Permits, licensing, health authority, costs, and veteran-business programs for launching a food truck in Texas.
Permits & licensing
- Form an entity with the TX Secretary of State (LLC typical); obtain an EIN; apply for a Texas Sales & Use Tax Permit from the Comptroller (free).
- Apply for a Mobile Food Unit permit in each local jurisdiction of operation (Austin PH, Houston HD, Dallas CC) - many operators register in multiple.
- Obtain Texas Food Handler certificates for employees and a Certified Food Manager credential for at least one supervisor.
- Sign a commissary letter with a permitted Class A kitchen; schedule a pre-operational inspection.
Health inspection
Inspectors enforce TFER: temperature control, handwashing, water tank capacity, wastewater, food protection, employee health, pest control. Routine 1-2 times a year. Common failures: cold-holding above 41 F, missing handwash sink, undersized water tank, expired commissary letter.
Commissary requirement
Most Texas jurisdictions require a permitted commissary for cleaning, restocking, water/waste servicing, and overnight storage. Austin and Houston are explicit.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Used truck or trailer build | $35,000 | $110,000 |
| Permits + licenses (year 1) | $1,000 | $3,500 |
| Commissary (monthly x 6 mo) | $2,400 | $7,200 |
| Insurance (annual) | $2,500 | $5,500 |
| Initial inventory | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Working capital reserve | $15,000 | $45,000 |
| Total | $60,000 | $185,000 |
Top metros to start in
-
Austin
Mature food truck culture, trailer-park venues, tech-event catering.
-
Houston
Largest market, diverse cuisines, year-round outdoor season.
-
Dallas / Fort Worth
Fast-growing rally circuit, big corporate catering.
Common mistakes
- Permitting in only one city - losing bookings in other jurisdictions.
- Skipping the commissary contract before applying (apps get returned).
- Undersizing the fresh-water tank for summer Saturday rushes.
Related FAQs
How do I get a mobile food permit?
Apply through your county or city health department for a mobile food facility permit, plus a business license from your city clerk and a sales tax permit from your state revenue department. Most jurisdictions require a plan review, commissary letter, and onsite truck inspection before issuing.
How do I find a commissary kitchen?
Search "commissary kitchen near me" plus directories like The Kitchen Door, CloudKitchens, and your local food truck association vendor list. Tour at least three. Confirm 24/7 access, dry and cold storage, grease trap, potable water fill, and wastewater dump before signing a month-to-month agreement.
How much does it cost to start a food truck in 2026?
Total startup typically ranges from $50,000 to $200,000+ depending on used vs. new truck, market, and equipment. Food Truck Empire and Restaurant Business industry surveys consistently report most first-time operators land in roughly the $75,000-$150,000 range including truck, equipment, permits, and 90-day working capital.
How do I handle a health inspection failure?
Stop service immediately if ordered, document every violation in writing, correct critical items the same day (temperatures, handwash, food safety), schedule a re-inspection within the deadline given (usually 24-72 hours), and run a full staff retraining. Defer to the local jurisdiction on what closes the truck.
How do I file food truck taxes?
File federal income tax (Schedule C if LLC single-member, Form 1120-S if S-corp), quarterly estimated tax payments, state income tax where applicable, state sales tax monthly or quarterly, and federal payroll tax (Form 941) if you have employees. A CPA is cheaper than IRS penalties.