Austin, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes. Mobile Food Vending Permit
- Issued by
- Texas DSHS (since July 1, 2026)
- Governing code
- Austin City Code Chapter 10-3
- Commissary
- Central preparation facility contract required
- Local inspections
- Austin Public Health
Summary
Every mobile food vendor operating in Austin must hold a valid Mobile Food Vending Permit. As of July 1, 2026, that permit is issued by Texas DSHS, with Austin City Code Chapter 10-3 governing food handling and a central preparation facility (commissary) contract required.
Beginning July 1, 2026, mobile food vendors must hold a valid state Mobile Food Vending Permit issued by DSHS.
Full Breakdown
Austin food trucks, trailers, and carts cannot legally serve the public without a Mobile Food Vending Permit. Administration of the program moved to the Texas Department of State Health Services effective July 1, 2026, so vendors now apply through the DSHS online portal rather than Austin Public Health. City Code Chapter 10-3 (Food and Food Handlers), Article 4, still sets the local standards for mobile food establishments and central preparation facilities. Every unit must document a commissary through a Central Preparation Facility Contract, or a Central Preparation Facility Certification if the commissary sits outside Austin/Travis County. Austin Public Health continues to perform local health inspections.
Violations & Fines
Operating a food truck without a valid DSHS Mobile Food Vending Permit is prohibited. Vendors lacking a documented central preparation facility, or failing a health inspection, face permit denial, suspension, and enforcement action by Austin Public Health and DSHS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still get my food truck permit from Austin Public Health?
Do I need a commissary for an Austin food truck?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas food trucks & mobile vendors overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Sidewalk & Mobile Vending in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Travis County handle sidewalk & mobile vending.