TEXAS — The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2844 on May 26, 2025, requiring Mobile Food Vendors to obtain state-level licenses from the Texas Department of State Health Services starting July 1, 2026. Previously, vendors secured licenses from local health departments for each jurisdiction where they operated.

A food vending vehicle is defined as a self-enclosed food service establishment or pushcart designed to be readily movable to store, prepare, display, serve, or sell food; stands and booths are excluded. Vendors will be assigned a license type based on food preparation activities.

Type I licenses apply to vendors who do not sell time and temperature for safety foods or are considered low risk, such as those selling prepackaged ice cream and snacks. Type II licenses apply to vendors selling prepackaged time and temperature for safety food requiring limited handling or food prepared to order, including coffee trucks, snow cone vendors, and hot dog vendors. Type III licenses are for vendors who prepare, cook, hold, and serve food directly from their vehicles, such as burger, BBQ, and taco trucks.

Applications became available in early June 2026 through the state's Online Licensing Services. Until July 1, 2026, vendors must continue following current local regulatory requirements. Applicants with an existing local license may continue operating if they provide proof, submit the new state application and fees, and keep the application summary on their vehicle. Applicants without a current license cannot operate until completing a pre-licensing inspection. The department will prioritize applications from vendors without an existing license. Upon successful inspection, a license valid for one year from the inspection date will be granted.