Effective July 1, 2026, pursuant to Texas House Bill 2844, permitting and inspections for Mobile Food Units (MFUs) in the State of Texas will transition to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). At that time, a State Health Permit issued by DSHS will replace local permits and inspections currently conducted under local authority. A single, state-issued permit will authorize MFU owners to operate in all jurisdictions throughout Texas. This change reflects recent state legislation standardizing permitting and inspection responsibilities at the state level, effective July 1, 2026.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is now accepting online applications for Mobile Food Vendors:

https://vo.ras.dshs.state.tx.us/datamart/mainMenu.do

Mobile Food Vendors information page:

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments/permits-retail-food-establishments/mobile-food-vendors#fee-schedule

DSHS Mobile Food Vendor Guide 

 Mobile Food Unit Vendor Guide -DSHS