Food trailer permits in Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio

Updated October 2026 · TX Food Trailers, Houston, Texas

Statewide: the DSHS license

Since July 1, 2026, every mobile food vendor in Texas needs a DSHS mobile food vendor license, valid statewide. See license types and fees.

Houston

• Fire: the City of Houston Fire Marshal's Office issues LP-Gas permits for units that cook with propane and inspects propane, extinguishers, hood and electrical. See the Houston fire inspection checklist.
• Contact: Fire Marshal's Office, 7427 Park Place Blvd., Houston, TX 77087, 832-394-8811.
• Parking and selling locations follow city rules; confirm before you set up.

Austin

• The City of Austin is transitioning its mobile food vending program to DSHS.
• Austin requires at least one registered Certified Food Manager per food enterprise, and food handler certificates for employees within 60 days of employment.
• Fire applications and inspections go through the Austin Fire Department or the Travis County Fire Marshal, depending on location.

Dallas and San Antonio

• Both follow the statewide DSHS license for health.
• Fire permits, zoning and where you may park are handled locally. In San Antonio, the Fire Department runs its own mobile food vending permit.
• Call the city's fire marshal and development services before your first event.

Other cities

For any other Texas city, the same pattern applies: DSHS license first, then the local fire marshal for propane and cooking, then zoning or the event organizer for location.

Questions

Sources

• Texas DSHS: Mobile Food Vendors
• City of Austin: Mobile Food Vendors
• City of Houston Fire Marshal: 2026 Food Truck Inspection Points (PDF)
• KSAT: Texas opens applications for statewide mobile vendor license (June 2026)

Rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the agency before you apply.