HB 2844 IS NOW IN EFFECT — ALL TEXAS MOBILE FOOD VENDORS MUST HOLD A DSHS LICENSE. Did Texas extend the deadline? What DSHS told us →
VERIFIED WITH DSHS · TEXAS FOOD TRUCK LICENSING · HB 2844

THE VERIFIED GUIDE TO TEXAS FOOD TRUCK LICENSING.

Reported from the source, not rewritten. We call DSHS directly, verify what we're told, and publish it with dates — then help you act on it. Made by Texas operators, for Texas operators. Not a 50-state form mill.

Texas Food Truck
Licensing Experts.

From verified DSHS guidance to expert application reviews, inspection readiness, and ongoing compliance — we help Texas food truck operators navigate licensing with confidence. Whatever stage you're at, you're in the right place.

START MY $99 REVIEW → 📞 ASK AN EXPERT — (956) 592-2896

Whatever stage you're at — applying, waiting, building, or fixing — we help you figure out exactly what to do next.

Not ready for a $99 review? Start with the $29 Success Kit →

HB 2844 IS NOW IN EFFECT — WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
Category 1 — Have a current local permit? You may continue operating while DSHS processes your application.
Category 2 — No current local permit? You cannot legally operate until your pre-licensing inspection is complete.
Inspections are already underway statewide. Not sure which category you're in? We confirm it in your review.
Find out what applies to you ↓
$99FLAT FEE TO START
48hrTURNAROUND
ALL TXSTATEWIDE SERVICE
TYPE I–IIIALL MFV TYPES
ESSE HABLA ESPAÑOL
TEXAS FOOD TRUCK INTELLIGENCE REPORTS

We Don't Rewrite the News.
We Call DSHS and Verify It.

Most food truck sites repeat whatever they find online. We call the Texas Department of State Health Services directly, confirm what operators are actually being told, and publish it with dates and sources — clearly separating published rules from verbal guidance. When something changes, we re-verify and log it.

✓ VERIFIED WITH DSHS · CONFIRMED TWICE

My Texas Food Truck Permit Expired — Can I Still Get Licensed?

DSHS told us a local permit held within the last year still qualifies you — even if it's already expired. Confirmed on two separate calls.

Last verified: July 20, 2026 Read the report → ✓ VERIFIED WITH DSHS

Did Texas Extend the Food Truck Permit Deadline?

No formal extension — but DSHS confirmed Category 1 applications are still being accepted and qualifying operators may keep operating while pending.

Last verified: July 13, 2026 Read the report → ✓ VERIFIED WITH DSHS

DSHS Backlog: Thousands of Applications Pending

DSHS confirmed a significant application backlog and no committed turnaround time — why an incomplete application now sends you to the back of the line.

Last verified: July 2026 Read the report →

Every report distinguishes published DSHS rules from verbal guidance received by phone, and carries a "last verified" date. We are an independent resource and not affiliated with DSHS.

QUICK ANSWER

Every Operator Arrives With a Different Question. We Answer All of Them.

Some operators need to apply for the first time. Some already submitted and aren't sure they did it right. Some failed an inspection. Some need a renewal. Some just want to know if their trailer will pass. Tell us where you stand and we'll tell you exactly what to do next.

OUR CONSULTING SERVICES

Expert Guidance at Every Stage
of the Licensing Process.

Every path starts your permitting process today. Choose how much of the work you want to carry yourself, and how much you want us to carry for you.

BEFORE YOU BUILD · BEFORE YOU BUY

30-Minute Expert
Consultation

$49
One call · No commitment · Immediate answers

You're about to spend $30K–$80K on a trailer. Or you're not sure what permit you need. Or you have one specific question that's blocking you. Get a Texas food truck expert on the phone — right now, on your schedule — before you make a decision you can't take back.

  • ✓ Will my trailer pass inspection?
  • ✓ What permit do I actually need?
  • ✓ Do I need a commissary?
  • ✓ What should I build / what should I avoid?
  • ✓ Any question — answered by someone who's been through it
BOOK MY 30-MIN CALL — $49 →
STEP ONE — START TODAY

THE EXPERT-REVIEWED OPTION

Pre-Inspection
Operator Review

$99
One-time · Real review, not a checklist

Includes a $29 Success Kit credit — already applied.

