HB 2844 DSHS COMPLIANCE · McAllen, TEXAS · Hidalgo COUNTY

McAllen Food Truck
Operators — Get Licensed.
Stay Open.

Under House Bill 2844, every mobile food vendor in McAllen must hold a DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License to operate legally. We prepare your documentation, identify your requirements, and get you inspection-ready — fast.

START YOUR PRE-INSPECTION — WE BEGIN IMMEDIATELY Get free checklist first →

HB 2844 IN McAllen

McAllen Food Trucks Now Require
a State DSHS License.

Beginning July 1, 2026, all mobile food vendors operating in McAllen and Hidalgo County must hold a license issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services. This is a statewide requirement — your existing McAllen city health permit or Hidalgo County permit does not satisfy it. A separate DSHS license is required for each food vending vehicle you operate.

McAllen operators with a current local health permit — you are a Category 1 applicant. You may continue operating while DSHS processes your application, but you must carry proof of your local license and your DSHS application receipt on the vehicle at all times.

McAllen operators with no current Texas license — you are a Category 2 applicant. You cannot legally operate until your DSHS pre-licensing inspection is completed and your license is issued.

Type I — Prepackaged

Sells prepackaged food only. $309 DSHS application fee. No pre-licensing inspection fee. Examples: packaged snacks, bottled drinks, prepackaged meals.

Type II — Limited Prep

Minimal food prep or ROP items. $618 application + $400 inspection = $1,018 in government fees. Examples: snow cones, hot dogs, deli items.

Type III — Full Kitchen

Cooks and serves made-to-order food. $876 application + $500 inspection = $1,376 in government fees. Examples: taco trucks, burger rigs, BBQ trailers.

Hidalgo County CPF Requirements

CPF and commissary requirements vary by county. Our review confirms what Hidalgo County requires for your specific operation type.

McAllen PRE-INSPECTION OPERATOR AUDIT

Know What Hidalgo County DSHS
Inspectors Will Look For.

The DSHS pre-licensing inspection covers 28 items. One deficiency in McAllen means a failed inspection and another $400–$500 fee. We review your operation in advance so you pass the first time.

$99

Flat fee · All MFV types · McAllen operators

A REAL AUDIT, NOT A TEMPLATE

✓ Determine your MFV type and exact DSHS fees for McAllen
✓ Confirm Category 1 or 2 status and what it means for your operation
✓ Hidalgo County CPF and commissary requirements for your type
✓ Full documentation checklist for your pre-licensing inspection
✓ Equipment gaps identified before your inspection appointment
✓ Step-by-step action plan delivered to your inbox within 48 hours
✓ Bilingual support — se habla español →

START TODAY — $99

Reviewed by an experienced Texas food truck operator with multi-city knowledge of DSHS requirements. Not a generic checklist — a real audit of your specific operation in McAllen, Hidalgo County. We also notify you ahead of your renewal window, so your truck stays compliant year after year.

ALL SERVICES FOR McAllen OPERATORS

Choose the Right Level
of Support.

Whether you need a clear action plan or full-service filing, we work with McAllen food truck operators at every stage of the DSHS process.

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Pre-Inspection Operator Audit

$99

Full review of your McAllen operation. MFV type, Hidalgo County CPF requirements, documentation checklist, and action plan within 48 hours.

START TODAY

MOST REQUESTED

Guided Application

$397

We guide you through every step of the DSHS application — document collection, form preparation, inspection prep, and submission confirmation.

START YOUR APPLICATION

WHITE GLOVE

Full-Service Permit Filing

$1,200

You run your McAllen truck. We manage the entire DSHS licensing process from intake to approved inspection and issued license.

LET US HANDLE IT

FREQUENTLY ASKED — McAllen OPERATORS

Common Questions from
McAllen Food Truck Operators.

Does HB 2844 apply to my McAllen food truck? +

Yes. HB 2844 applies to every mobile food vendor operating anywhere in Texas — including McAllen and all of Hidalgo County. Your current McAllen city permit or Hidalgo County health permit does not satisfy the DSHS licensing requirement.

I have a McAllen health permit. Do I still need a DSHS license? +

Yes. The DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License is a state-level requirement separate from your local McAllen permit. However, holding a current local permit qualifies you as a Category 1 applicant — meaning you can keep operating in McAllen while DSHS processes your application, as long as you carry both documents on your vehicle.

What are the CPF / commissary requirements in Hidalgo County? +

CPF requirements in Hidalgo County follow state DSHS standards. Most Type II and Type III operators must operate from a licensed CPF or qualify for the CPF exemption. Your Pre-Inspection Operator Audit will confirm exactly what applies to your McAllen operation and what documentation you need.

How quickly can I get my review? +

Within 48 hours of completing your intake form after payment. Most McAllen operator reviews are delivered the same business day.

¿Ofrecen servicio en español para operadores en McAllen? +

Sí. Ofrecemos servicio completo en español para operadores en McAllen y en todo Hidalgo County. Tu revisión y tu plan de acción pueden entregarse íntegramente en español.

McAllen Food TruckOperators — Get Licensed.Stay Open.

McAllen Food Trucks Now Requirea State DSHS License.