Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a restaurant in Dallas, Texas. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Business Entity Filing
Texas Secretary of State
Fee: $300.00-$750.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)
Texas Secretary of State
Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Only required if your business name differs from your LLC/entity name
Sales Tax Permit
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Franchise Tax Registration
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration
Retail Food Establishment Permit
Texas Department of State Health Services
Fee: $258.00-$258.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Required before serving food
Food Handler Certification
Texas Department of State Health Services
Fee: $7.00-$15.00
Renewal: biennial
Type: certificate
All food handlers must be certified
Certified Food Manager
Texas Department of State Health Services
Fee: $80.00-$180.00
Renewal: biennial
Type: certificate
At least one certified food manager per establishment
Local Health Department Permit
Texas Department of State Health Services
Fee: $100.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Grease Trap Waste Disposal Notification
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required if using grease-producing equipment
Air Permit by Rule
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Fee: $0.00-$900.00
Renewal: varies
Type: permit
May be required for commercial cooking with high emissions
Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
Texas Department of Insurance
Fee: $0.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: certificate
Sign Permit
Texas Department of Transportation
Fee: $25.00-$500.00
Renewal: varies
Type: permit
Certificate of Occupancy
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Fee: $0.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
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