HB 2844 in effect — San Antonio food truck law changed July 1, 2026
Food Truck Permits · San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio
food truck
permits.

Get your San Antonio food truck permit under the new HB 2844 law. Our $99 Permit Readiness Review gives Bexar County operators a personalized roadmap to get licensed fast.

Serving operators in San Antonio, Bexar County, and all of Texas.

Start My Review — $99 Read the full Texas guide
Bexar County Coverage
HB 2844 Experts
Real Operator Experience
Se Habla Español
San Antonio — HB 2844

What changed for San Antonio operators.

San Antonio has a deep food culture and a thriving taco truck scene. The city previously had its own mobile food vendor permit through Metro Health — HB 2844 replaces that with the DSHS statewide license, though Metro Health may still conduct inspections under a collaborative agreement.

Under the new system, you apply once through DSHS and your license is valid everywhere in Texas — including San Antonio. The old permit from San Antonio Metro Health is no longer required for food safety compliance.

Note: San Antonio Fire Department (fire suppression and propane compliance) requirements still apply. Local zoning, location restrictions, and fire codes remain in effect under San Antonio city ordinances.

What you need in San Antonio

  • DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License — statewide, replaces San Antonio Metro Health permit
  • Texas Sales & Use Tax Permit — free at comptroller.texas.gov
  • Food Manager Certification — ANSI-accredited (ServSafe etc.)
  • Food Handler Certs — all employees within 60 days of hire
  • Fire compliance — San Antonio Fire Department (fire suppression and propane compliance)
  • Zoning & location approval — San Antonio city ordinances still apply
  • CPF/Commissary documentation — or exemption if your truck qualifies
The Process

How to get permitted in San Antonio.

01
Get your Tax Permit

Free at comptroller.texas.gov. Required before you can apply for anything else. Takes 2–3 business days.

02
Complete Certifications

Food manager certification required if you handle unpackaged TCS foods. ServSafe exam is the most common — ~$35–80.

03
Apply for DSHS License

Submit at dshs.texas.gov. Type II operators pay $618 + $400 inspection. Prepare your menu, equipment list, and commissary documentation.

04
Pass Inspection & Open

DSHS or San Antonio Metro Health conducts the pre-licensing inspection. Once passed, your statewide license is issued. You're legal in San Antonio and all of Texas.

San Antonio — FAQ

Questions about San Antonio permits.

How do I get a food truck permit in San Antonio in 2026?
Under HB 2844, San Antonio food truck operators apply directly through DSHS for a statewide Mobile Food Vendor license. You no longer need a separate city or county health permit. Apply at dshs.texas.gov, pay the applicable fee based on your truck type, and schedule your pre-licensing inspection.
What replaced the San Antonio Metro Health food truck permit?
The DSHS statewide Mobile Food Vendor license replaced it. Effective July 1, 2026, San Antonio Metro Health can no longer require a separate permit that duplicates DSHS coverage. However, they may still conduct inspections under a collaborative agreement with DSHS.
Do I still need a commissary in San Antonio?
You may qualify for a commissary exemption under 25 TAC 226.6 if your truck is fully self-contained. This requires submitting the DSHS CPF Exemption Checklist demonstrating that your truck has all required equipment on board. We assess whether your truck qualifies as part of our $149 commissary exemption add-on service.
How long does it take to get a food truck permit in San Antonio?
With all documents prepared correctly, most San Antonio operators complete the process in 2–4 weeks. Common delays include missing certifications, incomplete applications, and equipment that doesn't pass inspection. A permit readiness review before you apply significantly shortens this timeline.
Ready to get permitted in San Antonio?

One review.
One plan. Open.

Don't let permits be the reason your San Antonio food truck isn't open yet.

Start My Permit Review — $99
Other Texas Cities