An experienced Texas operator reviews your truck, your menu, and your equipment live — not a generic form. Your checklist and action plan are built directly from what we find, so you know exactly what to fix before DSHS shows up.

You receive a written action plan within 48 hours. After that, it's your call whether to act on it yourself or upgrade — no obligation either way.

START TODAY
MOST REQUESTED

DONE TOGETHER

Guided Application
& Follow-Through

$397
Multiple sessions · We stay with you

Multiple working sessions with us, step by step, until your inspection is on the calendar. We gather documentation alongside you, walk through the DSHS application together, and prep you for inspection day.

You'll have ongoing working sessions with us until your inspection is officially on the calendar — not a single call, real support through submission.

START YOUR APPLICATION
WHITE GLOVE

DONE FOR YOU

Full-Service
Licensing

$1,200
Do nothing. We handle it, completely.

You run your truck. We run your entire DSHS license — documentation, application, submission, inspection scheduling, follow-through — start to issued license. True white glove, no exceptions.

From the day you sign up to the day your license is issued, you do nothing but run your truck. We handle every DSHS interaction.

LET US HANDLE IT
WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES

Every Mobile Food Vendor in Texas
Must Now Be DSHS Licensed.

As of July 1, 2026, all mobile food vendors must hold a license issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services to operate a food vending vehicle anywhere in the state. A separate license is required for each vehicle. Your current city or county permit does not satisfy this requirement.

Two categories of applicants exist under HB 2844. If you currently hold a local health department license in Texas, you may continue operating while DSHS processes your application — provided you carry proof of that license and your application receipt on the vehicle at all times. If you have no current license anywhere in Texas, you cannot legally operate until your pre-licensing inspection is successfully completed and your DSHS license is issued.

Mobile food vendors are classified into three types — Type I, Type II, and Type III — based on the risk level of their food preparation activities. Your type determines your application fees, inspection requirements, and equipment standards.

Not sure which MFV type applies to your operation? Type classification affects your DSHS fees, equipment requirements, and what documentation you need to bring to your inspection. Read our complete breakdown before you apply.

READ THE MFV TYPE GUIDE →

Which Option Is Right for You?

SUCCESS KIT
THE DIY OPTION · $29		 REVIEW
EXPERT-REVIEWED · $99		 GUIDED
DONE TOGETHER · $397		 FULL SERVICE
DONE FOR YOU · $1,200
Learn the licensing process✓✓✓✓
Printable checklists✓✓✓✓
Personal review of your setup—✓✓✓
We help with paperwork——✓✓
We file everything for you———✓
GET THE KIT GET REVIEWED GET GUIDED FULL SERVICE

Not sure what this costs you, or which type applies? Take our free 5-question compliance quiz or use the free cost calculator to see your exact number before you spend a dollar.

Not sure which tier is right for you?

Start with the $99 review — we'll tell you exactly what you need from there.

SUCCESS KIT — $29 → START FOR $99 →
Texas Food Truck Success Kit — click to get it for $29
START HERE · $29 DIGITAL GUIDE · THE DIY OPTION

Not Ready for a Review? Start With the Success Kit.

The easiest way to understand the new Texas permit requirements before spending money on a review.

✓ Plain-English explanations
✓ Step-by-step application guide
✓ 28-point inspection checklist
✓ Common mistakes that delay approvals
✓ Food safety reference
✓ Real operator questions
GET THE SUCCESS KIT — $29 → If you later purchase a Permit Readiness Review, we'll credit your Success Kit purchase toward that service.
THE MATH IS SIMPLE

$99 Now or $400–500 Later.

A missing document, an incorrect MFV classification, or a failed inspection can cost $400–500 in re-inspection fees — plus days you can't operate. Not every mistake leads there, but the ones that do are easy to catch beforehand. That's what the review is for.

$400–500 POSSIBLE DSHS RE-INSPECTION FEE · PER VISIT

If you fail and have to reschedule — plus lost operating days, plus the original inspection fee you already paid.

VS
$99 OUR PRE-INSPECTION REVIEW · ONE TIME

We review your application, your documents, and your setup before any of that costs you time or money.

