Business Licensing & Operations in El Paso, TX (2026)
7 verified business licensing & operations rules for El Paso, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Massage Establishments
El Paso massage establishments must obtain a city business license under Chapter 7 and verify therapists hold current Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) credentials before performing any therapeutic massage services.
Massage Establishment Licensing in El Paso
Some RestrictionsTexas Occupations Code Sec. 455.005 (Massage Therapy — Effect on Local Law)
Sec. 455.005. EFFECT ON LOCAL LAW. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), this chapter supersedes any regulation adopted by a political subdivision of this state relating to the licensing or regulation of massage therapists.(b) Subject to Subsections (b-1), (c), (c-1), and (c-2), this chapter does not affect a local regulation that:(1) relates to:(A) zoning requirements, including cond...
Tattoo & Body Modification
El Paso tattoo and body-piercing studios must register with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and comply with city Chapter 7 business licensing, sanitation, and bloodborne pathogen handling protocols.
Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio Rules
Some RestrictionsTobacco Retail License
Tobacco retailers in El Paso must obtain a Texas Comptroller permit to sell cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and vapor products, and must verify buyers are at least 21 under Texas Health and Safety Code 161.0815.
Tobacco Retail Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsSmoke Shop Rules
El Paso smoke shops and vape stores must hold a Texas Comptroller tobacco permit, comply with Title 20 commercial zoning, and follow state buffer rules limiting proximity to schools and youth-serving facilities.
Smoke Shop and Vape Store Zoning
Some RestrictionsSecondhand Dealers
Secondhand dealers in El Paso, including resale shops handling jewelry and electronics, must register with the city and report transactions to El Paso Police under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 and Municipal Code Chapter 7.
Secondhand Goods Dealer Licensing
Some RestrictionsPawnbrokers
Pawnshops in El Paso operate under state license from the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) per Texas Finance Code Chapter 371, plus city business registration and police transaction reporting requirements.
Pawnbroker Licensing and Operations
Heavy RestrictionsTowing Companies
El Paso towing operators must hold a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) license under the Towing and Booting Act, plus a city tow-truck permit, and follow posted maximum non-consent tow rates.
Towing Company Permits and Fees
Some RestrictionsLooking for El Paso County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement El Paso city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in El Paso County →