Texas food truck license fees
You pay the application fee and the pre-licensing inspection fee together when you apply. Application fees include a Texas Online (TOL) fee (DSHS).
| MFV type | Application fee | Pre-licensing inspection fee | Due when you apply | Routine inspection fee | Complaint / compliance inspection fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | $309 | none | $309 | none | $300 |
| Type II | $618 | $400 | $1,018 | $400 | $400 |
| Type III | $876 | $500 | $1,376 | $500 | $500 |
Source: DSHS fee schedule and Mobile Food Vendor Guide, p. 4. "Due when you apply" is the sum of the first two fees.
Fees that may come later
- Routine inspection fee ($400 Type II, $500 Type III): the law has DSHS charge for the year's required health inspections when it issues or renews a license, based on the average inspection cost times the number of inspections your type needs (HSC 437B.058(c)).
- Complaint or compliance inspection fee ($300 / $400 / $500) (DSHS).
Getting inspection fees back
If an inspection you paid for wasn't done while your license was valid, you can ask DSHS to refund that portion. DSHS must pay within 30 days of your request (HSC 437B.155).
How to pay
Online by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express or ACH e-check. Payment help: 877-452-9060 (DSHS how-to).
Other costs to budget for
These aren't DSHS fees, but the application asks for them: vehicle insurance, any commercial vehicle permits, a sales tax permit matching your business name (Comptroller), and a certified food manager if you openly handle TCS food (DSHS guide) (DSHS food managers). Local fire inspections may also apply (see local rules).
Coming soon Until then, everything in it is free from DSHS: the Mobile Food Vendor Guide and application how-to.