And that's just the fee you can see. Every day your truck sits closed waiting on a re-inspection is a day of sales you never get back — the cost that never shows up on an invoice, but hits the hardest.

START MY $99 REVIEW → or call/text (956) 592-2896

Pays for itself the moment it catches one inspection deficiency.

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW?

Where Are You Right Now?

Pick the situation that fits you. We'll tell you exactly where you stand and what to do next — no charge, no obligation.

FOR YOU
Tell us a bit more

Prefer to just talk it through? Call or text us directly at (956) 592-2896 — same person who'll review your form below.

We'll call or text you at the number you give us — and you've got ours too: (956) 592-2896. No charge, no obligation, no pressure.

Got it — we're on it.

We'll review your situation and reach out shortly with exactly what applies to you. Want to talk sooner? Call or text (956) 592-2896 directly. If you want to get your application reviewed right now, it's $99 and we begin immediately.

AUSTIN HOUSTON DALLAS RGV SAN ANTONIO
START MY $99 REVIEW NOW — WE BEGIN IMMEDIATELY →

Takes 5 minutes. Results in 48 hours. No obligation to continue beyond the review.

WHAT WE ACTUALLY DO FOR YOU

Application Review. Inspection Readiness.
Ongoing Compliance Support.

Most operators don't know what they don't know until DSHS sends a correction request or an inspector flags a problem. We review your application, your documentation, and your truck setup before that happens — and we stay on your radar for renewals and compliance updates so nothing catches you off guard.

✓
Your review findings, documented
Every detail from your operator review kept on record — type, county, CPF status, equipment notes.
✓
A heads-up before your license year is up
We'll notify you ahead of your renewal window so you're never caught off guard by DSHS — often with a returning-operator offer included.
✓
Fire marshal inspection confirmed
Separate from your DSHS license, often missed — we confirm what's needed for your city.
✓
Rule changes, flagged when they matter
HB 2844 won't be the last update to this law. When something changes that affects your operation, you hear it from us.
✓
Priority return pricing
Come back next year, or add a second truck — you're not starting from zero with us.
✓
One point of contact, not a new form every time
We already know your operation. Renewals and follow-ups move faster because of it.

This is included automatically with every service tier — no extra cost, no separate signup. Stay ahead of costly violations and re-inspection fees by staying on our radar, not falling through the cracks.

Don't Let a Missing Document Delay Your License.

Incomplete or incorrect applications can create delays and correction requests from DSHS. We identify those issues before you submit.

START MY $99 REVIEW → BOOK A 30-MIN EXPERT CALL — $49 →

Prefer to just talk first? Call or text (956) 592-2896 — a real Texas operator, not a call center.

48-hour turnaround · All MFV types · Statewide

DSHS APPLICATION & COMPLIANCE REVIEW — $99

Don't Guess. Get It Reviewed
Before You Submit — Or Before They Show Up.

Incomplete or incorrect applications create delays, correction requests, and failed inspections. We review your MFV classification, your documentation, your commissary status, and your inspection readiness — before any of that costs you time or money.

Why Get a Compliance Review? Most application delays don't come from the law being complicated — they come from missing documents, an incorrect MFV classification, an incomplete form field, or a truck that isn't actually ready when the inspector shows up. None of that is hard to fix. It's hard to catch on your own, because you don't know what you don't know until DSHS tells you — and by then it's already cost you a fee and a delay. Our review looks at your truck, your documentation, and your application package before you submit, so you know exactly what to correct first. We're the second set of eyes before submission — the difference between filing and filing right. Start my review →
WHAT THE $99 REVIEW INCLUDES →
✓ MFV classification review (Type I, II, or III)
✓ Application accuracy check
✓ Required documents identified
✓ Commissary / CPF status confirmed
✓ Common delay points identified
✓ Inspection readiness assessment
✓ Written action plan — in order of priority
✓ Bilingual support — se habla español

This is expert review from someone who has operated food trucks in Texas — not automated software, not a template. What you get is a real assessment of your specific situation, your county, and your truck type. Incomplete or incorrect applications can create delays and correction requests from DSHS. The review pays for itself the moment it catches one issue before submission.

