Under House Bill 2844, every mobile food vendor in Houston must hold a DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License to operate legally. We prepare your documentation, identify your requirements, and get you inspection-ready — fast.
Beginning July 1, 2026, all mobile food vendors operating in Houston and Harris County must hold a license issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services. This is a statewide requirement — your existing Houston city health permit or Harris County permit does not satisfy it. A separate DSHS license is required for each food vending vehicle you operate.
Sells prepackaged food only. $309 DSHS application fee. No pre-licensing inspection fee. Examples: packaged snacks, bottled drinks, prepackaged meals.
Minimal food prep or ROP items. $618 application + $400 inspection = $1,018 in government fees. Examples: snow cones, hot dogs, deli items.
Cooks and serves made-to-order food. $876 application + $500 inspection = $1,376 in government fees. Examples: taco trucks, burger rigs, BBQ trailers.
CPF and commissary requirements vary by county. Our review confirms what Harris County requires for your specific operation type.
The DSHS pre-licensing inspection covers 28 items. One deficiency in Houston means a failed inspection and another $400–$500 fee. We review your operation in advance so you pass the first time.
Whether you need a clear action plan or full-service filing, we work with Houston food truck operators at every stage of the DSHS process.
Full review of your Houston operation. MFV type, Harris County CPF requirements, documentation checklist, and action plan within 48 hours.
START TODAYWe guide you through every step of the DSHS application — document collection, form preparation, inspection prep, and submission confirmation.
START YOUR APPLICATIONYou run your Houston truck. We manage the entire DSHS licensing process from intake to approved inspection and issued license.
LET US HANDLE ITMost guides stop at the DSHS license. In Houston, your fire inspection runs on a completely separate track through the Houston Fire Marshal's Office — and if you use LP-gas for cooking, there are specific requirements that catch new and returning operators off guard.
This fire inspection is separate from the Health Department's annual medallion inspection, and separate again from your DSHS state license. If you operate in unincorporated Harris County rather than inside Houston city limits, the county fire marshal's office requires its own operational permit on top of this. Houston's fire inspection guidance is also published in both English and Spanish — we can walk you through either version.
A failed inspection or an unlicensed operation can shut your Houston truck down. We make sure that doesn't happen.
START YOUR PRE-INSPECTION — WE BEGIN IMMEDIATELYServing food truck operators across all of Texas