition
23.Covered, cleanable solid waste storage
24.Readily movable: wheels on and in good repair, no permanent utility connections, no skirting, not on blocks
25.Designated places for staff to eat, drink, smoke and store personal items
26.Toilet rooms convenient and accessible to staff during all operating hours
27.Menu provided
28.Records of loaded vehicle weight as issued by TxDOT

Paraphrased from the DSHS Mobile Food Vendor Guide, pp. 10–11. Read the original before your inspection; DSHS's wording governs. Not every item applies to every type.

Equipment basics from the guide

DSHS guide, pp. 6–8.

Texas Food Truck License Kit: printable checklists for the DSHS application and pre-licensing inspection, a servicing log, an itinerary template and a renewal calendar, all built from the official DSHS documents.

Coming soon Until then, everything in it is free from DSHS: the Mobile Food Vendor Guide and application how-to.

Official sources for this page (checked October 22, 2026; rules can change, so confirm with DSHS before you pay or apply):