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

Dallas
food truck
permits.

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

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Dallas — HB 2844

What changed for Dallas operators.

Dallas operators previously needed permits from Dallas County Health and Human Services plus city-level compliance. HB 2844 consolidates this under DSHS statewide — but local zoning, fire codes, and location restrictions from the City of Dallas still apply.

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

Note: Dallas Fire-Rescue (required for propane and open flame equipment) requirements still apply. Local zoning, location restrictions, and fire codes remain in effect under Dallas city ordinances.

What you need in Dallas

  • DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License — statewide, replaces Dallas County Health and Human Services 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 — Dallas Fire-Rescue (required for propane and open flame equipment)
  • Zoning & location approval — Dallas city ordinances still apply
  • CPF/Commissary documentation — or exemption if your truck qualifies
The Process

How to get permitted in Dallas.

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 Dallas County Health and Human Services conducts the pre-licensing inspection. Once passed, your statewide license is issued. You're legal in Dallas and all of Texas.

Dallas — FAQ

Questions about Dallas permits.

How do I get a food truck permit in Dallas in 2026?
Under HB 2844, Dallas 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 Dallas County Health and Human Services food truck permit?
The DSHS statewide Mobile Food Vendor license replaced it. Effective July 1, 2026, Dallas County Health and Human Services 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 Dallas?
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 Dallas?
With all documents prepared correctly, most Dallas 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.
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