Licensing Requirements For Manufacturing Companies In Texas - 2026

Updated on September 24, 2026

This guide reflects Texas DSHS licensing requirements as of 2026. Verify current fees and forms at dshs.texas.gov before submitting your application.

Quick Answer: Any Texas business that produces, processes, packages, or labels food for human consumption under its own label must obtain a Food Manufacturer License from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Licenses are valid for two years and must be renewed before expiration. The application process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks and may require a pre-inspection of your facility. Apply through the DSHS Food Manufacturers portal or call 512-834-6670.

Key Takeaways

• A Texas food manufacturer license is issued by DSHS, is valid for two years, and must be renewed before it expires.
• The application process takes 4 to 8 weeks and may include a facility pre-inspection.
• Fees are tiered by gross annual sales; pay the applicable fee before the license is issued.
• Meat and poultry, dairy, and seafood manufacturers fall under separate DSHS divisions with distinct licensing requirements.
• Cottage food producers selling direct-to-consumer below the state threshold are exempt from the DSHS food manufacturer license.
• Drug manufacturers, medical device manufacturers, and food manufacturers each require separate licenses.
• Once licensed, manufacturers extending net terms to wholesale buyers can use net terms financing to get paid within 1 to 2 business days instead of waiting 30 to 90 days.

Who Needs a Texas Food Manufacturer License (and Who Doesn't)

Not every food business in Texas needs a DSHS food manufacturer license. The requirement depends on how and where you sell.

License required:

• Businesses that produce, process, pack, or hold food for human consumption under their own label
• Bakeries, bottling plants, canneries, sauce and condiment manufacturers
• Private-label companies that place their name and address on a product label, even if another company produced it
• Wholesale food distributors and warehouse operators storing food products

Exempt or handled differently:

• Cottage food producers: Texas law exempts producers selling certain homemade foods directly to consumers, provided annual sales stay below the state threshold. Anyone selling wholesale or through retail channels needs a DSHS license regardless of volume.
• Food retailers: Grocery stores and restaurants are regulated by local health departments, not DSHS.
• Meat and poultry processors: Regulated by the DSHS Meat Safety Assurance unit under a separate license. Call 512-834-6760 for details.
• Dairy and milk producers: Regulated by a separate DSHS division. Call 512-834-6758 for details.

If your business falls into more than one category, such as manufacturing and wholesale distribution, you may need separate licenses for each activity. Contact DSHS at 512-834-6670 to confirm your specific requirements before applying.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Food Manufacturer License in Texas

The application process is structured and sequential. Work through each step in order to avoid delays.

1. Determine your license type. Identify whether you need a food manufacturer license, a food wholesaler license, or a warehouse operator license. Each covers different activities. The DSHS Food Manufacturers General Information page outlines which activities fall under each category.
2. Review Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements. Texas requires compliance with cGMP and Good Warehousing Practice standards before a license is issued. Review the Texas food manufacturing laws and rules published by DSHS.
3. Complete the DSHS application form. Download or access the relevant form from the DSHS Applications and Forms page. Provide your company name, address, and a precise description of your manufacturing operations.
4. Pay the applicable fee. Fees are tiered by gross annual sales. Pay before the license is issued. See the fee structure section below for details.
5. Schedule and pass a facility pre-inspection if required. DSHS may conduct a pre-inspection of your facility before issuing the license. Ensure your facility meets cGMP standards before the inspection date.
6. Receive your license. Allow 4 to 8 weeks from submission for processing. DSHS will notify you of approval, any deficiencies, or requests for additional documentation.
7. Calendar your renewal date. Licenses expire every two years. Set an internal reminder at least 60 days before expiration to allow time for the renewal application and fee payment. Use the DSHS online license application portal for renewals.

Texas Food Manufacturer License Fees (2026)

Texas food manufacturer license fees are tiered based on gross annual sales, the total sales revenue before deductions. Higher sales volume means a higher licensing fee.

