Mobile Food Vendors
This program ensures proper food safety at all mobile food establishments, such as food trailers, motor vehicles, pushcarts, and kiosks. Please review the information below to determine the permit requirements that apply to your business.
Attention Mobile Food Vendors
The State of Texas has implemented a new Mobile Food Vendor Licensing Program as a result of House Bill 2844. Starting July 1st, 2026, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will be responsible for receiving, reviewing, processing, and approving mobile food vendor applications and permit licensing fees. Austin Public Health maintains jurisdiction of Mobile Vendors until 6/30/2026.
To prepare you for this transition, the state has provided a link that contains a comprehensive guide that explains the licensing process, provides definitions, and outlines the requirements needed to obtain a state-issued Mobile Food Vendor Permit: Mobile Food Vendors | Texas DSHS.
We understand that changes to established processes can create questions and uncertainty. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this transition and remain committed to supporting Austin's mobile food vendor community.
Mobile Food Vendor Town Hall Meeting
Austin Public Health – Environmental Health Services Division held a Mobile Food Vendor Town Hall Meeting to discuss the changes coming to mobile food vending in Texas beginning July 1, 2026.
Watch the Town Hall meeting recording here: Jun 10, 2026 Mobile Food Vendor License & Permit Town Hall - Austin, TX
For questions about mobile food vendor applications, please contact our Customer Service team at 512‑978‑0300 and select Option 5.
Mobile Food Vendor Permitting
- How to Apply
For questions about mobile food vendor applications, please contact our Customer Service team at 512‑978‑0300 and select Option 5.
- Central Preparation Facility Contract and Certification, and Restroom Facility Agreement
These documents completed by the owner or responsible party on file of the Central Preparation Facility (CPF).
- Central Preparation Facility Contract
- Central Preparation Facility Certification (for Facilities Outside of Austin/Travis County)
All City of Austin Mobile Food Vendors are required to submit and maintain a current Restroom Facility Agreement for each location where the mobile unit will operate for longer than two (2) hours.
- Variance Request / HACCP Review
Use this application to request a variance, allowing your establishment to deviate from the approved standards, and/or submit a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan showing how you will mitigate risks to food safety.
Resources for Mobile Food Vendors
For more information on how to setup and operate a mobile food business, click the drop-down menus below.
- Guides
- How to Start a Mobile Food Business: A guide for Mobile Food Vendors in Austin and Travis County.
- Food Manager/Food Handler Requirements: Learn about the training and certification requirements for food enterprise personnel.
- Austin Fire Department Mobile Food Vending Requirements: Find links to help guide you through the fire inspection process.
- Travis County's Fire/Safety Protection Guidelines: Travis County Fire Marshal inspection guidelines for all unrestricted mobile vendors obtaining a Travis County permit.
- Waste: Learn about waste and how to do your part to reduce it.
- Food Donation Facts: Learn about donating food for human consumption.
- Food Donation Guide: View the guidelines pertaining to food donation.
- Cottage Food Guidance: View guidance for food preparation operated out of homes.
- Laws and Policies
- Federal Drug Administration: 2017 Food Code
- State Regulations: Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)
- State Regulations: Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Title 6, Chapter 431)
- Texas Administrative Code: Mobile Food Units (§228.221)
- Austin City Code: Food Code (Chapter 10-3)
- Austin City Code: Food Permit Application (Chapter 10-3-91)
- Austin City Code: Smoking in Public Places (Chapter 10-6)
- Austin City Code: Dogs Permitted in Outdoor Dining Areas (Ordinance No. 20151008-011)
- County Regulations: Chapter 247, Travis County Food Establishment Permits'
Contact Information
If you need assistance, we're here to help. Use this contact us form, reach us by phone at (512) 978-0300 or by email at ehsd.service@austintexas.gov.
Have Feedback?
We welcome your feedback and use it to improve our services. Please share your experience through this online survey: Feedback Survey: Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services.
To return to our Environmental Health Services Division page, visit Environmental Health Services | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.