Anyone who operates as a mobile food vendor in Texas must hold a license issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). An initial (pre-licensing) inspection must be performed before the license is issued. 

• Mobile Food Vendor Guide

For descriptions of each food service establishment type and an overview of licensing options and associated fees, visit Permits for Retail Food Establishment | Texas DSHS.

As established in 25 Texas Administrative Code 226, Mobile Food Vendors 

Food Vending Vehicle (FVV) 

A food vending vehicle is a self-enclosed food service establishment (including catering trucks, trailers, and roadside vendors) or pushcart that operates to store, prepare, display, serve, or sell food as a food service establishment, and is designed to be readily movable. An FVV may be self- or otherwise-propelled, or vehicle-mounted. 

A food vending vehicle is not a stand or a booth. 

Mobile Food Vendor (MFV) 

A mobile food vendor means anyone who dispenses food or beverage from an FVV for immediate service or consumption. 

These terms and definitions replace “mobile food unit (MFU).” 

What is changing? 

Beginning July 1, 2026, all MFVs must be licensed with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to operate an FVV in the state of Texas. Previously, MFVs had to get licenses from local health departments for each local jurisdiction they operated in. 

MFVs will be assigned a license type based on food preparation activities.  

Type I 

• MFVs who don’t sell any time and temperature for safety (TCS) foods 
• MFVs who are otherwise deemed a low risk of harm to the public 
• Examples: Prepackaged ice cream vendors and prepackaged non-TCS snack vendors 

Type II 

• MFVs who sell prepackaged TCS food that needs limited handling and preparation 
• MFVs who sell TCS food that is prepared to order and served for immediate consumption 
• MFVs whose processes include preparing, cold holding, thawing, and/or reheating commercially processed or packaged products 
• Examples: Coffee trucks, snow cone vendors, hot dog vendors 

Type III 

• MFVs who prepare, cook, hold, and serve food from an FVV 
• MFVs whose processes include hot holding, cold holding, thawing, cooking, cooling, or reheating  
• Examples: Burger truck, BBQ truck, taco truck 

A new fee schedule has also been created according to MFV type.  

What is this reason for this change? 

On May 26, 2025, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 2844, regulating MFVs in Texas.  

When and where can I apply for a DSHS MFV license? 

The DSHS application will become available in early June through Online Licensing Services.  

Until July 1, 2026, MFVs must continue to follow all regulatory requirements of their current licensing jurisdiction.  

After DSHS processes your application, you will receive a letter to schedule a pre-licensing inspection.  

What should MFVs do while waiting for a pre-licensing inspection? 

There are two categories of applicants for the initial licensing and inspection plan starting in June.  

Category One 

If you have an existing mobile food unit or mobile food vendor license from a local health department in Texas, you can keep operating if you: 

1. Provide proof of that license when you apply through DSHS 
2. Submit the application and pay the fees 
3. Print and keep the application summary on your food vending vehicle at all times  

Category Two 

If you do not have a current license anywhere in the state of Texas, you cannot operate until the pre-licensing inspection is completed. DSHS will prioritize your application.  

What happens after the pre-licensing inspection is successfully completed? 

You will be granted a DSHS MFV license that expires one year from the date of your successfully completed pre-licensing inspection. 

• Both the application fee and pre-licensing fee are due at application submission.  
• Application fees include a Texas Online fee. 

MFV Fee Requirements by Type 

Fees due at time of application:

Additional fees that may apply: