Richardson, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- HB 2844; H&S Code ch. 437B
- License authority
- Texas DSHS, statewide
- Effective
- July 1, 2026
- Former city fee
- $250 city MFU permit
- Scope
- One license per vehicle
Summary
To run a food truck in Richardson you need a mobile food vendor license from the Texas Department of State Health Services. As of July 1, 2026, that single statewide DSHS license replaced Richardson's separate $250 city permit.
Beginning July 1, 2026, all MFVs must be licensed with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to operate an FVV in the state of Texas.
Full Breakdown
Richardson food trucks used to need a city Mobile Food Vendor Permit ($250) from the Health Department plus a police solicitor's permit, all built on the Texas Food Establishment Rules and a commissary agreement. That patchwork ended July 1, 2026: under HB 2844 (Health and Safety Code Chapter 437B), every mobile food vendor must hold a DSHS mobile food vendor license, one per food vending vehicle, valid statewide. DSHS runs licensing, inspection, and enforcement under a three-tier risk classification. Local authorities permitted trucks only through June 30, 2026; Richardson no longer issues its own MFU permit.
Violations & Fines
Operating a food vending vehicle without a current DSHS mobile food vendor license is unlawful statewide. Each vehicle needs its own license, and DSHS handles inspection and enforcement under Chapter 437B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a Richardson city food truck permit?
Who issues the license now?
What about a commissary?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson to another location·View the Texas food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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Sidewalk & Mobile Vending in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle sidewalk & mobile vending.