HB 2844 in effect — Austin food truck law changed July 1, 2026
Food Truck Permits · Austin, Texas

Austin
food truck
permits.

Get your Austin food truck permit under the new HB 2844 law. Our $99 Permit Readiness Review gives Travis County operators a personalized roadmap to get licensed fast.

Serving operators in Austin, Travis County, and all of Texas.

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Austin — HB 2844

What changed for Austin operators.

Austin built its reputation on food trucks. The city previously had one of the most complex permitting environments in Texas — multiple permits, commissary requirements, and strict location rules. HB 2844 simplifies the health permit side significantly, but Austin's zoning and location restrictions remain some of the most detailed in the state.

Under the new system, you apply once through DSHS and your license is valid everywhere in Texas — including Austin. The old permit from Austin Public Health / Travis County is no longer required for food safety compliance.

Note: Austin Fire Department (required for Type II and III operations with open flame) requirements still apply. Local zoning, location restrictions, and fire codes remain in effect under Austin city ordinances.

What you need in Austin

  • DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License — statewide, replaces Austin Public Health / Travis County permit
  • Texas Sales & Use Tax Permit — free at comptroller.texas.gov
  • Food Manager Certification — ANSI-accredited (ServSafe etc.)
  • Food Handler Certs — all employees within 60 days of hire
  • Fire compliance — Austin Fire Department (required for Type II and III operations with open flame)
  • Zoning & location approval — Austin city ordinances still apply
  • CPF/Commissary documentation — or exemption if your truck qualifies
The Process

How to get permitted in Austin.

01
Get your Tax Permit

Free at comptroller.texas.gov. Required before you can apply for anything else. Takes 2–3 business days.

02
Complete Certifications

Food manager certification required if you handle unpackaged TCS foods. ServSafe exam is the most common — ~$35–80.

03
Apply for DSHS License

Submit at dshs.texas.gov. Type II operators pay $618 + $400 inspection. Prepare your menu, equipment list, and commissary documentation.

04
Pass Inspection & Open

DSHS or Austin Public Health / Travis County conducts the pre-licensing inspection. Once passed, your statewide license is issued. You're legal in Austin and all of Texas.

Austin — FAQ

Questions about Austin permits.

How do I get a food truck permit in Austin in 2026?
Under HB 2844, Austin food truck operators apply directly through DSHS for a statewide Mobile Food Vendor license. You no longer need a separate city or county health permit. Apply at dshs.texas.gov, pay the applicable fee based on your truck type, and schedule your pre-licensing inspection.
What replaced the Austin Public Health / Travis County food truck permit?
The DSHS statewide Mobile Food Vendor license replaced it. Effective July 1, 2026, Austin Public Health / Travis County can no longer require a separate permit that duplicates DSHS coverage. However, they may still conduct inspections under a collaborative agreement with DSHS.
Do I still need a commissary in Austin?
You may qualify for a commissary exemption under 25 TAC 226.6 if your truck is fully self-contained. This requires submitting the DSHS CPF Exemption Checklist demonstrating that your truck has all required equipment on board. We assess whether your truck qualifies as part of our $149 commissary exemption add-on service.
How long does it take to get a food truck permit in Austin?
With all documents prepared correctly, most Austin operators complete the process in 2–4 weeks. Common delays include missing certifications, incomplete applications, and equipment that doesn't pass inspection. A permit readiness review before you apply significantly shortens this timeline.
Ready to get permitted in Austin?

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