These are the questions showing up in Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, and DMs — about DSHS licensing, commissaries, inspections, build-outs, and staying open. Answered by people who've been through it in Texas.
If you only do truly private events — closed parties, private catering, invite-only events where the public can't walk up and buy — you likely don't need the statewide MFV license for those specific events. The DSHS statewide license applies to vendors selling to the general public.
However, the moment you operate at any public event — a festival, a farmers market, a food truck park, a street location, or any place where members of the public can purchase from you — the license applies. And for occasional public events, a temporary permit may be an option instead of the full license.
It depends on your Category.
Not sure which category you're in? That's the first thing we confirm in your compliance review.
DSHS typically returns applications with a request for corrections rather than outright rejection. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, missing CPF authorization, incorrect MFV type classification, or an incomplete menu.
What it means for your operation: A returned application doesn't automatically mean you lose your Category 1 protection if you had an active local permit. However, you need to correct and resubmit quickly — and make sure the corrections actually resolve what DSHS flagged.
Processing times are variable — DSHS has received a high volume of applications since HB 2844 took effect, and timelines are not publicly published in real time. What we can tell you is that complete applications process faster than incomplete ones, and that incomplete or incorrect submissions cause the most delay.
If you've submitted and haven't heard back, make sure you have your application receipt and are carrying it on your vehicle if you're a Category 1 operator.
You won't know until DSHS tells you — unless someone reviews it before they do. The most common issues we see in submitted applications are: wrong MFV type classification, missing or incorrect CPF documentation, incomplete menus, and missing supporting documentation.
A compliance review after submission catches these before DSHS sends you a correction request — which means less delay and no scrambling to fix something under pressure.
Want us to review what you submitted?
GET MY APPLICATION REVIEWED →Your local permit does not replace the DSHS statewide license — but it does determine your Category and whether you can keep operating during the transition. If your local permit is current and active, you're Category 1 and can continue operating while DSHS processes your application (with both documents on the vehicle). If it's expired or you never had one, you're Category 2 and cannot operate until you receive your DSHS license.
Have a question you don't see here? We answer them directly — no charge for a quick question.
CALL OR TEXT (956) 592-2896If you're a Category 1 operator, you need two things physically on the vehicle at all times: (1) your current local health permit and (2) your DSHS application receipt showing you've submitted and paid. Without both, you can't claim Category 1 protection — even if you genuinely submitted.
Technically, DSHS enforcement authority sits with the state unless a city has a signed collaborative agreement with DSHS to conduct inspections on the state's behalf. That means a local inspector without that agreement isn't supposed to be enforcing the DSHS license requirement specifically.
In practice: What should happen legally and what happens at the truck window are two different things. Even where a local inspector is technically overstepping, pushing back in the moment costs you time and stress. The practical answer is to have all your documentation ready so there's nothing to argue about — regardless of who's asking.
Yes. Selling in a neighborhood — even a residential one — is selling to the general public. Anyone can walk up and buy. That classifies as public sales and requires the DSHS statewide license. "Private" specifically means events where the public can't walk up and purchase — like a closed party or private catering contract.
Interior wood surfaces are generally not acceptable as-is under DSHS inspection standards. The requirement is that interior surfaces must be smooth, non-absorbent, light-colored, and easily cleanable. Raw or unfinished wood is porous and absorbs moisture — it doesn't meet that standard.
However, wood can be made compliant with the right treatment: epoxy coating, FRP (fiberglass reinforced panel) covering, or other smooth, sealed finishes applied over the wood surface. If you have wood interior walls, you don't necessarily have to tear them out — you need to cover or seal them properly.
Exterior wood (on the outside of the truck or trailer) only needs to be weather-resistant — that's a lighter standard than interior surfaces.
Your wastewater (grey water) tank must be at least 15% larger than your potable (clean) water tank. So if your potable water tank holds 30 gallons, your wastewater tank must hold at least 34.5 gallons. Having them the same size, or having a smaller wastewater tank, is one of the most common inspection failures we see.
Both tanks must be clearly labeled, and the potable water tank must be sloped toward the drain.
It depends on your MFV type. Type II and Type III operations that prepare food on the truck generally need a three-compartment sink for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing utensils. Type I operations that only handle pre-packaged items typically don't.
If you're unsure which type you are, use our free MFV type quiz — it takes about two minutes.
Fully mobile means the vehicle must be capable of being driven away at the moment of inspection — no jacks, no stabilizer blocks, no permanent connections to external utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer). Everything must run off the truck's own internal systems during the inspection.
Most Type II and Type III operators need a Central Preparation Facility (CPF) — a licensed commercial kitchen or food establishment from which your truck is serviced, supplied, and sometimes where food is prepped or stored. Some fully self-contained operations may qualify for a CPF exemption.
Type I operators (pre-packaged goods only) generally don't need a CPF.
Don't assume either way. Assuming you don't need one when you do — and finding out at inspection — is one of the most expensive mistakes operators make. And assuming you need one when you might qualify for an exemption costs you unnecessary monthly fees.
You need a signed authorization letter from the owner or manager of the commissary facility confirming your truck is authorized to operate from that location. You also need the commissary's most recent health inspection report. Both documents must be physically on your truck on inspection day.
Possibly — but the conditions are specific and not everyone qualifies. Generally, exemption eligibility depends on how self-contained your unit is, your menu, and your specific operating setup. It's not automatic and it's not for everyone.
We confirm CPF exemption eligibility as part of the compliance review. Read the full CPF exemption guide →
You can't operate until you correct all deficiencies and pass a follow-up inspection. DSHS charges a separate re-inspection fee: $300 for Type I, $400 for Type II, $500 for Type III — paid every time they come back out.
Beyond the fee, you lose operating days while fixing issues and waiting for the next inspection date. That's the real cost of a failed inspection — not just the $400-500 fee, but the revenue you lose while parked.
Based on what we see consistently:
Every one of these is preventable with a pre-inspection review. Read more about inspection details that close trucks →
Possibly — and it's separate from your DSHS pre-licensing inspection. If your truck uses propane or has cooking equipment, most cities require a fire marshal inspection as well. This is a local requirement, not a DSHS requirement, and the process and cost varies by city. Budget approximately $100-300 depending on your market.
The total depends on your MFV type:
These are DSHS fees paid directly to the state. If you fail inspection, add $300-500 per re-inspection visit. The license is valid for one year from the date of your successful inspection.
Use our free cost calculator to get your specific total based on your type and situation.
Your MFV type determines your application fee, your inspection fee, and how strict your inspection will be:
Getting classified in the wrong type is one of the most common and costly mistakes — it means either overpaying or having your application returned for correction. Take our free 5-question MFV type quiz to find out where you fall.
Submit it below. If we don't already have it covered, we'll add it to this page — and you'll hear back directly.
Or call/text directly: (956) 592-2896
Want a direct review of your specific situation — truck, application, county, and all?
START MY COMPLIANCE REVIEW — $99 →