San Antonio food truck permits: checklist & costs
What a food truck needs to operate in San Antonio, TX — the approvals, who issues them, typical fees and how often they renew.
Estimated first-year permitting
$309–$1,376
Allow 2-4 weeks for the state licence and any required inspection.
Permit checklist
1. Mobile Food Unit Licence — Type I
Texas DSHS · $309.00 · renews every year
2. Mobile Food Unit Licence — Type II
Texas DSHS · $618.00 · renews every year
3. Type II Inspection Fee
Texas DSHS · $400.00 · renews every year
4. Mobile Food Unit Licence — Type III
Texas DSHS · $876.00 · renews every year
5. Type III Inspection Fee
Texas DSHS · $500.00 · renews every year
6. Fire Inspection
San Antonio Fire Department · fee varies · renews every year
7. Commissary Agreement (monthly)
Commissary kitchen · $300.00 · renews every month
Things to know in San Antonio
- · Texas HB 2844 created a statewide mobile food unit licence through DSHS, in effect since July 2026, so one state licence covers multiple cities.
- · Published DSHS fees: Type I $309; Type II $618 plus a $400 inspection; Type III $876 plus a $500 inspection. Your type depends on how much on-board food prep you do.
- · Local fire inspection and city business registration can still apply on top — verify locally.
- · Commissary space typically runs $300-$1,200 per month.
Costs are planning ranges compiled from published fee schedules — not quotes. Fees, categories and timelines change, so verify locally with the issuing agency before you budget or apply.
Never miss a San Antonio renewal
Add this whole checklist to your truck in one click, upload your permit papers, and get email reminders 30, 14 and 3 days before every deadline.
Sign up to track your permits