⚠ HB 2844 IS IN EFFECT — DSHS LICENSING REQUIRED TO OPERATE IN TEXAS
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DSHS FEES · HB 2844 · JUNE 2026

How Much Does a Texas Food Truck License Cost in 2026?

By Rolando GarzaJune 14, 20266 min read

The question every Texas food truck operator is asking right now: how much is this actually going to cost me? Under HB 2844, DSHS sets the fees — and they're significantly higher than what most operators paid for local city permits. Here's the complete breakdown, by type, with no surprises.

The Short Answer

Your cost depends on your MFV type:

These fees are paid directly to DSHS through Online Licensing Services. They are non-refundable. And if you fail your pre-licensing inspection, you pay the re-inspection fee on top of everything above.

Full Fee Breakdown by Type

TYPE IPrepackaged Vendor
Application fee09
Pre-licensing inspectionNot required
Re-inspection (if failed)N/A
Annual routine inspectionNot required
Complaint / compliance inspection00
Total Year 109
TYPE IILimited Preparation
Application fee18
Pre-licensing inspection00
Re-inspection if failed00/visit
Annual routine inspection00
Complaint / compliance inspection00
Total Year 1 (no failures),018
TYPE IIIFull Food Preparation
Application fee76
Pre-licensing inspection00
Re-inspection if failed00/visit
Annual routine inspection00
Complaint / compliance inspection00
Total Year 1 (no failures),376

The Re-Inspection Cost People Don't Budget For

Here's the number that surprises operators most: if your vehicle fails the pre-licensing inspection, you pay the full re-inspection fee every time you reschedule. There is no partial credit, no warning visit, no free second look.

A Type III operator who fails once has now spent ,876 before getting a license. Two failures: ,376. If you're running a truck that does ,000 a week and you're grounded for two weeks while fixing deficiencies, add another ,000 in lost revenue. The total cost of a failed inspection isn't just the fee — it's everything that happens after.

What Our 9 Fee Covers

Our Pre-Inspection Review is separate from DSHS fees. It's what you pay us to make sure your truck passes the first time. We confirm your MFV type, identify your CPF requirements, flag equipment deficiencies, and deliver a step-by-step action plan before your inspection appointment. The 9 is our service fee — all DSHS fees are paid directly to the State of Texas.

Know Your Type. Know Your Fees. Pass the First Time.

9 pre-inspection review. We start immediately after payment. Results in 48 hours.

START MY REVIEW — 9

AVOID REINSPECTION FEES

9
We start immediately after payment
  • MFV type and fees confirmed
  • Equipment gaps flagged
  • CPF requirements
  • Documentation checklist
  • Action plan in 48 hours
START MY REVIEW →