$99
Flat fee · All MFV types · Start your process today
EXPERT REVIEW & ASSESSMENT →
  • ✓ Determine your MFV type (Type I, II, or III) and associated DSHS fees
  • ✓ Confirm Category 1 or Category 2 applicant status and what it means for operations
  • ✓ Review commissary and Central Preparation Facility (CPF) requirements by county
  • ✓ Identify all documentation required for your pre-licensing inspection
  • ✓ Flag equipment deficiencies before your inspection appointment
  • ✓ Confirm servicing area authorization and log requirements
  • ✓ Verify food manager certification requirements for your operation type
  • ✓ Assess CPF exemption eligibility and required supporting documentation
  • ✓ Deliver a step-by-step action plan — clear, specific, ready to execute
  • ✓ Bilingual review available — se habla español →
GET MY APPLICATION REVIEWED — START NOW →
Expert review from someone who has operated food trucks in Texas — not automated software, not a template. What you get is a real assessment of your application, your documentation, and your truck setup. Specific to your county, your vehicle type, and your situation.
WHAT YOU ACTUALLY RECEIVE
Your Review Findings — [Your Name]
YOUR MFV CLASSIFICATION
Type III — Full Food Preparation. Application fee $876 + inspection fee $500.
YOUR APPLICANT CATEGORY
Category 2 — no current local permit. Cannot operate until inspection passes.
CPF STATUS — CAMERON COUNTY
Authorization letter needed before inspection. 3 facility options identified.
ACTION ITEMS — IN ORDER
1. Secure CPF authorization · 2. Schedule food manager exam · 3. Verify tank sizing...

A real, written document specific to your truck, your county, and your situation — not a copy-paste template.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU SUBMIT

Most Operators Don't Know This Part.
Here's Exactly Where Delays Happen.

Every step below is a place where a missing document or a small error can cost you time. Knowing where those points are is most of the battle.

01

Review

We review your truck, documentation, and classification before anything goes to the state.

02

Documentation Review

Every required document checked for completeness — signatures, attachments, consistency.

03

Application Submission

Your DSHS application goes in complete and accurate, not guessed at.

04

State Review

DSHS processes your application and schedules your pre-licensing inspection.

05

Inspection Day

You show up knowing exactly what DSHS will check — because we already checked it first.

Want us to walk this with you? Start your $99 review →

WE DON'T DISAPPEAR AFTER SUBMISSION

Most Permit Services Stop
the Moment You Submit. We Don't.

Food truck regulations keep evolving — HB 2844 won't be the last update. Missing a renewal, overlooking a required change, or being unprepared for next year's inspection creates the same kind of delay you just avoided this time. Our goal isn't just getting you permitted. It's helping you stay compliant.

✓
Renewal reminders
We notify you ahead of your renewal window so you're never caught off guard by DSHS.
✓
Permit expiration tracking
Your license dates kept on file so nothing quietly lapses.
✓
State regulatory updates
When something changes that affects your operation, you hear it from us.
✓
Transition updates
HB 2844 rules are still finalizing in places — we track what changes and flag what matters to you.
✓
Inspection & renewal planning
A heads-up before your next inspection cycle, not a scramble when it arrives.
✓
Future guidance
One point of contact who already knows your operation — not a new form every time.

This is compliance support and permit guidance, not legal representation — and we never guarantee approvals or specific regulatory outcomes. We help you stay informed and prepared so you can focus on running your truck.

This is included with every tier — compare what each one covers →

THE PROCESS

Four Steps to a Compliant,
Operating Food Truck.

Every step handled with the same care and thoroughness DSHS expects of a licensed operation.

01

Choose & Pay

Pick your service and check out securely through Square. Takes about 60 seconds. No account required.

02

Complete Your Client File

After payment, tell us about your truck, county, and current permits — every field optional. Takes about 5 minutes.

03

Operator Review

An experienced Texas operator reviews your truck, menu, and equipment against actual DSHS inspection standards.

04

Receive Your Findings

Your checklist and action plan, built from the review — not a template. In your inbox within 48 hours.

After your 48-hour action plan arrives, you decide what's next — work through it yourself, or upgrade to Guided or Full-Service. No obligation either way.

