Permits for Retail Food Establishment
All applications with fees are to be sent to this address:
Department of State Health Services
Cash Receipts Branch – MC 2003
PO Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
Specific License Types
Permit Application or Renewal
To apply for a new permit or renew a current permit, please visit the Regulatory Services online licensing system, or complete and return the Retail Food Operation Permit Application.
Fees
Fees for initial applications, renewals, and change of ownership are based on gross annual volume of food sales.
| Gross Annual Volume of Food Sales | Permitting Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $49,999.99 | $258 |
| $50,000 – $149,999.99 | $515 |
| $150,000 or more | $773 |
Amend a Permit
To amend an existing permit, please complete and return the Retail Food Operation Amendment Application (PDF, 110KB).
Amendment Fees
Fees for initial applications, renewals, and change of ownership are based on gross annual volume of food sales.
| Gross Annual Volume of Food Sales | Amendment Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $49,999.99 | $125 |
| $50,000 – $149,999.99 | $250 |
| $150,000 or more | $375 |
Temporary Retail Food Establishments
A temporary food establishment is a food establishment that operates for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration.
The single event permit is valid for one individual food booth or unit at one specific event, and is valid for 14 consecutive days from the initial effective date. The multiple event permit is valid for one individual food booth or unit at multiple events for 2 years from the initial effective date, provided that each event does not exceed 14 consecutive days.
Permit
Applications must be received by the Department at least 30 days prior to the event.
Single event permits may be obtained using the online licensing system or by completing and returning the Temporary Food Establishment Single Event Permit Application (PDF, 86KB).
Multiple event permits applications must be submitted using the Temporary Food Establishment Multiple Event Permit Application (PDF, 85KB).
For further information regarding temporary events in Texas Department of State Health Services, please use the Temporary Food Establishment Fact Sheet and/or Temporary Food Establishment Checklist.
Fees
Single event permits are $52, and the fee for a multiple event permit is $200.
Inspection Application
Permit
A School Cafeteria that is run by an Independent School District and requires 2 inspections per year can apply for an inspection by completing and returning the School Food Establishment Inspection Application.
A non-profit organization requiring an inspection can apply for an inspection by completing and returning the Food Establishment Inspection Application.
Fee
The fee for each inspection is $150.00.
Businesses Not Requiring Permits
- Day care facilities.
Be advised that DSHS does not inspect food service at daycare or live-in child-care facilities. For further information please call 512-834-6727. - Establishments that offer only pre-packaged foods that are not potentially hazardous
- Produce stands that only offer whole, uncut fresh fruits and vegetables
- Food processing plants
- A Bed and Breakfast limited facility
- A private home that receives catered or home-delivered food
- A kitchen in a private home is not considered a food establishment if only food that is not potentially hazardous is prepared for sale or service at a function such as a religious or charitable organization's bake sale (if allowed by law)
Exemptions from Permitting
Organizations are exempt from permitting if they are:
- Licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a food manufacturer AND paying a higher fee; or
- Inspected and permitted by a City, County or Public Health District; or
- A non-profit registered as a 501(C) organization