Get your Houston food truck permit under the new HB 2844 law. Our $99 Permit Readiness Review gives Harris County operators a personalized roadmap to get licensed fast.
Serving operators in Houston, Harris County, and all of Texas.
Houston's food truck scene is one of the most competitive in the state. With over 2.3 million residents and a year-round outdoor culture, the market is massive — and with HB 2844 eliminating the old Houston Health Department permit requirement, the barrier to entry just got lower.
Under the new system, you apply once through DSHS and your license is valid everywhere in Texas — including Houston. The old permit from Harris County Health Department is no longer required for food safety compliance.
Note: Houston Fire Department (annual inspection required for open flame equipment) requirements still apply. Local zoning, location restrictions, and fire codes remain in effect under Houston city ordinances.
Free at comptroller.texas.gov. Required before you can apply for anything else. Takes 2–3 business days.
Food manager certification required if you handle unpackaged TCS foods. ServSafe exam is the most common — ~$35–80.
Submit at dshs.texas.gov. Type II operators pay $618 + $400 inspection. Prepare your menu, equipment list, and commissary documentation.
DSHS or Harris County Health Department conducts the pre-licensing inspection. Once passed, your statewide license is issued. You're legal in Houston and all of Texas.
Don't let permits be the reason your Houston food truck isn't open yet.
Start My Permit Review — $99