READY FOR STEP ONE? START MY $99 REVIEW →

DSHS INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

What Inspectors Check.
What You Need Ready.

Your food vending vehicle must be fully operational and readily movable at time of inspection — no utility connections permitted. Below is a reference overview. Your Pre-Inspection Operator Review will confirm exactly which items apply to your operation type.

Documentation to Bring

  • Driver's license or CDL
  • Proof of insurance and TXDOT weight records
  • Food manager certification (TCS operations)
  • Complete menu of all items sold
  • Food allergen poster
  • Operating schedule / itinerary
  • CPF authorization letter and most recent inspection report
  • Servicing area authorization (if applicable)
  • Employee health policy

Equipment That Must Pass

  • Labeled potable water tank — sloped to drain
  • Wastewater tank — minimum 15% larger than potable
  • Handwashing sink with soap and paper towels
  • Three-compartment warewashing sink (Type II / III)
  • Adequate hot and cold TCS food holding equipment
  • 16-mesh screening at all ventilation openings
  • Smooth, cleanable, light-colored walls and ceilings
  • Vehicle fully movable — no permanent connections

Know Before You Apply

  • Your MFV classification (Type I, II, or III)
  • Whether you qualify for CPF exemption
  • All food sources and approved suppliers
  • Potable and wastewater tank sizes in gallons
  • Employee restroom access during all operating hours
  • Confirmed servicing area location and authorization
  • Your applicant category (Category 1 or Category 2)

Need a complete checklist you can print and work through? Download our free HB 2844 Operator Compliance Checklist — formatted for all three MFV types. Or get the full Success Kit for the complete guide with everything explained.

GET FREE CHECKLIST → GET THE COMPLETE SUCCESS KIT — $29 →
FREE RESOURCES — NO PAYMENT REQUIRED

Learn What You Need to Know.
Then Decide If You Want Help.

Every guide below is free, no email required to read. We'd rather you understand HB 2844 first — if you decide you want a second set of eyes on your specific situation, that's what our paid review is for.

MOST READ

The Inspection Details That Close Texas Food Trucks

Truck on jacks, cold equipment, CPF letter at home — the small stuff nobody warns you about.

Read free → COMPLETE GUIDE

HB 2844 Explained, Start to Finish

Everything that changed, your MFV type, fees, CPF rules, and your next steps.

Read free → INSPECTION

What Happens If You Fail Inspection

The real cost of a failed pre-licensing inspection and how to avoid it.

Read free → CPF / COMMISSARY

Do You Qualify for the CPF Exemption?

The exact checklist DSHS uses — most operators assume wrong.

Read free → DOWNLOAD

Free 28-Point Compliance Checklist

Every inspection item, organized by MFV type, ready to print.

Get it free → QUIZ

Find Your MFV Type in 5 Questions

Not sure if you're Type I, II, or III? This tells you in two minutes.

Take the quiz → CALCULATOR

What Will This Actually Cost Me?

Your exact DSHS fees by type — plus the fire marshal inspection most sites skip.

Calculate my cost → UPGRADE

Want the Complete Guide?

The free resources above cover individual topics. The Success Kit puts everything in one place — plain English, ready to work through start to finish.

Get the Success Kit — $29 →
SEE ALL FREE GUIDES →
SERVING OPERATORS STATEWIDE

Find Your City.

HB 2844 is a state law — it applies the same way no matter where in Texas you operate. We've broken down exactly what it means city by city, county by county.

HoustonHarris County DallasDallas County San AntonioBexar County AustinTravis County BrownsvilleCameron County Fort WorthTarrant County El PasoEl Paso County Corpus ChristiNueces County McAllenHidalgo County LaredoWebb County

Don't see your city? The same HB 2844 requirements apply anywhere in Texas — start your review and we'll confirm what applies to your county.

WHO YOU'RE WORKING WITH

Not a Call Center.
A Texas Operator.

Rolando Garza has built and operated food trucks across Texas — and helped other operators navigate permitting and licensing in multiple cities, long before HB 2844 existed. We don't cover all 50 states. We cover this state, and this law, because that's where the real expertise is.

Lick It Up — Austin, TX

Consulted on opening 3 locations across Austin.

