Waco, TX Food Truck
Permit Guide 2026
Get your $150-$200 (est.) ($150-$200 (est.)), business license, commissary agreement & fire inspection in Waco — complete 2026 guide.
Waco Food Truck Permit Requirements
Key permits every food truck operator needs before hitting the streets in Waco.
Health Permit
$150-$200 (est.)
Issued by: Waco-McLennan County Public Health District
Annual fee: $150-$200 (est.)
Business License
$30-$75
Required before any commercial food truck operation. Issued by the city clerk or revenue department.
Fire Safety
$50-$100
Covers suppression system, extinguisher certification, and equipment placement. Annual renewal required.
Getting Permitted in Waco: Step-by-Step
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1
Register your business
Form an LLC or sole proprietorship with TX and obtain your EIN from the IRS. This is required before applying for any permits.
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2
Secure a licensed commissary kitchen
Texas requires mobile food units to operate from an approved commissary for food prep, storage, and cleaning. Commissary agreement must be on file with the health district. You'll need a signed commissary agreement before the health department will approve your application.
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3
Apply for your health permit
Submit your application to the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District with your commissary agreement, equipment list, and menu. Schedule your pre-opening inspection.
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4
Pass your fire inspection
Schedule a $50-$100 inspection. Ensure your suppression system is serviced, extinguisher is current, and propane connections are compliant.
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5
Obtain your business license
Apply for your $30-$75 through the city's business licensing office. Some cities require this before the health permit application.
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6
Get insured
Most Waco venues and events require proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum). Commercial auto coverage is also required to operate legally.
$150-$200 (est.)
Health Permit
$30-$75
Business License
$50-$100
Fire Inspection
$200-$400/mo
Commissary/mo
Commissary Kitchen Requirement in Waco
Most states and cities require food trucks to operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen. Here's what Waco operators need to know.
Waco Commissary Requirement
Texas requires mobile food units to operate from an approved commissary for food prep, storage, and cleaning. Commissary agreement must be on file with the health district. A commissary provides licensed prep space, sanitary storage, and wastewater disposal — all required by health codes before your permit is issued.
What You'll Need
- ✓ Signed commissary agreement
- ✓ Health dept-approved kitchen
- ✓ Dedicated storage space
- ✓ Wastewater dump access
Typical Costs
$200-$400/mo
per month (Waco area)
Shared prep, storage, and dump station included at most facilities.
Find One
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