Key points on the fee structure:

• Fees vary by license type: food manufacturer, food wholesaler, and warehouse operator each have separate fee schedules.
• The applicable fee must be paid before the license is issued.
• Online applications may carry an additional processing fee, as noted in the medical device manufacturer licensing fees structure, which follows a similar tiered model.
• Licenses are valid for two years; budget for renewal fees on the same schedule.

For current fee amounts by sales tier, refer directly to the Texas licensing fee schedule (25 TAC §229.182) or contact DSHS at 512-834-6670. Fee schedules are subject to change; verify the current amounts at dshs.texas.gov before submitting your application.

Meat, Dairy, and Specialty Food Licensing in Texas

Food manufacturers working outside standard packaged goods face additional licensing layers. Each category below falls under a separate DSHS division with its own application process.

Meat and Poultry

Meat and poultry processing is regulated by the DSHS Meat Safety Assurance unit, not the food manufacturer licensing division. A standard food manufacturer license does not cover these operations. Contact the Meat Safety Assurance unit directly at 512-834-6760 to obtain the correct application.

Dairy and Milk Products

Dairy producers and milk processors are regulated by a separate DSHS division. Contact that division at 512-834-6758 for licensing requirements specific to dairy operations.

Seafood

Seafood manufacturers are subject to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulations. HACCP compliance is a federal requirement enforced alongside state licensing. Confirm both state and federal requirements before applying.

Acidified and Low-Acid Canned Foods

Manufacturers of acidified foods (such as pickles and salsas with a pH at or below 4.6) and low-acid canned foods face separate FDA process authority requirements in addition to the Texas DSHS license. These products carry specific safety risks that require additional documentation.

For food processing equipment suppliers serving these manufacturers, food processing equipment net terms can help buyers manage large equipment purchases without straining their cash flow.

Specific Licensing for Product Types in Texas

Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Food and beverage manufacturers in Texas must obtain a Food Manufacturer license if they place their name and address on a product label, even if the product is produced by another company. This applies to private labeling and packaging food for customer self-service.

The license protects consumers by ensuring products meet state health and safety standards. Details are available at the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Pharmaceutical Companies

Pharmaceutical companies in Texas must apply for and maintain a license renewed every two years. This covers manufacturers of prescription drugs, ensuring they are prepared, packaged, and distributed under strict regulatory guidelines. Detailed requirements are available through the Licensing Requirements for Drug Manufacturers and Distributors.

Firms must ensure all components of the manufacturing process, including compounding and processing, adhere to DSHS standards. Additional guidance is available through the DSHS drug manufacturer guidance documents.

Manufacturers of Compressed Medical Gases

Manufacturers of compressed medical gases must meet licensing standards focused on purity and safety. These products are critical for healthcare applications, making their regulation stringent across production, distribution, and storage. See the licensing requirements for medical devices and gases for full details.

Distribution and Wholesale Licensing in Texas

Distributors and own-label distributors in Texas must hold appropriate licenses separate from manufacturing licenses. A company that markets a device or food product under its own name or trademark, even if it did not manufacture the product, must meet the same labeling, registration, and listing requirements as a manufacturer.

Companies involved in wholesale distribution in Texas must ensure each product category they handle is covered by a valid license. Prescription drug distributors and medical device distributors fulfill different standards, each with distinct licensing periods and renewal requirements. Reference the Texas Administrative Code §229.441 for device distribution requirements.

Legal and Administrative Considerations in Texas

Entity Structure and Corporate Reporting

The entity structure of a manufacturing company determines its regulatory obligations. In Texas, a corporation must file periodic reports with the Secretary of State to remain in good standing. These reports cover essential information including the company's directors and any changes to the registered agent or office.

Running a business credit check on your entity before applying for licenses can surface any outstanding compliance issues that might delay approval. Companies operating under the & Permits Guide must adhere to defined corporate reporting norms. Consistent record-keeping and transparency are foundational requirements for entities operating in the state.