Doña Carmen's — Brownsville, TX

Helped secure permitting for their operation in the RGV.

Suerte Bistro

Assisted with permitting through their opening process.

Multi-City Operator

Personally sold and operated trucks in Austin, Houston, McAllen, Brownsville, and Dallas.

When you submit your intake form, you're talking to someone who has actually done this — not a script.

FROM THE FIELD
90+OPERATORS ASSESSED
ALL TXSTATEWIDE COVERAGE
48hrAVG REVIEW DELIVERY

"I'd been trying to figure out the DSHS process on my own for weeks. Within 48 hours of the review I had a clear action plan — I knew exactly what to fix before my inspection. Wish I had done this from the start."

— Chris Mayhugh · New Braunfels, TX · Pre-Inspection Review + CPF Exemption Assessment

Ready to know exactly where you stand before DSHS shows up?

START MY $99 REVIEW →
OUR COMMITMENT

Whatever Stage You're At —
We're Here to Help.

Some operators need to apply for the first time. Some need a second opinion on what they already submitted. Some failed inspection and need to know what's next. Some are building a trailer and want to get it right before they spend the money. Whatever brought you here — we help you figure out exactly what to do.

Which of these sounds like you?

🟦 I'm just trying to understand the new Texas permit

THE DIY OPTION — $29 →

🟨 I already started my application, or want a second opinion

EXPERT-REVIEWED — $99 →

🟩 I want an expert to walk me through the whole thing

Best value — we stay with you through every step of the process.

GUIDED — WE WALK YOU THROUGH IT · $397 →

🟧 I want someone to handle everything for me

DONE FOR YOU — $1,200 →
GET YOUR APPLICATION REVIEWED — $99
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions About
HB 2844 Compliance.

Does HB 2844 apply to my operation? +
Yes, if you operate any food vending vehicle in Texas — including food trucks, trailers, pushcarts, catering vehicles, and roadside vendors. The law applies statewide to all mobile food vendors regardless of city or county jurisdiction. A separate DSHS license is required for each vehicle you operate.
What's the difference between the free checklist and the Success Kit? +
The free checklist is a one-page reference list. The Success Kit is the complete guide — it explains why inspectors check each item, how to fix common problems, what documents you need and when, plus your MFV type breakdown, CPF guidance, and a printable document organizer. $29, instant download.
I have a local health permit. Do I still need a DSHS license? +
Yes. A DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License is a separate state requirement and does not replace your local permit. However, holding a current local license qualifies you as a Category 1 applicant, which means you may continue operating while your DSHS application is being processed — provided you carry proof of that local license and your DSHS application receipt on your vehicle at all times.
What is the difference between Category 1 and Category 2? +
Category 1 operators currently hold a local Texas health department license and may keep operating during the DSHS application process. Category 2 operators have no current Texas license of any kind and cannot legally operate until they complete a DSHS pre-licensing inspection and receive their license.
What is a Central Preparation Facility (CPF) and do I need one? +
A CPF is a licensed, fixed food establishment where your vehicle is supplied with fresh water, serviced, cleaned, and where food is prepared or stored. Most Type II and Type III operations must operate from a CPF unless they qualify for a CPF exemption. Whether you need one — and what documentation you need if you do — depends on your specific operation and county. Your Pre-Inspection Operator Review will confirm this.
What happens if my vehicle fails the pre-licensing inspection? +
A failed inspection means you cannot operate and must correct all deficiencies before rescheduling. DSHS charges an additional inspection fee for each follow-up visit — $400 for Type II and $500 for Type III. This is precisely why a Pre-Inspection Operator Review is a sound investment before your appointment.
How quickly will I receive my review findings? +
Within 48 hours of completing your intake form after payment. Most reviews are completed and delivered the same business day.
Do you serve operators across all of Texas? +
Yes. We serve food truck and mobile food vendor operators in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Brownsville, and every city and county statewide. HB 2844 applies to all of Texas — so does our service.
¿Ofrecen servicio en español? +
Sí. Ofrecemos servicio completo en español. Tu revisión, tu plan de acción, y cualquier comunicación pueden realizarse íntegramente en español.
START MY $99 REVIEW →