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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in Texas

To sell coffee in Texas, you work with your county health department for food and mobile vending permits, then add a business license and state tax registration. Pick your county below for the department that handles your area and the steps to open.

254 counties in Texas. 43 have a detailed permit page below. For any other county, check your ZIP and we will point you to the right health department.

Statewide rules in Texas

In Texas, retail food and mobile food unit permits come from the Dept. of State Health Services (DSHS), or your local city/county health department where one is authorized.

Food & vending permits
Texas DSHS, retail food establishments
Sales tax permit
Sales tax permit, Texas Comptroller
Sales tax rate
6.25% state base rateTypical combined range: 6.25%-8.25%Counties, cities, and special or transit districts add local sales tax on top, so your combined rate depends on your exact address.Texas Comptroller rate locator
Food safety cards
Texas Food Handler card for employees and a Certified Food Manager.

Typical license fees

Texas DSHS issues food establishment permits only in areas without a local health authority, on a two-year term with fees based on annual gross food sales. Most Texas cities and populated counties have their own health departments and issue separate local permits instead.

Most food businesses
About $125 a year, billed as $250 for a two-year permit
Pop-up or farmers market vendor
$52 for a single event up to 14 days

Operations with $50,000 to $149,999 in annual sales pay $500 for the two-year permit. Operations with $150,000 or more pay $750 for the two-year permit. A $100 late fee applies to renewals filed after expiration. Most businesses in cities such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio contact their local city or county health authority for permits, not DSHS. State sales tax registration is free.

Fee schedule, last verified July 14, 2026.

Official links, last verified July 14, 2026. Requirements vary by city and change over time.
Confirm the current steps and fees before you apply.

Counties with a detailed permit guide in Texas