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 City of Austin is transitioning administration of the Mobile Food Vending Program to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Mobile food vendors operating in Austin and Travis County should review the information below to ensure compliance with upcoming state requirements.
State Permit Requirements
Beginning July 1, 2026, mobile food vendors must hold a valid state Mobile Food Vending Permit issued by DSHS. Vendors may not operate without a state permit. For more information, visit Mobile Food Vendors | Texas DSHS.
Apply through the DSHS online portal: https://vo.ras.dshs.state.tx.us/datamart/login.do.
State Contact Information
Texas Department of State Health Services
Email: MobileFoodVendor@dshs.texas.gov
Phone: 512‑406‑2644
Fire Inspections and Permits
For fire applications and inspections, please visit the links below or contact the agency directly:
Austin Fire Department
Website: Mobile Food Vending Fire Inspections | Austin Fire | AustinTexas.gov
Phone: (512) 974‑0160 (Option 2)
Email: firepreventionadmin@austintexas.gov or afdmobilevending@austintexas.gov
Travis County Fire Marshal
Website: TCFMOPermits.com
Phone: (512) 854‑4621
Email: fire.marshal@traviscountytx.gov
Town Hall Recording
A recording of the June 10, 2026, Austin Public Health Mobile Food Vendor License & Permit Town Hall is available for review: Jun 10, 2026, Mobile Food Vendor License & Permit Town Hall – Austin, TX.
Resources for Mobile Food Vendors
For more information on how to setup and operate a mobile food business, click the drop-down menus below.
- 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.
- 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'
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To return to our Environmental Health Services Division page, visit Environmental Health Services | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.