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.
Not every food business in Texas needs a DSHS food manufacturer license. The requirement depends on how and where you sell.
License required:
Exempt or handled differently:
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.
The application process is structured and sequential. Work through each step in order to avoid delays.
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:
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.