Food Truck Permits in Austin, TX
Last verified against official sources on by Amrit. How we verify
Since July 1, 2026, a food truck in Austin needs a mobile food vendor license from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), not a city health permit. If your truck has propane, or any cooking equipment (even electric) that makes grease vapors, you also need an Austin Fire Department permit. The inspection costs $222 and the permit lasts a year. You must also work from a central preparation facility (a commissary kitchen) unless your truck meets every item on the state's exemption checklist.[4][5][2]
At a glance
| Health license | Texas DSHS mobile food vendor license, one per truck (no longer an Austin Public Health permit)[1][3] |
|---|---|
| License type | Type I: no food that needs temperature control, or otherwise low risk, like prepackaged snacks or prepackaged ice cream. Type II: limited prep, like coffee, snow cones or hot dogs. Type III: full cooking, like a taco, BBQ or burger truck.[1] |
| State fees (due when you apply) | Type I $309. Type II $618 + $400 inspection. Type III $876 + $500 inspection.[1] |
| Fire permit | $222 inspection, then a 1-year permit from Austin Fire, if you have propane or grease-producing cooking equipment[5] |
| Commissary | Required unless you qualify for the state exemption[2] |
| Food manager | A certified food manager is needed if you handle open TCS food (food that needs time and temperature control to stay safe)[2] |
| License length | 1 year from your passed pre-licensing inspection[1] |
| Selling on the street | Only with a street event permit[6] |
Step by step
Do these in order. Each step links to the official form or page.
Work out your license type
DSHS sorts trucks by what you do with food. Type I sells no TCS food (food that needs time and temperature control to stay safe, like meat or dairy), or is otherwise low risk, like a prepackaged snack or ice cream vendor. Type II does limited prep, like coffee, snow cones or hot dogs. Type III cooks and holds food, like a taco or BBQ truck.[1]
Line up a commissary and a servicing area
Unless you qualify for the exemption, you need a central preparation facility (CPF): an approved kitchen where you prep and store food, get water and ice, and clean. You also need a servicing area to fill fresh water and empty waste water and grease. If you don't own them, get a signed letter of authorization. A private home can't be your CPF.[2]
Apply to DSHS online and pay
Apply through DSHS Online Licensing Services. Pay the application fee and, for Type II and III, the pre-licensing inspection fee together when you apply. You pay only the amount for your type, and you need a separate license for each truck. DSHS may also charge later for routine inspections (Type II $400, Type III $500) and for complaint inspections ($300 to $500).[4][1]
Pass the DSHS pre-licensing inspection
DSHS contacts you to schedule it. Have your food manager certificate, commissary and servicing area authorizations, the commissary's latest inspection, and your full menu ready. If you have never been licensed in Texas, you can't sell until you pass.[1][2]
Get your Austin Fire permit
You need this if your truck has propane, or any appliance (even electric) that makes grease vapors. Apply with Austin Fire's online MFV permit application, not inside the AB+C portal, but you need an AB+C portal ID to apply. Austin Fire takes up to three business days to review it, then emails you to pay the invoice in the AB+C portal. If you use propane, a licensed LPG plumber must fill out the Propane System Inspection Report before the inspection. New permits also need an electrical inspection form from a master electrician.[5]
Renew every year
Your DSHS license lasts one year from your passed inspection. The Austin Fire permit lasts a year. If you use propane, you need a new propane inspection report every year.[1][5]
The office you deal with
Where you can park and sell
- You can only park and sell on a public street, sidewalk or parking space with a street event permit.[6]
- State law says a city can't ban a licensed food truck that follows the other laws. But you must still follow Austin's fire codes, location rules and zoning.[3]
- Outside Austin city limits but inside Travis County, the Travis County Fire Marshal handles fire permits instead.[5]
Commissary (central preparation facility)
- A central preparation facility is an approved kitchen where food is prepped and stored, the truck gets fresh water and ice, waste water is dumped, and large items are cleaned.[2]
- Keep the CPF's most recent inspection on the truck if required.[2]
