Commissary and central preparation facility (CPF)
DSHS expects most mobile food vendors to use a commissary or central preparation facility unless an exemption applies — and to keep the facility inspection where an inspector can read it.
Canonical source for commissary, CPF, exemption, and “keep the inspection on the vehicle” language: DSHS Mobile Food Vendor Guide (PDF) (last_verified: 2026-10-02). This page does not quote DSHS fee schedules. Open the guide or the DSHS MFV hub page for dollar amounts and application types before you budget.
Checklist (from the guide, not from memory)
- Written commissary or CPF agreement — or documented proof you qualify for an exemption described in the guide (2026-10-02).
- Latest commissary / CPF inspection available on the vehicle when DSHS or the host city expects it (2026-10-02, guide PDF).
- The kitchen is allowed to service this truck in the cities where you sell. A statewide health license does not mean every licensed kitchen counts in every city.
- If your agreement or city rules require visit logs, the log matches reality. A contract in the glove box with no visits is a weak answer at the window.
HB 2844 did not remove commissary from the packet. Pair this page with HB 2844 / statewide DSHS and your local corridor page (Austin, Houston, DFW).
See the missing list on your truck — commissary agreement, inspection copy, and visit log in one readiness view. Start free · Open demo.
Not legal advice. Not a permit. Confirm with the issuing agency. MCP prepares packets and does not file.