Type I, II and III: which Texas MFV license type are you?
The law sets three risk-based classes: Type I for prepackaged or low-risk food, Type II for food that needs limited handling and preparation, and Type III for vendors who prepare, cook, hold and serve food from the vehicle (HSC 437B.151). Your type sets your fees and your inspection schedule.
| Type | What it covers (DSHS) | DSHS examples |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | Sells prepackaged food or is otherwise low risk. DSHS's web page says no TCS food; its guide allows prepackaged TCS food that isn't vacuum-sealed. Ask DSHS if you sell refrigerated packaged food | Prepackaged ice cream, packaged snacks and drinks, roadside vendors selling packaged meals |
| Type II | Prepackaged TCS food that needs limited handling; food prepared to order from commercially processed products (cold holding, thawing, reheating) | Coffee trucks, snow cone vendors, hot dog vendors and pushcarts, deli trailers, vacuum-packed meat or seafood vendors |
| Type III | Prepares, cooks, holds and serves food from the vehicle (hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating and more) | Burger, BBQ, taco, gyro and sushi trucks |
Descriptions and examples from DSHS (MFV page) (guide, p. 5). TCS = time/temperature control for safety food.
What each type has to have
| Requirement | Type I | Type II | Type III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-licensing inspection | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Water and wastewater tanks | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Handwashing and warewashing sinks | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Servicing area authorization and logs | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Central preparation facility (food source) | Show your food source (may be a CPF) | CPF, or pass the exemption checklist | CPF, or pass the exemption checklist |
From the DSHS guide's "Licensing and Physical Requirements by Type" table (p. 5). Every food vending vehicle must stay readily movable, with no permanent connections.
Fees by type
| MFV type | Application fee | Pre-licensing inspection fee | Due when you apply | Routine inspection fee | Complaint / compliance inspection fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | $309 | none | $309 | none | $300 |
| Type II | $618 | $400 | $1,018 | $400 | $400 |
| Type III | $876 | $500 | $1,376 | $500 | $500 |
Picking a type on the application
- Read the description on the application's "Select Attributes" tab. If you're a roadside vendor, don't pick Type III; if you cook on site, you're not a roadside vendor (DSHS how-to).
- If you later want to sell food that may change your type, tell DSHS first. It may inspect and reclassify you (HSC 437B.152).
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):