- Keep a servicing log showing when you got water and dumped waste water and grease. A servicing area can't be at a home.[2]
Fire inspection
- Trucks with no propane and no cooking equipment, like ice cream or coffee trucks, don't need a fire permit. All-electric trucks still need one if they have a range, cooktop or grill.[5]
- If you fail, are late or miss your inspection, you pay the fee again to reschedule.[5]
- A new permit (a new truck, a new owner, or a permit that lapsed for more than 6 months) needs: a 2A10BC fire extinguisher, a Class K fire extinguisher, a hood fire suppression system (often called Ansul), an explosive-gas detector, an electrical report from a master electrician, and, if you use propane, the propane report. Extinguishers need current annual tags and the hood system a current six-month tag.[5]
- You can carry no more than 200 pounds of propane, and no cylinders or piping on the rear bumper or outside sides of the truck.[5]
Restrooms
- The truck doesn't need its own restroom, but workers must have a nearby restroom during all hours you're open.[2]
What it costs
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apply to DSHS online and pay | $309 to $1,376 (Depends on your type, per truck: Type I $309. Type II $1,018 ($618 plus $400 inspection). Type III $1,376 ($876 plus $500 inspection).) |
| Get your Austin Fire permit | $222 (only if you have propane or grease-producing cooking equipment; paid again if you fail, miss or are late for the inspection) |
| Total if every fee applies to you | $531 to $1,598 |
Recent changes
- : Texas took over food truck health licensing. Trucks now need a DSHS mobile food vendor license instead of an Austin Public Health permit (House Bill 2844).[1][4][3]
- : The part of the law that limits what the state's food truck rules can require took effect. For example, DSHS rules can't make you install a GPS tracker, or use a commissary if your truck has the right equipment and disposes of its grease properly.[3]
- : Austin Fire inspections became required for food trucks with propane or grease-producing electric appliances.[6]
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Austin Public Health permit for my food truck?
No. Since July 1, 2026, the health license comes from the state (DSHS). You still need an Austin Fire permit if you have propane or grease-producing equipment.[4][5]
I had an Austin permit before. Can I keep selling while DSHS processes my application?
Yes, if you send proof of your local license with your DSHS application and pay the fees. Keep the printed application summary and payment receipt on the truck at all times until your inspection is done.[1][2]
Do I need a commissary in Austin?
Usually. You need a central preparation facility unless your truck meets every item on the DSHS exemption checklist.[2]
Can I park on a downtown street and sell?
Only with a street event permit. You apply through a Special Event application.[6]
My truck is all-electric. Do I need a fire inspection?
Yes, if it has appliances that make grease vapors, like an electric range or cooktop. You don't need the propane form.[5]
I'm permitted in another city and coming to Austin for one event. Do I need an Austin Fire permit?
Yes, if your truck has propane or grease-producing cooking equipment. Austin Fire inspects every such truck under its own fire code, even if another city has already permitted it. Your propane and electrical forms must be from the last 90 days. The event may have extra rules, so check with the organizer.[5]
I have two trucks. Do I need two licenses?
Yes. The state requires a separate license for each truck.[3]
Sources
- Mobile Food Vendors, Texas Department of State Health Services. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Mobile Food Vendor Guide (2026), Texas Department of State Health Services. Checked October 24, 2026.
- H.B. No. 2844, 89th Legislature (enrolled): Chapter 437B, Health and Safety Code, Mobile Food Vendors, Texas Legislature. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Mobile Food Vendors, Austin Public Health. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Mobile Food Vending Fire Inspections, Austin Fire Department. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Event Planning Guide, City of Austin, Austin Center for Events. Checked October 24, 2026.
Related
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change. Before you apply or start selling, confirm the details with Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or your local health department. Spotted something wrong or out of date?Report it and we will check it.