House Bill 2844 established a statewide licensing framework for all mobile food vendors in Texas, administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Under this framework, every food vending vehicle is assigned a type — Type I, Type II, or Type III — based on the nature and risk level of food preparation activities conducted on the vehicle.
Your type is not a choice — it is determined by what you actually do on your truck. Operating under the wrong classification is a compliance violation and can result in a failed inspection, a delayed license, or fines. Many operators misclassify themselves at the time of application.
Not sure which type applies to your operation? Take our 5-question compliance quiz and get your type, category status, and estimated DSHS fees in under 2 minutes.
TAKE THE COMPLIANCE QUIZ →Prepackaged
Vendor
Sells prepackaged food items only. No open food preparation conducted on the vehicle. TCS foods must not be reduced oxygen packaged (ROP).
Limited
Preparation
Sells ROP (reduced oxygen packaged / vacuum-sealed) TCS foods, or prepares food for immediate consumption including cold holding, thawing, and reheating of commercially processed products.
Full Food
Preparation
Prepares, cooks, holds, and serves food from the vehicle. Includes any operation involving hot holding, cold holding, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating, or other activities under the Food Code.
| Requirement | Type I | Type II | Type III |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEES (PAID DIRECTLY TO DSHS) | |||
| Application fee | $309 | $618 | $876 |
| Pre-licensing inspection fee | N/A | $400 | $500 |
| Routine inspection fee | N/A | $400 | $500 |
| Complaint / compliance inspection | $300 | $400 | $500 |
| Total to apply (gov fees) | $309 | $1,018 | $1,376 |
| EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS | |||
| Potable water tank | Not required | Required | Required |
| Wastewater / liquid waste tank (15%+ larger than potable) | Not required | Required | Required |
| Handwashing sink | Not required | Required | Required |
| Three-compartment warewashing sink | Not required | Required | Required |
| Hot and cold holding equipment for TCS foods | If TCS sold | Required | Required |
| 16-mesh screening at ventilation openings | Required | Required | Required |
| Smooth, cleanable, light-colored interior surfaces | Required | Required | Required |
| Vehicle must be readily movable at all times | Required | Required | Required |
| DOCUMENTATION AND LICENSING | |||
| Pre-licensing inspection by DSHS | Required | Required | Required |
| Certified food manager certification | Not required | If open TCS | Required |
| Central Preparation Facility (CPF) | Food source doc required | Required unless exempt | Required unless exempt |
| CPF authorization letter + recent inspection | Not required | Required if CPF used | Required if CPF used |
| Servicing area authorization + activity logs | Not required | Required | Required |
| Complete menu on file | Required | Required | Required |
| Food allergen poster | Required | Required | Required |
| TXDOT loaded vehicle weight records | Required | Required | Required |
Most Type II and III Operators Need a CPF.
A Central Preparation Facility is a licensed, fixed food establishment from which your vehicle is supplied, cleaned, and serviced. If your operation requires a CPF and you don't have one — or the documentation — your inspection will fail.
You may qualify for a CPF exemption if your vehicle has sufficient on-board cooling, heating, food storage, warewashing capacity, and potable water from an approved source with proper wastewater disposal. The CPF Exemption Checklist is reviewed during your pre-licensing inspection.
If You Have a CPF
You need a signed authorization letter from the CPF owner (if it's not yours) and a copy of the facility's most recent health inspection report on your vehicle at all times.
If You Think You're Exempt
Your vehicle must pass the full CPF Exemption Checklist during inspection. This covers cooling, heating, storage, warewashing capacity, water sourcing, and waste disposal.
Not Sure?
CPF requirements vary by county and operation type. Our Pre-Inspection Review confirms your CPF status and exactly what documentation you need before you apply.