Step 1

Choose the Right Permit

You’ll need to choose the right permit type for your mobile food business to indicate on the permit application.

Learn about mobile food vendor permit types and fees.

Step 2

Get a Texas Sales and Use Tax ID Number

Before you can receive your Mobile Food Vendor Permit you will need to have a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit.

Learn more about registering for Texas sales tax and start a sales tax ID application on the Texas comptroller of public accounts’ website.

Step 3

Buy or Rent a Food Truck

Make sure to buy or rent your food truck or food trailer before starting your paperwork.

You will need to provide a license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN), plus the make, model, year, and color.

Register it with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Step 4

File a Limited Liability Company for Your Food Truck

You’ll need to indicate what type of business you have on the permit application: proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC).

It is very common for food service businesses to form an LLC.

You can find out more info here.

Step 5

Buy Insurance for Your Food Truck

Purchase a $1,000,000 worth of liability insurance and property coverage on your food truck, preferably, as soon as you purchase so that you are immediately protected from accidents or theft.

With a food truck, you will also need commercial auto insurance before you drive the truck on public roads.

Keep in mind, Many landlords require you to have $1,000,000 worth of general liability insurance before they will let you sell food on their property.

Step 6

Get Your Food Managers Certification

There must be a worker with a registered food manager certificate at the mobile vending unit during all hours of operation and always keep it in the mobile unit.

You can find out more information and testing options here.

All other employees must have a state-approved food handler certificate completed in a  classroom or online within the last two years.

Step 7

Find a Central Prep Facility

In order to complete page 2 and 3 of the Application for Mobile Food Vendor Permit you must find a Central Prep Facility to use.

Many food trailers and food trucks use their CPF strictly to dump grey water, get fresh water, and dump grease.

Step 8

Decide on a Location for Your Food Truck and Your Operating Hours

A food truck vendor can only work in the jurisdiction or region listed on their mobile vending permit.

You will need to provide this information as part of your application.

Step 9

Decide on Restroom Arrangements

In order to complete page 5 of the Application for Mobile Food Vendor Permit, you will need permission to use a restroom within 150 feet from the location of your food trailer.

You can arrange to share facilities with a fixed establishment or get a portable restroom.

Step 10

Fill Out The Application

Fill out this application packet that you will need to submit to the Health Department before they inspect your food truck and issue you a Mobile Food Vendor Permit.

Applications must be walked-in to 1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX 78754 only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:45am-11am. During COVID the city has changed to by appointment only.

For more information check out the Health Department’s How To Start A Mobile Food Business Guide.

Step 11

Food Truck Inspection & Passing The Fire Inspection

After the application is approved then a physical mobile unit inspection will be scheduled.

If you use propane or propane accessories an inspection by the Austin Fire Department (AFD) will be required. It will be scheduled for the same date and time as your mobile unit inspection.

During the fire inspection, AFD personnel will complete a propane system inspection report.