Mobile Food Vendor Licensing

Important Licensing Change

Effective July 1, 2026, the City of Ennis no longer issues or renews mobile food vendor health permits.

Under Texas House Bill 2844, all mobile food vendors operating in Texas must obtain a Mobile Food Vendor license from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). A separate DSHS license is required for each food vending vehicle.

Fire Marshal Operational Permit

While the City no longer issues a local health permit for mobile food vendors, a separate operational permit from the City of Ennis Fire Marshal's Office may still be required.

Mobile food vehicles with cooking equipment that produces smoke or grease-laden vapors, such as fryers, grills, griddles, or similar cooking equipment, are required to obtain a Mobile Food Preparation Vendor Operational Permit through the Fire Marshal's Office.

These vehicles must also meet applicable fire-safety requirements, which may include an approved commercial cooking hood and fire suppression system, portable fire extinguishers, LP-gas safety requirements, and other requirements based on the equipment used in the vehicle.

The Fire Marshal operational permit is separate from the DSHS Mobile Food Vendor license. Vendors should obtain all required approvals before beginning operations within the City of Ennis.

Applications for the Fire Marshal Operational Permit are submitted through the City of Ennis OpenGov portal.

How to Apply for Your DSHS Permit

Mobile food vendors must submit their application and required fees through the DSHS Online Licensing Services system. After the application has been processed, DSHS will provide instructions for scheduling any required pre-licensing inspection.

Note: Vendors who do not currently hold a valid mobile food vendor license may not operate until the DSHS licensing and inspection requirements have been completed.

Please see the guidelines below:

• Texas Department of State Health Services - Mobile Food Vendor Guide_English

• Texas Department of State Health Services - Mobile Food Vendor Guide_Spanish

Before Applying

Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation that may include:

• A proposed menu and food sources
• Food manager and food handler certifications (when required)
• Central preparation facility or servicing-area documentation
• Proof of insurance and Texas Department of Transportation information
• Employee health policies and operational itinerary

Licensing requirements and fees vary depending on whether the operation is classified as a Type I, Type II, or Type III mobile food vendor.

Additional Information

For licensing applications, inspections, fees, or operational requirements, please contact:

Texas Department of State Health Services

Retail Food Safety Operations
Phone: 512-406-2644