License Renewals and Expiration Monitoring

Texas law requires businesses to apply for renewal before license expiration dates to avoid lapses in licensure. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation offers resources to help manage renewal deadlines. Establish internal systems or use compliance software to track these dates. A lapsed license can halt operations and trigger penalties.

Compliance with Regulations in Texas

Texas manufacturers must comply with both state and federal regulatory frameworks simultaneously.

Texas manufacturers must comply with the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), including Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Warehousing Practice standards enforced by DSHS. The Regulatory Compliance Division conducts independent reviews on proposed rules affecting market competition.

In addition to state rules, Texas manufacturers must comply with federal safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These cover machinery guarding, employee training, and hazardous material handling. Both state and federal requirements must be met consistently to protect the workforce and maintain legal operations.

What Happens After You Get Licensed: Managing Cash Flow as a Texas Manufacturer

Getting licensed is the starting line. Once you're operating and selling to wholesale buyers, a new operational challenge emerges: most B2B customers expect net terms, meaning they pay 30, 60, or 90 days after delivery. That gap between shipping product and receiving payment puts direct pressure on cash flow.

Texas manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers serving B2B customers can use net terms financing to offer Net 30, 60, or 90 to buyers while getting paid within 1 to 2 business days. Resolve advances up to 100% on approved invoices and takes on the credit risk, so you're not waiting on customer payments to fund your next production run.

For a broader look at financing options once your manufacturing operation is running, see the financing guide for manufacturers and the guide to net terms management. If you're also handling wholesale distribution financing, those options are worth evaluating alongside net terms. For additional context on small business financing in Texas, that resource covers lender options specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Texas food manufacturer license?

A Texas food manufacturer license is a state-issued permit required by DSHS for any business that produces, processes, packages, or labels food products for human consumption and sale in Texas. It is valid for two years and must be renewed before expiration.

How long does it take to get a food manufacturer license in Texas?

The process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the date of application submission. DSHS may require a pre-inspection of your facility before issuing the license, which can affect the timeline. Apply early to avoid gaps in your operating schedule.

What are the steps to obtain a food manufacturer license in Texas?

Apply through the DSHS online license application portal. You'll need to review Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations, complete the application form, pay the applicable fee (tiered by gross annual sales), and pass a facility inspection if required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for processing.

What is the difference between a food manufacturer license and a cottage food exemption in Texas?

Cottage food producers selling certain homemade foods directly to consumers below the state annual sales threshold are exempt from the DSHS food manufacturer license. Anyone selling wholesale, through retail channels, or above the threshold needs a DSHS license regardless of business size.

What documentation is required for filing for a medical manufacturing license in Texas?

Applicants must provide a completed license application form, proof of compliance with state and federal regulations, and details of the company's operational procedures when filing for a medical manufacturing license in Texas. Additional documentation may be required depending on the product category.

What are the costs associated with obtaining a manufacturing license in Texas?

The medical device licensing fees in Texas and food manufacturer fees are both tiered by gross annual sales. The applicable fee must be paid before the license is issued. Refer to the Texas licensing fee schedule (25 TAC §229.182) for current amounts by tier.

Do I need a separate license for each product I manufacture in Texas?

Licenses cover the facility and business type, not individual products. However, different product categories require separate licenses. A food manufacturer license does not cover drug manufacturing, and a drug manufacturer license does not cover medical devices. If your business spans multiple categories, you need a valid license for each.

How often must a food manufacturing license in Texas be renewed?

A food manufacturing license in Texas must be renewed every two years. Submit your renewal application and pay the associated fees before the expiration date to avoid a lapse in licensure.

What are the specific health and safety regulations for manufacturing companies in Texas?

Texas food manufacturing laws and rules require compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Warehousing Practice standards. These align with federal inspection criteria and cover facility conditions, handling procedures, and product safety protocols.

Who is required to hold a manufacturer license in Texas for food-related products?

Any entity engaged in the production, packing, or holding of food for human consumption must hold a food manufacturer license in Texas. This includes bakeries, bottling plants, condiment manufacturers, and private-label companies that place their name on a product label.

This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. Resolve assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.