The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is now accepting applications for a new statewide license for mobile food vendors, including food trucks, pushcarts, and roadside vendors.
The new licensing system was created through House Bill 2844, passed by the Texas Legislature last year. Beginning July 1, all mobile food vendors operating in Texas must obtain a DSHS-issued Mobile Food Vendor (MFV) license.
The statewide license allows vendors to operate across Texas without needing separate licenses from each local jurisdiction. After completing a required pre-licensing inspection, vendors will receive a DSHS license valid for 1 year from the inspection date.
Until the new license is issued, vendors should keep printed copies of their current local license, DSHS application summary, and payment receipt available at their mobile unit.
New mobile food vendors that do not already have a local license must wait until they pass the required inspection before beginning operations. DSHS has stated that inspections for new vendors will be prioritized.
Although DSHS now oversees statewide licensing and enforcement, many inspections will continue to be conducted through agreements with local jurisdictions. Mobile food vendors are also required to comply with all applicable state and local laws and regulations.
